2008 Willow Creek Watershed Assessment

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

2008 Willow Creek Watershed Assessment WILLOW CREEK WATERSHED ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN Final Report Submitted by Watershed Consulting, LLC P.O. Box 1701 Kalispell, MT 59903 Submitted to Blackfeet Environmental Office 457 Hospital Road Browning, MT 59417 September, 2010 This project was conducted in cooperation with the Blackfeet Tribe Environmental Office and the EPA Region 8 1 Table of Contents Table of Contents....................................................................................................................... i List of Tables ............................................................................................................................ ii List of Figures..........................................................................................................................iii List of Maps .............................................................................................................................iii List of Appendices ................................................................................................................... iv 1. Executive Summary.................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Summary of Accomplishments........................................................................................... 1 1.2 Summary of Results............................................................................................................ 2 2.0 Standards................................................................................................................................. 4 3.0 Site Description and Project Overview................................................................................. 6 3.1 Project Description.............................................................................................................. 8 3.2 Objectives ........................................................................................................................... 8 3.2 Site and Source Description................................................................................................ 9 3.2.1 Primary Pollution Sources in the Watershed ............................................................. 9 3.2.2 Description of Listed Segments and Sources............................................................. 9 3.2.4 Listed Segment Summary........................................................................................ 13 4.0 Methods.................................................................................................................................. 15 4.1 Aerial photo interpretation and GIS analysis.................................................................... 15 4.2 Field Data Collection ........................................................................................................ 15 4.2.1 Sediment .................................................................................................................. 18 4.2.2 Physical Stream Characteristics............................................................................... 19 4.2.2 Nutrients................................................................................................................... 21 4.3 Community Outreach and Restoration Planning .............................................................. 21 5.0 Results and Analysis ............................................................................................................. 22 5.1 Aerial Photo Interpretation Results................................................................................... 22 5.2 Field Results: Sediment .................................................................................................... 22 5.2.1 Stream Condition Assessment ................................................................................. 22 5.2.1 Road Inventory Assessment..................................................................................... 24 5.2.2 Channel Morphology ............................................................................................... 25 5.2.3 Streambank Erosion................................................................................................. 26 5.2.4 Total Suspended Solids............................................................................................ 28 5.2.5 Turbidity .................................................................................................................. 29 5.4 Field Results: Nutrients..................................................................................................... 32 5.4.1 Nitrogen ................................................................................................................... 32 5.4.2 Total Phosphorous ................................................................................................... 36 5.4.3 Dissolved Oxygen.................................................................................................... 37 5.5 Field Results: Temperature............................................................................................... 39 5.6 Field Results: Pathogens................................................................................................... 40 5.6.1 Total Coliform ......................................................................................................... 40 5.7 Water Quality Data Analysis Summary............................................................................ 41 5.7.1 Pollutant Reduction Targets..................................................................................... 44 5.8 Temporal Analysis............................................................................................................ 47 5.9 Data Gaps.......................................................................................................................... 48 6.0 Discussion and Management Recommendations ............................................................... 49 6.1 Influences on Stream Segment Condition......................................................................... 49 6.2 Restoration Priorities and Recommendations................................................................... 51 i 6.3 Monitoring Recommendations.......................................................................................... 54 6.3.1 Filling data gaps....................................................................................................... 54 6.3.2 Effectiveness Monitoring......................................................................................... 55 6.3.3 Monitoring to support additional efforts.................................................................. 58 6.3.4 Budget for Proposed Monitoring Approach ............................................................ 59 6.4 Adaptive Management...................................................................................................... 60 7.0 References.............................................................................................................................. 61 List of Tables Table 1. Pollutant Standards ........................................................................................................... 4 Table 2. Dissolved Oxygen Criteria Fisheries and Associated Aquatic Life ................................. 5 Table 3. Land Use and Pollution Source Assessment.................................................................. 13 Table 4. Willow Creek Watershed Listed Segments and Designated Uses*................................ 13 Table 5. Data collected by Watershed Consulting and BEO (05/2008 – 08/2008) ...................... 16 Table 6. Existing BEO Water Quality Sites and Years of Existing Data ..................................... 17 Table 7. Potential pollution sources from aerial photo interpretation ......................................... 22 Table 8. RAF scores...................................................................................................................... 23 Table 9. Road-related Sediment Sources with Highest Sediment Contributions ......................... 24 Table 10. Culverts displaying at least one indicator of higher risk of failure............................... 25 Table 11. Stream Type and Morphology ...................................................................................... 26 Table 12. Eroding area of streambank for each reach, normalized to rate/1000ft........................ 27 Table 13. Total Suspended Solids Summary Data........................................................................ 28 Table 14. Upper Willow Creek Total Suspended Solids Results by Reach. ................................ 28 Table 15. Lower Willow Creek Total Suspended Solids by Reach.............................................. 29 Table 16. Depot Creek Total Suspended Solids by Reach ........................................................... 29 Table 17. Turbidity Summary Data .............................................................................................. 29 Table 18. Upper Willow Creek Turbidity by Reach..................................................................... 30 Table 19. Depot Creek Turbidity by Reach.................................................................................. 31 Table 20. Lower Willow Turbidity by Reach............................................................................... 32 Table 21. Total Nitrogen by Listed Segment...............................................................................
