TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE, INC. 122 FIRST A VENUE, SUITE 600 FAIRBANKS, ALASKA 99701

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1 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE, INC. 122 FIRST A VENUE, SUITE 600 FAIRBANKS, ALASKA Adult Salmon Surveys within the Nenana River Drainage, 1996 Prepared by: Paul G. Headlee Tanana Chiefs Conference, Inc. Wildlife and Parks Program Prepared for: Bering Sea Fishermen's Association Anchorage, Alaska Water Resources Report No January 1997

2 AUTHOR Paul G. Headlee is an Aquatic Biologist employed by the Tanana Chiefs Conference, Inc. in Fairbanks, Alaska. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Funding fo r this project was secured through a competitive grant process from the Bering Sea Fishermen's Association, Anchorage, Alaska. Input and support fo r the project was received from the Nenana Tradi tional Council and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Conm1ercial Fisheries, Fairbanks. Local knowledge incorporated into the project was provided by Mr. Jim Duyck, Mr. Reed Morisky, and Mr. Wayne Valcq. Mr. Will Putman, TCC Forestry Program, provided GIS services to produce the maps used in thi s report. Mr. Rick Swisher provided flawless air charter services. This report may be cited as follows: Headlee, P.G Adult Salmon Surveys within the Nenana River Drainage, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Inc. Fairbanks, AK. Water Resources Repo

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT V INTRODUCTION l 0 BJECTIVES l SrfUDY AREA METHODS RESULTS Seventeen Mile Slough West Bank of Lost Slough (Side Channel) Remainder of West Bank of Lost Slough and Nenana River Mainstem... 8 East Bank of Lost Slough and Nenana River Mainstem... 9 Nenana River (Old Mainstem of Nenana River) O Julius Creek l 0 Clear Creek Glacier Creek Wood Creek Teklanika River (Side Channel) June Creek Moose Creek Walker Creek Cottonwood Creek Slate Creek (and Adjacent Sloughs) Panguingue Mercer Springs Creek Lignite Spring Creek Dry Creek Healy Creek and Moody Creek DISCUSSION CONCLUSIONS RECOMMENDATIONS REFERENCES Ill

4 LIST OF FIGURES Figure I. Map of Nenana River drainage and location of rivers/creeks surveyed Map showing location of majority of salmon observed within the Nenana River drainage LIST OF PHOTOS 1. West Fork of Seventeen Mile Slough where spring flood waters opened several beaver dams Coho salmon concentrated along a cut bank of Seventeen Mile Slough Aerial view of Julius Creek just upstream of confluence with Lost Slough Beaver dam at the lower end of Mercer Springs Creek LIST OF TABLES 1. Results of salmon surveys conducted within the Nenana River drainage, IV

5 ABSTRACT Between 17 September and 14 October, 1996 the Tanana Chiefs Conference, Inc. conducted ad ult salmon surveys on the Nenana River drainage. The Nenana River is a tributary of the Tanana River near the vi llage of Nenana, Alaska. Methods used to obtain estimates of live and dead salmon abundance, range, and run timing were foot surveys, boat surveys, and aerial (rotary wing) surveys. Twenty (20) creeks or rivers were surveyed during the project and salmon were observed in fourteen (14). A total of 13,630 coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), 70 chum salmon (0. keta), and 2 chinook salmon (0. tshawytscha) were enumerated. Chum salmon and coho salmon ranged as far upstream as Healy Creek, and Lignite Spring Creek respectively. Over 98% of the coho salmon, 64% of the chum salmon, and 100% of the chi nook salmon were observed in the lower section of the Nenana River drainage. After 14 October, snow, ice and slush conditions within the drainage compromised the quality of the surveys and the project was ended. Foot, boat, and aerial survey methods proved to be cost effective methods to obtain information on Nenana River salmon stocks. V

