NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE STATEWIDE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

Transcription

1 NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE STATEWIDE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT FEDERAL AID JOB PROGRESS REPORT F LAHONTAN CUTTHROAT TROUT STUDY WESTERN REGION

2 NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES DIVISION ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT Table of Contents Content Page SUMMARY... 1 BACKGROUND... 1 OBJECTIVES... 2 PROCEDURES... 3 FINDINGS... 6 MANAGEMENT REVIEW... 9 RECOMMENDATIONS... 13

3 NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES DIVISION ANNUAL PROJECT REPORT State: Nevada Project Title: Statewide Fisheries Program Job Title: Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Study Period Covered: January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016 SUMMARY Lahontan cutthroat trout (LCT, Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi) population monitoring surveys were completed in the Montana Mountains (Crowley Creek, Washburn Creek, Riser Creek, and Pole Creek), Trout Creek Mountains (Corral Canyon Creek), Black Rock Range (Colman Creek, North Fork Battle Creek, and Battle Creek), and Santa Rosa Range (Andorno Creek, Threemile Creek, Long Canyon Creek, South Indian Creek, and Indian Creek). Riparian habitat assessments and livestock monitoring occurred in coordination with Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service staff regularly during the spring, summer, and fall grazing seasons. BACKGROUND LCT is the only native trout occurring in the Lahontan Basin. LCT were distributed in the drainages of ancient Lake Lahontan and, as conditions became more arid during the last 5,000 to 12,000 years, they survived as small populations in isolated headwater streams of many mountain ranges throughout Nevada, Oregon, and California. The settlement of the Great Basin brought livestock grazing, urban development, mining, water diversions, and introduction of non-native trout resulting in hybridization and competition that led to significant declines in the range and number of this unique cutthroat trout species. In response to these declines, LCT was listed as endangered in 1970, but reclassified as threatened in In January 1995, the USFWS released a recovery plan for the Lahontan cutthroat trout. LCT was historically common in the Quinn River, Black Rock, and Little Humboldt sub-basins of the Humboldt River system. The Blackrock Drainage may have had as many as 46 streams occupied by LCT. Presently, LCT is thought to occupy only 15% of its historic stream habitat in the Quinn River-Blackrock drainages. Populations have suffered from habitat loss, hybridization with nonnative salmonids, and extended droughts. Recovery action in the Quinn River drainage is the priority in the 1995 USFWS Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Recovery Plan. The final draft of the LCT Species Management Plan was completed in This plan, written under the umbrella of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife LCT Recovery Plan, contains management strategies and objectives that outline the processes that will be used to guide activities. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and the Quinn- Blackrock Geographic Management Unit (GMU) Team have used this plan to guide recovery efforts since its signing. 1

4 OBJECTIVES Coordinate with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to sample up to 30 miles of streams within the McDermitt Basin for hybridization with nonnative rainbow trout and the presence of nonnative fish species. Augment the Sage Creek population of LCT with a suitable LCT source stock that will be identified through population monitoring and genetic analysis. Conduct population monitoring on LCT populations in Crowley Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 1.5 miles), Pole Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 1.5 miles), Washburn Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Riser Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Sage Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 8 miles), Corral Canyon Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Line Canyon Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 3 miles), North Fork Battle Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 2 miles), Battle Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 1 mile), Colman Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 4 miles), Threemile Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), Eightmile Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), South Fork Indian Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), Andorno Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 3 miles), and Long Canyon Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 5 miles). Collect fin clips from LCT populations as available and submit samples to the University of Nevada, Reno for genetic analysis. Coordinate with BLM, Winnemucca District staff to complete regular monitoring on the Jordan Meadows Allotment in the Montana Mountains to ensure land use practices are occurring as permitted. Examine the feasibility of conducting a chemical treatment to eradicate nonnative fish in Wash O Neil Creek and complete the treatment if favorable conditions permit. Survey waters on the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge to determine suitability for establishing out-of-basin population of LCT to use in recovery efforts. Mechanically eradicate nonnative brook trout from Abel Creek in the upper one mile of stream habitat, and examine the possibility of reestablishing Abel Creek LCT in North Fork Abel Creek. Reintroduce LCT in Happy Creek in the Jackson Mountains. Conduct General Aquatic Wildlife Surveys (GAWS) Level III stream surveys on streams as needed and identified to assist in LCT recovery efforts. Capture LCT from North Fork Battle Creek, Battle Creek, and Colman Creek to assist in recovery efforts within the McDermitt Creek system by augmenting existing LCT populations or reestablishing LCT populations in streams within the McDermitt Creek watershed. Collect disease free and pure brood-sized LCT or fertilized eggs to be hatched and raised in a controlled hatchery environment and later stocked as fingerling sized trout in waters within the McDermitt Creek system. Introduce LCT into Cottonwood Creek in the Wassuk Mountain Range, Mount Grant (Mineral County). 2

