USRWA NEWS: JUNE 2013 Coldwater Stream Management in the Upper Sugar River Watershed Text originally written by Tom Beneke, M.S. Water Resources Management, University of Wisconsin-Madison Adapted by Megan Phillips, Executive Director The Upper Sugar River Watershed (USRW) sits nestled in the Driftless Area, which is a biologically and geologically unique region on unglaciated terrain shared by Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Rolling hills, deep valleys, diverse ecosystems, and spring-fed coldwater streams are characteristic of the region. Within the USRW we are fortunate to have several designated trout streams, including the Mt. Vernon Creek State Fishery Area and sections of Deer Creek and Fryes Feeder (continue reading for a partial list of USRW trout streams and the meaning of the various types of designations). These sensitive coldwater habitats are threatened by warming surface temperatures. Last year (2012) volunteer stream monitors recorded surface temperatures at record highs (in the high 80’s/low 90’s (F)), due to the drought and high number of days that topped 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Trout rely on cold water due to their physiology, and their habitat needs to remain within a narrow temperature range to ensure that nutrient uptake does not become too costly. As temperature increases, trout must either minimize swimming effort to conserve energy or gather food resources at a faster rate to keep pace with their increased metabolism. Current climate models predict that trout will be In this Issue: most susceptible to habitat loss during the warmest months of the year - the remaining months will afford them consis- tently habitable temperatures (Lyons et al., 2010, Wiscon- Page 1, 2, 3 - Coldwater sin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts). The projected Stream Mgmt in WI increase in overall temperatures and associated increase in Page 4 - A Message from the the rate of evapotranspiration will result in an overall de- President crease in surface water stocks. Further, total precipitation Page 5 - Summer Events on the in Wisconsin is predicted to increase, as well as the num- Sugar River ber of heavy rain events. This poses a heightened threat to Page 6 , 7 - Funding Forecast: coldwater species during summertime months, when heavy Grant Updates rain storms may result in temperature spikes in the streams Page 8 - Candle on the Water due to incoming stormwater runoff from impervious sur- Award Winner 2013 and Lower faces. Continued on page 2... Sugar River Watershed Association Updates 1 The Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources (WDNR) regulates trout angling via licensing. The majority of fish species only require the general fishing license. However, inland trout anglers must purchase an ad- ditional license known as a Trout Stamp for $10 per angler. The addition of a Trout Stamp was mandated in 1977 to fund ongoing projects such as stream habitat improvement, monitoring, and fish population surveys. Trout Stamp funds cannot be used for land acquisition or easement purchases. Anderson et. al (2000) found that through the 1990’s WI Trout Stamp sales averaged approximately 130,000 annually, and by 2008, 155,070 anglers had purchased Trout Stamps (Trout Unlimited 2008). Wisconsin has a classification system for trout streams based on stream quality parameters; streams are classified as I, II, or III (Hastings and Hewitt 2008). Class I streams are the highest quality. They have naturally reproducing trout populations, good surrounding land management, and low pollution inputs. Class II streams are identified as having moderate quality. These streams have some naturally reproducing populations but do not fully utilize the stream’s space and resources, so they often need supplementary fish stocking. Class III streams are the lowest quality. These streams lack naturally reproducing trout, have poor habitat, and require stocking each year to support angling. This classification system helps define and prioritize stream management goals. Continued on Page 3... Where are the trout streams in the Upper Sugar River? Mt. Vernon Creek Fishery Area: Eight miles of fishable waters - four miles are Class I, four are Class II trout streams. This property is broken into two main parcels in Dane County. Forty-nine acres sit on the northwest corner of the town of Mount Vernon along the southern side of Highway 92 leading into town. Another 286 acres abut Highway 92 and begin just after you exit Mount Vernon on the north- east side of town. Improvements to the fishery area have been made by Deer Creek Sportsman’s Club, Friends of Donald Park, and Dane County. Fryes Feeder: One of the 2 tributaries that form Mt. Vernon Creek, Fryes Feeder originates in the agri- cultural and wooded landscapes of Springdale Township southeast of Mt. Horeb. This is a classic spring tributary, characterized by a narrow channel with overhanging vegetation, cold water, natural