6 INTRODUCTION Tanana Chiefs Conference, Inc. (TCC) is a regional non-profit tribal consortium representing forty three ( 43) tribal governments within interior Alaska. TCC works toward meeting the health and social service needs of more than 13,000 Alaskan natives spread across a region of approximately 235,000 square miles. Among the many challenges faced by TCC is the need to maintain active involvement in issues that affect subsistence use of natural resources. The TCC Wildlife and Parks Program gives priority to protecting the natural resources on which member villages depend. Funding for this project originated from the Bering Sea Fishermen's Association (BSFA), Anchorage, Alaska, through a competitive grant process. The BSF A receives federal funding to conduct salmon restoration, enhancement, and research activities within the Arctic, Yukon, and Kuskokwim regions of Alaska. The project goal was to gain a better understanding of the contribution of Nenana River Fall chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) and coho salmon (0. kisutch) to the Tanana River drainage. Information is limited regarding abundance, run timing, and range of salmon within the Nenana River drainage. Gaining information on Fall chum and coho salmon assists fishery managers with the task of managing the District Y6 (Tanana River) subsistence and conm1ercial fisheries. District Y6 is fmiher divided into sub-districts Y6A, Y68, and Y6C. The Nenana River is a tributary of the Tanana River within subdistrict Y68. OBJECTIVES Project objectives: 1) Gain information on abundance of chum and coho salmon within the Nenana River drainage, 2) Gain information on run timing of chum and coho salmon within the Nenana River drainage, 3) Gain information on range of chum and coho salmon within the Nenana River drainage, and 4) Recover external tags placed on chum salmon during an ADF&G tag and recapture project operated on the Tanana River downstream of the Nenana River. STUDY AREA The Nenana River originates at the Nenana Glacier on the south side of the Alaska Range. The river flows northward paralleling the George Parks Highway until it's confluence with the Tanana River at Nenana, Alaska, a distance of about 11 5 miles. Figure l shows the Nenana River drainage and the rivers/streams surveyed during this project.

7 Nenana Ri ver Salmon Surveys, 1996 Rivers and Creeks Surveyed I. Seventeen mile slough 2. Lost Slough (side channel) 3. Nena na River 4. Julius Creek 5. C lear Creek 6. G lacier Creek 7. Wood Creek 8. Tcklanika River 9. N enana River (old main stem) 10. June Creek 11. Moose Creek 12. Walker Creek 13. Collonwood Creek 14. Slate Creek 15. Panguinguc Creek 16. Mercer Springs Creek 17. Lignite Spring Creek 18. Dry Creek 19. Healy Creek 20. Moody C reek ~\ \ i... '. N + 5 () 5 ~r--= I : Figure I Miles 2

8 Major tributaries of the Nenana River include Healy Creek, Julius Creek, Seventeen Mile Slough, Fish Creek, and the Teklanika River. Names of rivers and streams are in accordance with the names on USGS I: (inch to the mile) Quadrangle maps. However, the reader should be aware that stream flow originally occupying the Nenana River mainstem has migrated eastward into Lost Slough. Today, the Nenena River mainstem west of Lost Slough identified on the USGS maps originates as groundwater upwellings rather than surface water from the Nenana River proper. Quadrangle maps used for this project were: Fairbanks (C-5), 1950; Fairbanks (B-5), 1950; Fairbanks (A-5), 1950; and Healy (D-5), When specific streams where not named or identified on the USGS maps, local names were used. METHODS All rivers and creeks surveyed were within the Nenana River drainage. Rivers and creeks chosen for surveys were based on previous documented occurrences of salmon, as well as local knowledge from area residents. Surveys were conducted between 17 September and 14 October, Survey methods used were aerial (rotary wing), boat, and foot methods. Some creeks or rivers were surveyed using one method while others required more than one method. Some surveys were completed more than once, on separate days, to better understand the timing component of the salmon runs. When more than one survey was conducted on the same creek or river, the survey resulting in the greater abundance of salmon was used as the value for total estimated abundance. The quality of each individual survey was rated good, fair, or poor. TCC contracted with Quicksilver Air Service, Fairbanks, Alaska, to provide charter air service to conduct aerial surveys. Quicksilver owner/pilot was Mr. Rick Swisher. All aerial surveys were conducted from a two seat R22 Beta helicopter flown at a height of feet, at speeds of knots per hour, and in a downstream to upstream direction. The author used a notepad and hand tally counters to count numbers of live and salmon. Latitude and longitude were recorded from the aircraft's global positioning system (OPS) at starting, stopping, and other points of interest for each survey. Polarized sunglasses were worn to reduce glare on the water and increase viewing ability. Foot surveys consisted of walking wadeable streams and counting live and dead salmon. Numbers of salmon were enumerated with a hand tally counter. Foot surveys were conducted in a downstream to upstream direction. Polarized sunglasses were worn to reduce glare on the water and increase viewing ability. Boat surveys were conducted in streams, or reaches of streams, that were too deep to wade or view from the bank. The author positioned himself in the bow of the boat as the driver maneuvered upriver. All surveys were conducted from a 17.5 foot Wooldrige aluminum boat powered by an 88 hp Jolmson outboard equipped with a jet drive lower unit. Owner and operator of the boat was Mr. Reed Morisky, Fairbanks, Alaska. Polarized glasses were worn during all boat surveys. 3