5 PROCEDURES Coordinate with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to sample up to 30 miles of streams within the McDermitt Basin for hybridization with nonnative rainbow trout and the presence of nonnative fish species. NDOW staff attended an angler outreach meeting in McDermitt, NV on September 13, 2016 to hear concerns from the angling public on efforts to reestablish LCT within the McDermitt Basin. Several possible alternatives were discussed on moving forward with LCT recovery in McDermitt Creek, but no action plans were established. NDOW staff also attended a Trout Creek Working Group meeting hosted by ODFW on September 14, 2016 where land management issues in the Trout Creek Mountains were discussed. Augment the Sage Creek population of LCT with a suitable LCT source stock that will be identified through population monitoring and genetic analysis. Based on 2016 surveys completed on LCT occupied waters throughout the NWGMU, Battle Creek, North Fork Battle Creek, and Colman Creek were identified as potential source stocks for augmentation and reintroduction efforts in Sage Creek. However, no LCT were moved into Sage Creek due to low water conditions during early fall Conduct population monitoring on LCT populations in Crowley Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 1.5 miles), Pole Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 1.5 miles), Washburn Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Riser Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Sage Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 8 miles), Corral Canyon Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Line Canyon Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 3 miles), North Fork Battle Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 2 miles), Battle Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 1 mile), Colman Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 4 miles), Threemile Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), Eightmile Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), South Fork Indian Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), Andorno Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 3 miles), and Long Canyon Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 5 miles). LCT population monitoring was completed on Riser Creek (May 24 and June 14, 2016), Long Canyon Creek (June 7, 2016), South Fork Indian Creek (June 8 and July 7, 2016), Indian Creek (June 8, 2016), Crowley Creek (June 15, 2016), Threemile Creek (June 22, 2016), North Fork Battle Creek (June 28 and 29, 2016), Andorno Creek (July 12, 2016), Corral Canyon Creek (July 13, 2016), Washburn Creek (July 20, 2016), and Colman Creek (July 26, 2016). All LCT captured during surveys were measured and released unharmed into the water where they were captured. Single-pass electrofishing with 30.5 m (100 ft) transects at established survey locations were completed on Long Canyon Creek, South Fork Indian Creek, Indian Creek, Andorno Creek, and Corral Canyon Creek. Full-length surveys of the wetted stream channel were completed on Riser Creek, Crowley Creek, and Washburn Creek to determine changes in LCT distribution from 2015 due to ongoing low water conditions. On Threemile, Colman, and North Fork 3