Recommended publications
  • GEOLOGY and COAL RESOURCES of NORTHERN TETON COUNTY, MONTANA. by EUGENE STEBINGER. the Paper Here Presented Describes the Coal R
    GEOLOGY AND COAL RESOURCES OF NORTHERN TETON COUNTY, MONTANA. By EUGENE STEBINGER. INTRODUCTION. The paper here presented describes the coal resources of a large area in Teton County,1 northwestern Montana, including the Black- feet Indian Eeservation and a considerable area of the country lying to the east. The scope of the paper is limited to a consideration only of those features having a bearing on the value and quantity of the coal present. The geology of the region is briefly described, the aim being to give a general understanding of the geologic setting in which the coals occur. Nearly all the rocks in northern Teton County belong to formations that are of the same age as others which, elsewhere in Montana, con­ tain almost all the coal found in the State. This fact led to several generous estimates as to the extent of the coal-bearing areas likely to be found in this region. Weed 2 and Rowe 3 have published maps on which the valuable bituminous coal area of the Great Falls field is shown as extending northward entirely across Teton County to the Canadian boundary. Similarly, the presence of an extensive coal field, long actively developed at Lethridge, Alberta, 50 miles north of the boundary, gave rise to forecasts that a southward extension of that field, following the strike of the geologic formations, would be found on the line of the Great Northern Railway in northern Teton County. The result of the present work shows that although the coal-bearing formation of the Great Falls field, the Kootenai forma­ tion, is present in the area here described, the only coal in it is a bed 6 or 8 inches thick in Marias Pass, also that although the horizon of the coal mined at Lethbridge is traceable entirely across this area, it shows only thin coal beds, nowhere over 18 inches thick.
    [Show full text]
  • Compilation of Reported Sapphire Occurrences in Montana
    Report of Investigation 23 Compilation of Reported Sapphire Occurrences in Montana Richard B. Berg 2015 Cover photo by Richard Berg. Sapphires (very pale green and colorless) concentrated by panning. The small red grains are garnets, commonly found with sapphires in western Montana, and the black sand is mainly magnetite. Compilation of Reported Sapphire Occurrences, RI 23 Compilation of Reported Sapphire Occurrences in Montana Richard B. Berg Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology MBMG Report of Investigation 23 2015 i Compilation of Reported Sapphire Occurrences, RI 23 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ............................................................................................................................1 Descriptions of Occurrences ..................................................................................................7 Selected Bibliography of Articles on Montana Sapphires ................................................... 75 General Montana ............................................................................................................75 Yogo ................................................................................................................................ 75 Southwestern Montana Alluvial Deposits........................................................................ 76 Specifi cally Rock Creek sapphire district ........................................................................ 76 Specifi cally Dry Cottonwood Creek deposit and the Butte area ....................................