meanders, and rocky substrates. This small system holds good numbers of trout and serves as a nursery feeder to the Mt. Vernon main stem. Access is provided via Donald Park. West Branch Sugar River: This Class II trout stream has been the focus of intensive habitat rehabilitation in the early 2000’s. Thirteen miles from Highway 92 upstream to Lewis Road received removal of nui- sance trees, channel narrowing, and placement of LUNKERs. This meadow stream is large enough for easy fly casting and spin fishing opportunities. Primrose Branch: This tributary to the West Branch of the Sugar is fed by numerous springs and offers opportunities for catching brook trout as well as brown trout. The Primrose Branch is small and shallow and has experienced channel straightening below CTH U in the past. It received intensive bank work on the lower 1.9 miles in 2004 as well the addition of in-stream cover features. As a small stream, it “grasses over” by mid-June making fishing more difficult. Public easement 1 rod in width (16 feet) is provided along both banks from Primrose Center Road downstream. Note: List of trout streams within USRW not exhaustive. Source: www.dnr.wi.gov 2 We’ve learned about how the DNR regulates and classifies trout streams. But what about the first piece of the coldwater stream management puzzle - the warming surface temperatures? Trout Unlimited is involved in a Driftless Area Restoration Effort (TUDARE) which mitigates warming water temperatures via restora- tion methods including deepening and narrowing streams to create faster moving and colder water, planting deeper-rooted vegetation to stabilize banks and prevent erosion, and increasing the use of best management practices in riparian zones. An additional strategy is to provide shade along stream banks by planting trees that can thrive in wet environments. So what will happen to trout streams in the Driftless Area if we don’t take action to mitigate the effects of warming waters? Brook trout habitat (the only native trout in the state) will likely transition to habitat for those species that can tolerate warmer water, therefore a new species regime will take over. Brown trout, a managed non-native species, have been an integral part of Wisconsin trout angling since the 19th century. These trout can tolerate slightly warmer temperatures than brook trout, and will establish larger populations than the native trout through competition for space and resources. Smallmouth bass have the ability to sur- vive in substantially warmer waters than both brown or brook trout and will likely outcompete brown trout in streams that have significantly compromised thermal conditions. For more information about coldwater streams and potential impacts from changing precipitation patterns and hotter summers, visit www.wicci.wisc. edu. We’ll be talking about these important issues and others at USRWA public forums, beginning this fall. Where in our Watershed? Can you name these Sugar River tributaries from the previous article? Hints: (Answers upside down on last page) 1. (Left). Used to be listed on the 303(d) list for Impaired Waters. 2. (Upper Right). A portion of this stream flows through Donald Park. 3. (Lower Right). The newest addition to USRWA’s 20+ water quality monitoring sites. 3 A Message from the President Submitted by Marty Cieslik, USRWA President Hello to the membership of the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association. I am the new President of the Board of Directors. I was elected by the Board to serve as president at the March 2013 Board Meeting. I would first like to acknowledge the efforts of our immediate past president – Pat Downing. Pat came on the Board filling an open position in December of 2009. He was elected Board President in March 2011 and again in March 2012. I learned a lot about the busi- ness of governing an organization by observing Pat in action. He did a great job keeping the Board on task in meetings and sharing his knowledge of governance issues. His experience in both Town and County government was invaluable. I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of both our Executive Director, Megan Phillips, and of our current Board members. I am proud to serve with this group of people dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the awareness of the impact the Upper Sugar River and the surrounding watershed have on this place where we “live,” “work,” and/or “play.” There are several exciting things happening in the watershed this year. Top among them is the purchase of the Bruce Company land by Dane County that will create a recreational and conservation space over the next 5 to 10 years as the property transitions from a working tree and shrub farm to recreational and conservation land. The USRWA will benefit from this transaction because our traditional Paddle + Pig-Out water trail is included in the deal. We look forward to working with the County and other interested parties to help improve access to the river.