6 Battle creeks, triple-pass depletion electrofishing was completed at established survey sites. Smith-Root LR-20B and ETS Model AbP-3 backpack electroshockers were used during the surveys. No electroshocking was completed once water temperatures reached or exceeded 18.3 C (65 F). Due to the low water conditions that persisted throughout 2016, fish population monitoring was not conducted on Eightmile Creek, Line Canyon Creek, Sage Creek, and Pole Creek. A site visit was completed on Pole Creek on May 24, but no electroshocked was conducted. Collect fin clips from LCT populations as available and submit samples to University of Nevada, Reno for genetic analysis. While completing fish population surveys and monitoring on LCT occupied waters, a small fin clip was collected from the caudal fin of each individual LCT. These fin clip samples were individually preserved in waxed paper and placed in labelled envelopes marked with the location, size of fish, and date collected. All fin clip samples were sent to Dr. Mary Peacock at the University of Nevada, Reno for genetic analysis. Coordinate with BLM Winnemucca District staff to complete regular monitoring on the Jordan Meadows Allotment in the Montana Mountains to ensure land use practices are occurring as permitted. Prior to livestock turnout in the Black Mountain, Seven Springs, and Upper Crowley pastures within the Jordan Meadows Allotment, NDOW, USFWS, and BLM staff developed a livestock compliance monitoring program and associated form that would be completed on each scheduled site visit. This monitoring program began in June 2016 and went through September 2016 to cover the grazing season. Compliance monitoring was specifically focused on the riparian exclosures in the Riser Creek, Washburn Creek, and Crowley Creek drainages. Agency staff agreed to a rotation that would occur every two weeks with NDOW and BLM staff alternating each scheduled monitoring event. Four monitoring sites were established within Upper Crowley Pasture on Crowley Creek, two sites on Washburn Creek within Black Mountain Pasture, three sites on Washburn Creek within Seven Springs Pasture, and two sites on Riser Creek one each in Black Mountain and Seven Springs pastures. At each monitoring site, photo points were established, the condition of the riparian vegetation was noted, livestock within the exclosures were documented, and water and air temperatures were recorded. NDOW staff completed compliance monitoring on June 24 and 26, July 19 and 20, and August 16 through 18, Examine the feasibility of conducting a chemical treatment to eradicate nonnative fish in Wash O Neil Creek, and complete the treatment if favorable conditions permit. A chemical treatment project on Wash O Neil Creek was not pursued during 2016 due to other fisheries management projects taking priority. Due to low water conditions throughout 2016, there was uncertainty in having an available source stock of LCT to reintroduce into Wash O Neil Creek in the year following a successful eradication project. 4

7 Survey waters on the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge to determine suitability for establishing out-of-basin population of LCT to use in recovery efforts. A survey on the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge was not completed during 2016 due to time constraints working on other LCT recovery waters and monitoring of riparian habitats. Conduct mechanical eradication of nonnative brook trout on Abel Creek in the upper one mile of stream habitat, and examine the possibility of reestablishing Abel Creek LCT in the North Fork Abel Creek. On August 9 and 10, crews from Nevada Department of Wildlife and Trout Unlimited intensively electroshocked the upper one mile of Abel Creek in the Santa Rosa Range. Block nets were placed at the lower extent of the reach where a seasonal fish barrier exists and crews worked upstream removing all brook trout captured. The first fifty brook trout captured were measured. All captured LCT were measured and returned to the habitat in which they were sampled. Extra care was taken not to injure sampled LCT. Smith- Root LR-20B and ETS Model AbP-3 backpack electroshockers were used during the removal effort. Due to the ongoing drought producing low water flows, efforts to reestablish LCT in North Fork Abel Creek were not pursued during Reintroduce LCT in Happy Creek in the Jackson Mountains. No LCT reintroductions occurred into Happy Creek during 2016 due to low water conditions. Conduct General Aquatic Wildlife Surveys (GAWS) Level III stream surveys on streams as needed and identified to assist in LCT recovery efforts. No streams needing habitat surveys were identified for Capture LCT from North Fork Battle Creek, Battle Creek, and Colman Creek to assist in recovery efforts within the McDermitt Creek system by augmenting existing LCT populations or reestablishing LCT populations in streams within the McDermitt Creek watershed. These streams were identified as potential source stocks of LCT for other recovery water augmentation and reintroduction efforts. No fish were moved during 2016 due to low water conditions and, in addition, a management plan for LCT recovery in the McDermitt Basin was not in place. Collect LCT brood fish or fertilized eggs from a source LCT population to be determined through population and disease monitoring to provide eggs that will be hatched and raised in a controlled hatchery environment and later stocked as fingerling sized trout in waters within the McDermitt Creek system. Neither LCT brood fish nor eggs were collected for recovery efforts in the McDermitt Creek system. A conference call with representatives from NDOW, ODFW, USFWS, BLM, and TU occurred on March 30, 2016 to discuss management alternatives for reestablishing LCT in the McDermitt Creek system. Introduce LCT into Cottonwood Creek in the Wassuk Mountain Range, Mount Grant (Mineral County). After coordination with California Department of Fish 5