9 Additional data collected during each survey included: cloud cover, wind direction, precipitation, air temperature, water temperature, water clarity, and river and ice conditions. After each survey, information was transferred to a standardized data form and later into an MS Excel software spreadsheet. Results from the surveys were faxed to the ADF&G, Division of Commercial Fisheries, Fairbanks, on a weekly basis. RESULTS A total of 13,630 coho salmon, 70 chum salmon, and 2 chinook salmon were observed during the surveys. 99.7% of the coho salmon, 14.0% of the chum salmon, and 0.0% of the chinook salmon observed live. The majority of the salmon observed were within the lower section of the Nenana River drainage (Figure 2). No external tags were found on any of the chum salmon. Some surveys were conducted during the mid po1iions of the coho salmon run, and, therefore are conservative estimates. Observing all rivers and creeks during peak spawning was not possible due to time constraints and ice and snow conditions. In fact, peak coho spawning within the Nenana River drainage may occur during mid to late October when survey conditions are compromised due to ice conditions. The author observed coho salmon spawning in the open water leads within a tributary to the Teklanika River and in the headwaters of Barton Creek (Toklat River drainage) as late as 26 November, Seventeen Mile Slough Seventeen Mile Slough (known locally as Otter Creek) enters the west side of Lost Slough (currently the Nenana River mainstem). This section is surveyed annually by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Division of Commercial Fisheries using fixed wing aerial methods. The lower reach of Seventeen Mile Slough, river mile (RM) 0.0 to RM 3.5 was approximately meters wide and meters in depth (some pools >3.5 meters in depth). Water was clear and uncolored. Substrate was composed of gravels, sand, and some cobbles. Well established pool, riffle and runs configurations were present. Adequate instream cover, including large woody debris, was present for coho rearing. This reach was wadeable with the use of chest waders. At RM 3.5 the slough divides into an east and west fork. The East Fork continues for mil es to the first beaver dam impasse. The West Fork continues for 2.5 miles to the first beaver dam impasse. Therefore, the total amount of water surveyed in Seventeen Mile Slough was 8.75 miles. The East Fork and West Fork are shallower and narrower than the lower reach of Seventeen Mile Slough. Habitat and water quality in each fork appear to be similar to the lower reach, however, water color was slightly bluish green. Both forks of Seventeen Mile Slough are wadeable. The West Fork is an interesting reach within this drainage. Approximately 200 meters upstream of the confluence with the East Fork begins a series of approximately 12 well established beaver dams. At the time of this survey the beaver dams were open to water 4

10 Nenana River Salmon Survey Results, 1996 Perce nt of salmon observed in th is area: Coho- 98% Chum-64% Chinook - 100% R' er ~ Survey Resu Its, Sept Oct. 14, ,630 coho salmon 70 chum salmon 2 chi nook salmon + N ~- 1~ : Miles 1 : Figu re 2. 5