    [Show full text]
  • Montana Fishing Regulations
    MONTANA FISHING REGULATIONS 20March 1, 2018 — F1ebruary 828, 2019 Fly fishing the Missouri River. Photo by Jason Savage For details on how to use these regulations, see page 2 fwp.mt.gov/fishing With your help, we can reduce poaching. MAKE THE CALL: 1-800-TIP-MONT FISH IDENTIFICATION KEY If you don’t know, let it go! CUTTHROAT TROUT are frequently mistaken for Rainbow Trout (see pictures below): 1. Turn the fish over and look under the jaw. Does it have a red or orange stripe? If yes—the fish is a Cutthroat Trout. Carefully release all Cutthroat Trout that cannot be legally harvested (see page 10, releasing fish). BULL TROUT are frequently mistaken for Brook Trout, Lake Trout or Brown Trout (see below): 1. Look for white edges on the front of the lower fins. If yes—it may be a Bull Trout. 2. Check the shape of the tail. Bull Trout have only a slightly forked tail compared to the lake trout’s deeply forked tail. 3. Is the dorsal (top) fin a clear olive color with no black spots or dark wavy lines? If yes—the fish is a Bull Trout. Carefully release Bull Trout (see page 10, releasing fish). MONTANA LAW REQUIRES: n All Bull Trout must be released immediately in Montana unless authorized. See Western District regulations. n Cutthroat Trout must be released immediately in many Montana waters. Check the district standard regulations and exceptions to know where you can harvest Cutthroat Trout. NATIVE FISH Westslope Cutthroat Trout Species of Concern small irregularly shaped black spots, sparse on belly Average Size: 6”–12” cutthroat slash— spots
    [Show full text]
  • Morton J. Elrod: Glacier Park Naturalist
    The University of Montana Sawtooth Mountain on the Rocky Mountain Front Issue 2 - December 2012 Morton J. Elrod: Glacier Park Naturalist Morton Elrod Photographing Chaney Glacier, Glacier National Park, 1911, Photographer Unknown, Archives & Special Collections, Mansfield Library, The University of Montana—Missoula. Dispatches is a publication of The University of Montana’s Crown of the Continent Initiative and is an adjunct to the University of Montana’s Crown of the Continent E Magazine. It is issued periodically throughout the calendar year. For information contact [email protected] Morton J. Elrod: THE Naturalist Editor’s note: This excerpt comes from a major piece on which “are but remnants of the larger ice masses Morton J. Elrod that George Dennison1 is writing on one which in former ages extended far into or over of Montana’s most eminent naturalist-educators. the valley on the east and down the stream and river valleys on the western slopes.” 6 ears before he accepted the offer of a summer position in Glacier Na- e constructed a set of notes con- tional Park, Morton J. Elrod had long cerning the “First Map of Glacier since succumbed to the allure of this National Park,” identifying the 2 Y“Priceless Pleasure Ground For All.” “For him various places with and those who seeks rest,” he rhapsodized, “for him who Hwithout names. The map either did not name or loves nature, for him who is weary of urban life identify the vast majority of places—as examples and its monotony, for him who can read sermons of unnamed places, Pumpelly Glacier, Lake El- in stones, Glacier Park speaks God’s own mes- len Wilson, Oberlin Mountain, Crosby Lake and sage.” Even earlier, prior to the enactment of Ridge, Lincoln Mountain, Mount Henkel, Mount the statute creating the Park, he made scientific Altyn, Josephine Lake, Ptarmigan Lake, Helm excursions into the area in 1906, 1909, and 1910, Lake, Elizabeth Lake, Kipp Mountain, Swift arguing for designation as a national park as Current Mountain, Sue Lake, Washboard Falls, 3 the only way to preserve it.
    [Show full text]
  • Glacier Area Emergency Response Action Plan
    GLACIER AREA EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACTION PLAN PHMSA Sequence Number 2987 EPA FRP ID Number (Pending) Owner/Operator: Phillips 66 2331 City West Blvd. Houston, Texas 77042 24-Hour Number: (800) 231-2551 or (877) 267-2290 Page A7-1 Confidentiality Notice: This document is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and contains information that is considered to be proprietary to Phillips 66. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is strictly prohibited. Glacier Area Appendix 7: Response Zone Appendix ERAP Appendix 7: ERAP Table of Contents 7.1 Area Information ........................................................................................................1 7.1.1 Glacier Crude North .......................................................................................1 7.1.2 Cut Bank Station ............................................................................................ 4 7.1.3 Tank Table .....................................................................................................5 7.2 Communication Equipment ........................................................................................6 7.3 Notification Sequence ................................................................................................7 7.4 Emergency Notification Contact List ........................................................................ 10 7.5 Emergency Response Equipment, Testing & Deployment ....................................... 13 7.6 Evacuation Plan ......................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 2013 NOV - I AM 19 REGIONS 8: R:·L L
    UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 2013 NOV - I AM 19 REGIONS 8: r:·l L. ·1 . •- ..J Docket No. CWA-08-2014-0004 CPA HEGIOU VIII pr A~' l ~lc; CL FRI~ In the Matter of: ) ) Nelcon, Inc. ) ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER 304 Jellison Road ) FOR COMPLIANCE ON CONSENT Kalispell, Mt. 59903, ) ) Respondent. ) INTRODUCTION 1. This Administrative Order for Compliance on Consent (Consent Order) is entered into voluntarily by Nelcon, Inc. (Respondent) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has authority to issue this Consent Order pursuant to section 309(a) of the Clean Water Act (Act), 33 U.S.C. § 1319(a), which authorizes the Administrator of the EPA to issue an order requiring compliance by a person found to be in violation of, inter alia, section 301(a) of the Act. This authority has been properly delegated to the undersigned EPA official. 2. The Findings in paragraph numbers 7 through 44 below are made solely by the EPA. In signing this Consent Order, and for that limited purpose only, Respondent neither admits nor denies the Findings. 3. Without any admission of liability, Respondent consents to issuance of this Consent Order and agrees to abide by all of its conditions. Respondent waives any and all remedies, claims for relief, and otherwise available rights to judicial or administrative review that Respondent may have with respect to any issue of fact or law set forth in this Consent Order, including any right ofjudicial review of this Consent Order under the Administrative Procedure Page 1 of 12 Act, 5 U.S.C.