8 and Wildlife (CDFW), Slinkard Creek and Wolf Creek populations were chosen as initial donors. This was due to high numbers of fish (greater than 300 fish per mile during this effort), genetic purity (verified during 2015), population structure (all age classes present), access (near suitable roads), and comparable stream habitat conditions (elevation, bank and stream cover vegetation, temperature, dissolved oxygen, etc.). Two crews of four people were used to collect fish. Each crew had one Smith- Root LR-20B backpack electrofisher (typical settings were 120 volts, 20 hertz, and 20 percent duty cycle; however, settings were adjusted as needed), two netters, and a data recorder. Crews worked in tandem from downstream to upstream while collecting data on each fish encountered; data included measuring fork length in mm, taking GPS coordinates, and taking photographs. Five-gallon buckets were used to transport fish from the stream to a four-wheel drive fish truck with a 500-gallon capacity tank. Water quality in the tank and in-stream was monitored using a YSI Pro 2030 hand held water quality unit. Dissolved oxygen, temperature, and oxygen saturation were monitored hourly. Juvenile fish were targeted for transfer; however, some adults and young of the year were also captured. Fish were transported with aeration systems running and no additional oxygen was necessary. Fish were release into Cottonwood Creek at nine pre-selected locations and observed for five minutes to ensure their health and safety. FINDINGS Coordinate with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to sample up to 30 miles of streams within the McDermitt Basin for hybridization with nonnative rainbow trout and the presence of nonnative fish species. No surveys were completed on McDermitt Creek during During the September 2016 stakeholder meetings, management alternatives were discussed on how to move forward with a chemical treatment to remove nonnative trout species, though no final management decisions were made. Augment the Sage Creek population of LCT with a suitable LCT source stock that will be identified through population monitoring and genetic analysis. Low water conditions in Sage Creek prevented any opportunities to augment the existing LCT population. Conduct population monitoring on LCT populations in Crowley Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 1.5 miles), Pole Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 1.5 miles), Washburn Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Riser Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Sage Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 8 miles), Corral Canyon Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Line Canyon Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 3 miles), North Fork Battle Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 2 miles), Battle Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 1 mile), Colman Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 4 miles), Threemile Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), Eightmile Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), South Fork Indian Creek (Santa Rosa Range, 6