11 flow and salmon migration. According to Mr. Reed Morisky, prior to the Spring of 1996 this series of dams presented an impasse to salmon migration. During the months of January and February of 1996 cold air temperatures and limited snow cover were contributing factors to an extensive buildup of overflow ice in the upper reaches of Seventeen Mile Slough. During spring breakup this ice buildup forced a large volume of water into the West Fork. As a result, the series of beaver dams was opened to water flow (they were blown out) and salmon migration. Directly below each former beaver dam cleaned and washed gravels were on one bank while substantial quantities of mud and sticks were on the opposite bank (photo 1). Compared to the East Fork the West Fork is more incised and has a greater flow rate. Water is clear with a slight bluish green color. The spring flood event reopened 2.5 miles of salmon spawning and rearing habitat. However, the majority of the salmon observed in the West Fork had migrated to the large beaver dam which formed the impasse on this reach. At this point a considerable amount of milling was occurring as the coho were occupying the beaver ponds resulting from dam rebuilding activities. On 17 September the lower reach of Seventeen Mile Slough (RM 0.0 to RM 3.5) was surveyed by foot and boat. Salmon were counted while the author walked either bank of the creek or observed from the bow of the boat. Adult coho were concentrated in deep pools and along cut banks (photo 2). Keeping Uirnecessary movements to a minimum the coho (sporting bright red spawning colors) did not spook away and were easily counted. Cloud cover was <50% and the quality of the survey was good. Air temperature was 9.0 C and surface water was 7.5 C. On 18 September the East and West Forks of Seventeen Mile Slough were surveyed on foot. Salmon were counted in the same manner as the lower reach of Seventeen Mile Slough with the exception of the area below the beaver dam impasse on the West Fork. In this area extensive milling around of coho was occurring. In portions of these areas coho salmon estimates were based on visual estimates of school size rather than individual counts. Air temperature was 8.0 C, surface water in the East Fork was 8.5 C, and surface water temperature in Lost Slough (access point) was 6.0 C. Access to Seventeen Mile Slough begins from the boat launch at the village of Nenana and upstream on Lost Slough to the confluence with Seventeen Mile Slough. Seventeen Mile Slough was navigable to approximately mile 2.5 (boat equipped with a jet drive lower unit). The point where the channel branches into an east and west fork can be accessed on foot from the main charrnel of Seventeen Mile Slough or on foot from an old slough cha1mel that formerly c01mected Lost Slough and Seventeen Mile Slough. Seventeen Mile Slough has several shallow water riffles and tight bends that require an experienced jet boat operator for safe navigation. For this reason boating any further than RM 1.0 is not recommended. Therefore, the forks area was accessed on foot from the Lost Slough access point. 6

12 Seventeen Mile Slough Surveys Date Start Finish Live Dead Survey Type Time Needed to Coho Coho Complete Survey 9/ 17/96 Mile O.O Mile 3.50, Foot and 5 hours and 15 N64 29' 0 I" Below Forks Boat minutes w '58" N64 26' 20" Wl49 11 ' 35" 9/ 18/96 Mile 0.0 of Mile 2.75 of Foot 2 hours East Fork East Fork at N64 26' 20" Beaver Dam Wl49 1 I' 35" Impasse N64 24' 46" Wl49 II ' 92" 9/18/96 Mile 0.0 of Mile 2.50 of Foot 2.5 hours West Fork West Fork at N64 26' 20" Beaver Dam WI49 I I' 35" Impasse N64 24' 38" w149 13' 06" TOTAL West Bank o(lost Slough (Side Channel) A substantial number of coho salmon were observed in a side channel of the West bank of Lost Slough. This Side Channel has been surveyed in previous years by the ADF &G with fixed wing aerial survey methods. Water originates as Lost Slough breaches into an area of white spruce and willows. After approximately 1.5 miles the channel re-enters the Lost Slough flood plain and continues for approximately 0.75 miles along the extreme west bank until a distinguishable confluence with Lost Slough. This confluence will be considered river mile (RM) 0.0 of this side channel. Additional water from groundwater upwellings enters the Side Channel from the east. Coho salmon were observed utilizing these areas. Water clarity was clear. Water color within the wooded area was noticeably aqua blue. As the channel re-entered the flood plain water color cleared slightly. The Lost Slough Side Channel was surveyed by foot on 24 September and by aerial methods on 26 September and 4 October. Greater numbers of coho salmon were counted during aerial surveys while the foot survey resulted in the enumeration of live and dead chum salmon. During the time between aerial surveys on 26 September and 4 October a substantial increase in numbers of coho were observed. This may provide insights to the timing of coho salmon movements within the Nenana River drainage. All salmon observed were within the lower portion (mile 0.0 to 0.75 mile) of the Lost Slough Side Cha1mel. No salmon were observed in the reach within the wooded riparian zone. Live chum salmon and chum salmon carcasses were observed in or near pools with a mud substrate. The physical condition of the chum salmon ranged from late stages of spawning, freshl y dead, to old skeleton carcasses. The timing of these chum salmon 7