    [Show full text]
  • Knife River Flint Distribution and Identification in Montana
    University of Montana ScholarWorks at University of Montana Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers Graduate School 2016 Knife River Flint Distribution and Identification in Montana Laura Evilsizer University of Montana Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd Part of the Archaeological Anthropology Commons, Indigenous Studies Commons, and the United States History Commons Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Evilsizer, Laura, "Knife River Flint Distribution and Identification in Montana" (2016). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 10670. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/10670 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. KNIFE RIVER FLINT DISTRIBUTION AND IDENTIFICATION IN MONTANA By Laura Jean Evilsizer B.A. Anthropology, Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA, 2011 Thesis Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Master of Arts in Anthropology, Cultural Heritage University of Montana Missoula, MT May, 2016 Approved By: Scott Wittenburg, Dean of The Graduate School Graduate School Dr. Douglas H. MacDonald, Chair Department of Anthropology Dr. John Douglas Department of Anthropology Dr. Julie A.
    [Show full text]
  • Park Service-Concessioner Relations in Glacier National Park 1892-1961
    University of Montana ScholarWorks at University of Montana Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers Graduate School 1973 Enmity and alliance: Park Service-concessioner relations in Glacier National Park 1892-1961 Michael James Ober The University of Montana Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Ober, Michael James, "Enmity and alliance: Park Service-concessioner relations in Glacier National Park 1892-1961" (1973). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 9204. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/9204 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ENMITY AND ALLIANCE: PARK SERVICE-CONCESSIONER RELATIONS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, 1892-1961 By Michael J. Ober B.A., University of Montana, 1970 Presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA 1973 Approved By: Chairman, Board of Examiners De^, Gra^_^e School '9)1^. IX /97 9 Date ' Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. UMI Number: EP40006 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted.
    [Show full text]
  • Glacier National Park, 1917
    ~ ________________ ~'i DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR / FRANKLIN K. LANE. SECRETARY NATIONAL PARK SERVI'CE,/ STEPHEN T. MATHER. DIRECTOR GENERAL ~FO ~N GL CIER NAL ONAL PARK Season of 191 7 The Alps of America-Wonderful Tumbled Region Possessing 60 Glaciers. 250 Lakes, and M y Stately Peaks-Precipices 4,000 Feet Deep-Valleys of Astonish­ ing Rugged B auty-Scenery Equaling Any in the World- Large, Excellent Hotels and Comfortable Chalet Camps-Good Roads- The Gunsight Trail Across the Top of the Range-Good Trout Fishing-How to Get There-What to See-What to Wear lor MOUiltain Climbing WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1917 TI-IE NATIO .... PARKS AT A GLANCE ( Chron010gIca,l.ly In the order of theIr creatIon [Number,14; Total Area, 7,290 Square Miles] NATIONAL AREA PARKS In DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS In order of LOCATION square creation miles H ot Springs •..... Middle H 46 hot springs possessing curative properties-Many hotels and 1832 Arkansa.s boording houses-20 bathhouses under public control. CONTENTS. Yellowstone . ••••. North- 3,348 More geysers than in al1 rest of world together-Boiling 1872 western springs-Mud volcanoes-Petrified forests-Grand Canyon Page. Wyoming of the YelIowstone, remarkable for gorgeous coloring-Large General description_ .. _. _. ........ ..... .... ... ... ...... ........ .. 5 lakes-Many large streams and waterfalls-Vast wilderness A romance in rocks . • _. __ . _. _.. .......................... _. ....... 5 inhabited by deer, elk, bison, moose, antelope, bear, moun- The Lewis overthrust .. __. .... _............................... ...... 6 tain sheep, beaver, etc., constituting greatest wild bird and A general view _ . _____ .. ..... ................................. 6 animal preserve in world-Altitude 6,000 to 11,000 feet- The west side ....