9 approximately 4 miles), Andorno Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 3 miles), and Long Canyon Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 5 miles). The LCT populations on Eightmile Creek, Pole Creek, Sage Creek, and Line Canyon Creek were not monitored during The fish population survey on Riser Creek and Corral Canyon Creek failed to locate any LCT. LCT were captured at three of the nine transects electroshocked on North Fork Battle Creek. While hiking the stream to access sample sites, LCT were also observed outside of the surveyed transects. One additional transect was established on the main stem of Battle Creek where LCT had been previously captured during the 2016 survey effort. LCT captured in North Fork Battle Creek ranged in size from 127 to 250 mm (5.00 to 9.84 in). Two LCT measuring 193 and 228 mm (7.60 and 8.98 in) were also captured on the main stem of Battle Creek. Additional fish were observed in the area outside of the transect. Electroshocking on Colman Creek was only completed at three established transects due to high water temperatures at the remaining transects. A total of 18 LCT were captured ranging in size from 102 to 210 mm (4.02 to 8.27 in), averaging 163 mm (6.42 in). LCT were also observed throughout Colman Creek downstream of the three uppermost transects where the 18 LCT were captured while electroshocking. LCT were found on Threemile Creek in the three uppermost transects sampled on June 22, Electroshocking efforts were also extended outside of established transects in order to collect additional fin clips. Based on the results of the LCT captured within transects, an estimate of 84 LCT/mi was established. LCT sizes ranged from 95 to 185 mm (3.74 to 7.28 in), averaging 154 mm (6.06 in). There were no fish captured at the 10 sample sites on Indian Creek on June 8 and 21, There were 10 sample sites surveyed on the South Fork Indian Creek, with one LCT found at one location in the upper section of stream that measured 123 mm (4.84 in) total length. One additional LCT was captured via electroshocking on South Fork Indian Creek, but this fish was found outside of the survey transect. Electroshocking outside of the established transects was an attempt to find additional fish to determine distribution and to collect fin clips for genetic analysis. Five LCT were captured in three of the five established transects on Andorno Creek and one additional LCT was captured outside of the sampled transects. LCT ranged in size from 110 to 221 mm (4.33 to 8.70 in), averaging 164 mm (6.46 in). LCT were found to be distributed over approximately 1.1 mi of stream Only one LCT measuring 175 mm (6.89 in) was captured within the survey transects on Long Canyon Creek. Electrofishing was extended outside of the established transects in the upper section of Long Canyon Creek in an attempt to locate additional LCT where two additional LCT were captured and fin clips were collected for genetic analysis. 7

10 Collect fin clips from LCT populations as available and submit samples to University of Nevada, Reno for genetic analysis. A total of 97 fin clips were collected from LCT throughout the NWGMU that were sent to the University of Nevada, Reno for genetic analysis. Fin clip samples were collected on Falls Canyon Creek (one sample on August 17, 2016), Long Canyon Creek (three samples on June 7, 2016), Andorno Pond (one sample on June 23, 2016), Andorno Creek (six samples on July 12, 2016), Crowley Creek (seven samples on June 15, 2016), North Fork Battle Creek (seven samples on June 28, 2016), Battle Creek (two samples on June 29, 2016), Threemile Creek (10 samples on June 22, 2016), South Fork Indian Creek (two samples on July 7, 2016), Washburn Creek (12 samples on July 20, 2016), Colman Creek (18 samples on July 26, 2016), and Abel Creek (28 samples on August 9 and 10, 2016). Coordinate with BLM Winnemucca District staff to complete regular monitoring on the Jordan Meadows Allotment in the Montana Mountains to ensure land use practices are occurring as permitted. During NDOW s compliance monitoring on Riser Creek, Washburn Creek, and Crowley Creek, there were no livestock documented within the riparian exclosures. Trespass livestock were observed and documented elsewhere on the allotment during compliance monitoring and while conducting fisheries management activities. Summaries of compliance monitoring and photographs of each site were provided to BLM Winnemucca District and Reno USFWS. Examine the feasibility of conducting a chemical treatment to eradicate nonnative fish in Wash O Neil Creek, and complete the treatment if favorable conditions permit. On October 6, 2016 there was a NWGMU conference when LCT recovery efforts and management direction was discussed. A chemical treatment on Wash O Neil Creek was discussed as a possible project. Survey waters on the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge to determine suitability for establishing out-of-basin population of LCT to use in recovery efforts. Due to a lack of field personnel to assist and other workload priorities, this management objective was not completed in Conduct mechanical eradication of nonnative brook trout on Abel Creek in the upper one mile of stream habitat, and examine the possibility of reestablishing Abel Creek LCT in the North Fork Abel Creek. During the mechanical eradication effort on August 9 and 10, 2016, 631 brook trout were removed from Abel Creek. Brook trout averaged 141 mm (5.55 in) total length. While electroshocking, 28 LCT were captured and released back into Abel Creek. LCT averaged 161 mm (6.34 in) total length. Due to ongoing drought conditions and low water flows throughout 2015 in Abel Creek and North Fork of Abel Creek, the possibility of reestablishing LCT in the North Fork was not evaluated. 8