13 entering the Nenana River drainage unknown, but are most likely part of the late summer run component that returns to upstream tributaries (Chena River, Saleha River). Access to this area was by jet boat on Lost Slough. West Bank of Lost Slough (Side Channel) Surveys Date Start Finish Live Live Dead Survey Time Needed to Coho Chum Chum Type Complete Survey 9/24/96 Mile O Mile Foot 2.5 hours N64 25' 97" N64 28' 84" WI49 09 ' 46" W 149 IO' 98" 9/26/96 MileO Mile Aerial IO minutes N64 25' 97" N64 28 ' 84" WI49 09' 46" w ' 98" 10/4/96 MileO Mi le * 0 0 Aerial 10 minutes N64 25' 97" N64 28' 84" w149 09' 46" w ' 98" * Used in total estimate. Remainder of West Bank of Lost Slough and tlte Nenana River Mainstem The remainder of the west bank of Lost Slough and the Nenana River was surveyed by air on two occasions. The reach of water from the end of the Lost Slough Side Channel upstream to the George Parks Highway Bridge at milepost 276 is approximately river miles and was surveyed on 4 October. The reach of water from the Parks Highway Bridge upstream to the confluence of Healy Creek near the community of Healy, is approximately river miles and was surveyed on 14 October. Approximately 6.75 miles down river from the bridge at milepost 276 the Nenana River flows eastward into Lost Slough. Lost Slough is currently the active main channel of the Nenana River. During both surveys water clarity was very good and color was greenish blue. During both surveys slush ice was on the surface of the water and anchor ice was forming on the river substrate. The presence of slush ice on the surface did not affect the quality of the survey. Ninety (90) coho salmon were observed at within the reach of river from the upper point of the Lost Slough Side Channel to the upper point of Lost Slough. No salmon were observed in the reach of river from the upper point of Lost Slough to the Parks Highway bridge. No salmon were observed in the reach of river from the Parks Highway bridge to Healy Creek. 8

14 Remainder of the west Bank of Lost Slough and the Nenana River Surveys Date Start Finish Live Dead Survey Type Time Needed to Coho Coho Complete Survey I 0/4/96 Side Channel of Parks Hwy Aerial 15 min utes Lost Slough Bridge (M P 276) N64 28' 84" N64 13' 30" Wl49 10' 98" Wl49 16' 81 " 10/ 14/96 Parks Hwy. Healy Creek 0 0 Aerial 25 minutes Bridge (MP N63 50' 93" N64 13' 30" N l48 56'3 1" W l49 16' 8 1" TOTAL 90 0 East Bank o{lost Slough and the Nenana River Mainstem This reach of water includes the east bank of Lost Slough and the Nenana River from Julius Creek confluence upstream to Healy Creek. Slush ice was on the surface and anchor ice on the substrate. In some sections of the East bank surface ice prevented determining the presence or absence of salmon. An aerial survey of this reach was conducted on 4 October. Two-hundred eighty-one (28 1) coho salmon were observed in Lost Slough. No salmon were observed above the Parks Highway bridge. East Bank of Lost Slough and the Nenana River Mainstem Survey Date Start Finish Live Dead Survey Type Time Needed to Coho Coho Complete Survey I 0/4/96 Julius Creek Parks Hwy Aerial 15 minutes confluence Bridge MP N (276) Wl49 09' 72" N64 13' 30" w149 16' 81 " I 0/ 14/96 Parks Hwy. Healy Creek 0 0 Aeri al 25 minutes Bridge (MP 276) N63 50' 93" N64 13' 30" Wl 48 56' 3 1" W l49 16' 81 " TOTAL