    [Show full text]
  • Cut Bank Report
    MONTANA RURAL DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, INC. Rural Resource Team Report Cut Bank, Montana Glacier County January 22, 23 & 24, 2002 MT RDP Mission As our Mission, the Montana Rural Development Partners, Inc. is committed to supporting locally conceived strategies to sustain, improve, and develop vital and prosperous rural Montana communities by encouraging communication, coordination, and collaboration among private, public and tribal groups. THE MONTANA RURAL DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS, INC. The Montana Rural Development Partners, Inc. is a collaborative public/private partnership that brings together six partner groups: local government, state government, federal government, tribal governments, non-profit organizations and private sector individuals and organizations. An Executive Committee representing the six partner groups governs MT RDP, INC. The Executive Committee as well as the Partners’ membership has established the following goals for the MT RDP, Inc.: Assist rural communities in visioning and strategic planning Serve as a resource for assisting communities in finding and obtaining grants for rural projects Serve and be recognized as a neutral forum for identification and resolution of multi-jurisdictional issues. The Partnership seeks to assist rural Montana communities with their needs and development efforts by matching the technical and financial resources of federal, state, and local governments and the private sector with locally conceived strategies/efforts. If you would like more information about the Montana Rural Development Partners, Inc. and how you may benefit as a member, contact: Gene Vuckovich, Executive Director Montana Rural Development Partners, Inc. 118 East Seventh Street; Suite 2A Anaconda, Montana 59711 Ph: 406.563.5259 Fax: 406.563.5476 [email protected] http://www.mtrdp.org EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The elements are all here for Cut Bank to have a successful future.
    [Show full text]
  • National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
    NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Registration Form This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in National Register Bulletin, How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form. If any item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. 1. Name of Property Historic name: __Fort Assinniboine (Boundary Increase and Additional Documentation) _ Other names/site number: Fort Assiniboine; Fort Assinaboine; North Montana Branch Station; Northern Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Experiment Station, 24HL0329 Name of related multiple property listing: __N/A_________________________________________________________ (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing ____________________________________________________________________________ 2. Location Street & number: _Star Rte 36, Box 43_________________________________________ City or town: __Havre__________ State: ___Mt_________ County: __Hill__________ Not For Publication: Vicinity: x ____________________________________________________________________________ 3. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, I hereby
    [Show full text]
  • Photographs Written Historical and Descriptive
    CUT BANK MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AND ARMY AIR FORCE BASE, HAER MT-154-A TERMINAL BUILDING HAER MT-154-A (Cut Bank International Airport, Terminal Building) Approximately 390 yards west of Valier Highway (Montana Route 358), three miles southwest of Cut Bank Cut Bank vicinity Glacier County Montana PHOTOGRAPHS WRITTEN HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE DATA HISTORIC AMERICAN ENGINEERING RECORD INTERMOUNTAIN REGIONAL OFFICE National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior 12795 West Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80228 HISTORIC AMERICAN ENGINEERING RECORD CUT BANK MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AND ARMY AIR FORCE BASE ,TERMINAL BUILDING HAER No. MT-154-A I. INTRODUCTION Location: Cut Bank Municipal Airport and Anny Air Force Base, Tenninal Building (Cut Bank Inten1ational Airport, Tenninal Building) Approximately 390 yards west of Valier Highway (Montana Route 358), three miles southwest of Cut Bank Cut Bank Vicinity Glacier County Montana Quad: Cut Bank Southeast, Montana (1966) UTM: 12/399274/5384639 Date of Construction: 1949 Present Owner: City of Cut Bank/Glacier County Cut Bank, Montana Present Use: Airport Tenninal Significance: Built in 1949, the Cut Bank Municipal Airport Building is representative of the type of Modem­ style tenninals constructed at airports throughout rural Montana in the years immediately following World War II. It has not been significantly changed since its construction and displays its original footprint, materials, decorative features, and the distinctive control tower overlooking the airport's runways. The building is a primary component of the National Register of Historic Places-listed Cut Bank Municipal Airport and Anny Air Base. Historian: J on Axline, Private Consultant July 2014 Cut Bank Municipal Airport and Anny Air Force Base, Tenninal Building HAER No.
    [Show full text]