11 Reintroduce LCT in Happy Creek in the Jackson Mountains. This management objective was not completed in 2016 due to low water conditions in Happy Creek. Conduct General Aquatic Wildlife Surveys (GAWS) Level III stream surveys on streams as needed and identified to assist in LCT recovery efforts. There were no streams identified during 2016 where GAWS stream surveys were needed. Capture LCT from North Fork Battle Creek, Battle Creek, and Colman Creek to assist in recovery efforts within the McDermitt Creek system by augmenting existing LCT populations or reestablishing LCT populations in streams within the McDermitt Creek watershed. This management objective was not completed in 2016 due to low water conditions in the streams where LCT could have been restocked. Collect LCT brood fish or fertilized eggs from a source LCT population to be determined through population and disease monitoring to provide eggs that will be hatched and raised in a controlled hatchery environment and later stocked as fingerling sized trout in waters within the McDermitt Creek system. This management objective was not completed in 2016 since the action plan for McDermitt Creek was still in the planning stage. Introduce LCT into Cottonwood Creek in the Wassuk Mountain Range, Mount Grant (Mineral County). A total of 215 fish were taken from Slinkard Creek, two mortalities were attributed to predation by larger fish in fish tank during transport. A total of 131 fish were taken from Wolf Creek, a single mortality occurred during transport. Cottonwood Creek received 343 LCT that ranged in size from 48mm to 261mm. Approximately 35 fish were released at each of the nine locations on Cottonwood Creek. All fish showed very few signs of stress and appeared healthy at the release sites. MANAGEMENT REVIEW Coordinate with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to sample up to 30 miles of streams within the McDermitt Basin for hybridization with nonnative rainbow trout and the presence of nonnative fish species. While no field work was completed in 2016 regarding eradication of nonnative fish in the McDermitt Basin. It was discussed during conference calls and public meetings in McDermitt, NV and remains a priority for the NWGMU team. The McDermitt Creek system still offers a high benefit for LCT recovery due to the large metapopulation potential that exists. Removal of nonnative fish and reintroduction of LCT need to occur upstream in Oregon before recovery work can begin in the lower McDermitt Creek system that flows through Nevada. Augment the Sage Creek population of LCT with a suitable LCT source stock that will be identified through population monitoring and genetic analysis. Low water conditions were present on Sage Creek during 2016 and, while the 9

12 vegetation in the upper watershed has begun recovering, bare stream bank and limited canopy cover are still a habitat issue in the lower system. If the LCT population in Sage Creek does not appear to respond well after several years of favorable water flows, augmenting the population with additional LCT may be the management option needed for LCT recovery in the McDermitt Basin. Conduct population monitoring on LCT populations in Crowley Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 1.5 miles), Pole Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 1.5 miles), Washburn Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Riser Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Sage Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 8 miles), Corral Canyon Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Line Canyon Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 3 miles), North Fork Battle Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 2 miles), Battle Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 1 mile), Colman Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 4 miles), Threemile Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), Eightmile Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), South Fork Indian Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), Andorno Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 3 miles), and Long Canyon Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 5 miles). As expected, population monitoring throughout 2016 continued to find low numbers and limited distribution of LCT. In Crowley Creek and Washburn Creek, LCT continued to occupy approximately 0.25 mi and 0.8 mi of stream, respectively. These distances are very similar to the 2015 survey results. In Battle Creek, North Fork Battle Creek, and Colman Creek, LCT were still distributed throughout the entire surveyed length of these streams with multiple size classes of fish represented. These LCT populations have been identified as potential source stocks for other waters within the Quinn River Basin. The ongoing low water conditions have impacted LCT populations with only one LCT being captured on South Fork Indian Creek and none found on Indian Creek. Conversely, during the last survey on these streams in 2012, the LCT population was estimated to be 1,109 fish on South Fork Indian Creek and 528 fish on Indian Creek. In the 2015, an electroshocking survey on Long Canyon Creek found no fish. During the 2016 survey, LCT were found in Long Canyon Creek though they were in very low density and mostly located outside of established transect locations. A common pattern observed while completing electroshocking surveys was the majority of LCT appeared to found at the higher elevation stations. LCT numbers decreased rapidly moving downstream. This can likely be attributed to the low water conditions and high water temperatures present during summer months in 2014 through Continual monitoring of LCT is an important part in recovery efforts to assist in tracking fluctuations in population size, potential impacts from land uses, which populations can support being used as source stocks, and how populations respond to changes in environmental conditions. 10

13 Collect fin clips from LCT populations as available and submit samples to University of Nevada, Reno for genetic analysis. Collecting fin clips from LCT provides valuable information on verifying that LCT/rainbow hybrids are not present in a system and for analyzing the relationship between various isolated LCT populations. The fin clips collected from 2016 have not yet been analyzed. Fin clips will continue to be collected on fish sampled in LCT recovery streams. Coordinate with BLM Winnemucca District staff to complete regular monitoring on the Jordan Meadows Allotment in the Montana Mountains to ensure land use practices are occurring as permitted. Beginning in early June 2016 when livestock were turned-out into Black Mountain, Seven Springs, and Upper Crowley pastures, NDOW began scheduled compliance monitoring. Visits to monitor for trespass cattle occurred every two weeks during June through August with summary reports provided after each monitoring period. No livestock were observed within the riparian exclosures and it is uncertain whether this was due to livestock not finding their way into the exclosures during the 2016 grazing season. Some of the areas within the exclosures offered LCT a place to persist during the last drought. Livestock grazing compliance monitoring should continue to verify if exclosures are functioning as designed. The need for such intensive compliance monitoring will be examined in hopes to reduce the number of surveys. It is also essential to address trespass livestock and situations of non-compliance in a timely manner to prevent habitat degradation. Examine the feasibility of conducting a chemical treatment to eradicate nonnative fish in Wash O Neil Creek, and complete the treatment if favorable conditions permit. A chemical treatment on Wash O Neil Creek was not pursued in 2016 due to the low water conditions and the uncertainty of having source stock LCT available in the coming years. Abel Creek, South Fork Indian Creek, and South Fork Little Humboldt River have been identified as potential LCT donor streams once nonnative fish are removed from Wash O Neil Creek. Livestock grazing remains a major land use in the drainage and regular monitoring will be required to verify grazing occurs as permitted without negative impacts to the riparian habitat. Wash O Neil Creek remains a priority to LCT recovery and acts as a source population to assist recovery efforts elsewhere in the Little Humboldt watershed. Survey waters on the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge to determine suitability for establishing out-of-basin population of LCT to use in recovery efforts. Due to workload constraints and other fisheries management activities taking priority, this management objective was not completed. Future work program plans should continue to include this management objective as there continues to be a need to locate waters that would be suitable for establishing LCT populations and assist with recovery efforts within the NWGMU. 11

14 Conduct mechanical eradication of nonnative brook trout on Abel Creek in the upper one mile of stream habitat, and examine the possibility of reestablishing Abel Creek LCT in the North Fork Abel Creek. The mechanical removal of brook trout continued to reduce competition for resources within Abel Creek benefiting the native LCT population. LCT showed a slight increase in numbers and size with 23 LCT averaging 161 mm (6.34 in) compared to the 17 LCT averaging 95 mm (3.74 in) in Since brook trout ranged in size from 60 to 234 mm (2.36 to 9.21 in) and the average total length of those removed was 141 mm (5.55 in), this indicates that a variety of size classes are still represented in the population. While mechanical eradication efforts of brook trout temporarily relieve stress on the LCT population, it is not a feasible, long-term solution to protect and expand the Abel Creek LCT population. The increase in brook trout removed during 2016 might be attributed to the increase in electrofishing efficiency and familiarity with stream system as personnel had previously worked this same project in To remove the threat of non-native brook trout, a rotenone treatment will need to be completed on Abel Creek. Prior to the treatment, LCT should be captured and relocated to another area to reduce LCT mortality. Reintroduce LCT in Happy Creek in the Jackson Mountains. Though low water conditions in Happy Creek prevented the reintroduction of LCT into Happy Creek, this management objective still needs to be pursued if water flows improve. Happy Creek also flows through sections of privately owned lands, so establishing a safe harbor agreement would assist in recovery efforts. Limited correspondence occurred between NDOW and the ranch manager regarding the safe harbor agreement and a baseline survey has yet to be completed. Conduct General Aquatic Wildlife Surveys (GAWS) Level III stream surveys on streams as needed and identified to assist in LCT recovery efforts. During 2016 there were no streams identified to complete GAWS surveys that assist in LCT recovery efforts and land management decisions. GAWS surveys can be a helpful in determining riparian habitat conditions and help with how land management decisions that impact the condition of recovery streams. Capture LCT from North Fork Battle Creek, Battle Creek, and Colman Creek to assist in recovery efforts within the McDermitt Creek system by augmenting existing LCT populations or reestablishing LCT populations in streams within the McDermitt Creek watershed. North Fork Battle Creek, Battle Creek, and Colman Creek have been identified as potential donor LCT streams for reintroduction efforts into other waters including, but not limited to, the McDermitt Basin. LCT populations in these streams originated from Washburn Creek, which is a tributary to the Quinn River downstream of the confluence with McDermitt Creek. Multiple size classes of LCT were observed in all three streams during 2016, and regular coordination occurred between NDOW and BLM within the Black Rock Field Office on permitted land uses that minimize negative impacts to riparian habitat. 12

15 Collect LCT brood fish or fertilized eggs from a source LCT population to be determined through population and disease monitoring to provide eggs that will be hatched and raised in a controlled hatchery environment and later stocked as fingerling sized trout in waters within the McDermitt Creek system. While this management objective was not completed in 2016, utilizing a controlled hatchery environment to hatch and rear fingerling LCT remains a management alternative to assist with LCT recovery efforts in the McDermitt Basin. Due to the large size and numerous streams within the McDermitt Creek system, having adequate numbers of LCT available for restocking will be essential for a successful reintroduction project. Introduce LCT into Cottonwood Creek in the Wassuk Mountain Range, Mount Grant (Mineral County). Future monitoring of this population will be necessary to confirm the success of the 2016 introduction. Additional augmentations of LCT from suitable sources will not only improve the chances of successful establishment of this new population, but it will also be beneficial to enhancing the genetic variability of the population. RECOMMENDATIONS Coordinate with ODFW to complete LCT recovery efforts in the McDermitt Creek Basin. Complete population and habitat monitoring surveys on Washburn Creek, Riser Creek, Crowley Creek, Pole Creek, North Fork Battle Creek, Battle Creek, Colman Creek, Threemile Creek, Eightmile Creek, Long Canyon Creek, Andorno Creek, and South Fork Indian Creek. Conduct mechanical removal of brook trout in the upper one mile of Abel Creek. Coordinate with BLM and USFS to examine that permitted land uses are not negatively impacting LCT habitats and populations. Collect genetic samples from LCT populations throughout the Quinn-Black Rock GMU as available. Coordinate with USFS on riparian restoration activities on the North Fork Little Humboldt River and Long Canyon Creek system. Reestablish LCT populations in streams across the NW GMU as opportunities arise. Complete a chemical eradication of non-native brook trout in lower Falls Canyon Creek. Monitor the newly established population in Cottonwood Creek during spring Coordinate with CDFW to augment the Cottonwood Creek population with LCT from other suitable donor streams (Slinkard, Murphy, and Mill). Prepared by: Cody Byrne Fisheries Biologist Date: March 1,