15 Ne11a 11a River (Old Maiustem o{ne11a11a River) This channel was the former active mainstem of the Nenana River and is currently a tributary of the Teklanika River. The channel branches into an east and west fork. A beaver dam approximately midway upstream on the East Fork presented an impasse to salmon migration. No impasse exists on the West Fork. Surface water in each fork originates from groundwater seeps and upwellings and is clear and slightly aqua in color. The Nenana River (old mainstem) was surveyed using aerial methods on 26 September. Coho salmon were observed in schools of fish in the main channel and in smaller schools within each fork. A relatively small number of fish were actively spawning near the groundwater upwellings in the West Fork. Cloud cover was >5 0%, wind direction was SW, wind speed was 10 mph, and air temperature was 34 F. Quality of survey was good. The Nenana River (old mainstem of Nenana River) can be accessed by jet boat via the Teklanika River or by rotary wing aircraft. It is approximately a 40 minute boat ride from Nenana to the confluence of the Nenana River (old mainstem of Nenana River) and the Teklanika River. Nenana River (Old Mainstem of Nenana River) Date Start Finish Live Dead Survey Type Time Needed to Coho Coho Complete Survey 9/26/96 Confluence wl Confluence of Aerial 15 minutes Teklanika River East and West N64 28'21" Forks Nl49 19' 08" N64 26' 02" W J49 2' 52" 9/26/96 East Fork Beaver Dam Aerial 5 minutes N64 26' 02" N64 21' 8 1" WI " WI49 19' 96" 9/26/96 West Fork Groundwater Aerial 5 minutes N64 26' 02" Upwellings WI49 21' 52" N64 22' 73" w 149 1s' 40" TOTAL Julius Creek Drainage Julius Creek is a tributary of the east bank of Lost Slough. Approximately 3.5 miles upstream, Clear Creek enters the west bank of Julius Creek. This confluence is known locally as Shores Landing and can be accessed by a foot trail from the George Parks 10

16 Highway. Approximately 2.5 miles upstream, Glacier Creek enters the east bank of Clear Creek. Approximately 1.5 miles upstream on Glacier Creek, Wood Creek enters on the west bank. The portion of Julius Creek upstream to Shores Landing and the lower portion of Clear Creek were surveyed by boat on 3 October. The remainder of Clear Creek, Glacier Creek, and Wood Creek were surveyed by air on 4 October. Julius Creek is large, non-wadeable creek approximately meters in width (photo 3). Within the upper reaches the riparian zone is dominated by white spruce, willows, and some tamarack. Water clarity is clear and water color is slightly tannic. Well developed pool-riffle-run configurations are present. Pools are 3-5 meters in depth. Clear Creek is a shallow water creek approximately 10 meters in width. Several gravel bars and a few small gravel islands are present. Throughout, water is clear and colorless. The creek is wadeable with hip boots or chest waders. For the first 0.5 mile above the confluence with Glacier Creek, Clear Creek is characterized by slow moving water and a mud/sand substrate. Above this point water velocity increases and the substrate is composed of small gravels. A beaver dam approximately 2.5 miles above the Glacier Creek confluence presented an impasse to salmon migration. The confluence of Clear Creek and Julius Creek was the previous site of an ADF&G weir designed to enumerate wild stocks and hatchery reared chinook, summer chum, coho, and fall chum salmon (Barton 1987) (Raymond 1978). Glacier Creek is a small creek characterized by a high degree of sinuosity, brushy riparian vegetation, taimic (tea color) stained water, and a mud/sand substrate. Aerial survey conditions were very poor due to water color and a dark contrasting substrate. During the survey an ADF&G weir was in operation on the upper portion of this creek for the purpose of collecting coho salmon eggs for rearing at the ADF&G hatchery located on Clear Air Force Base approximately 4 miles south of the weir. Wood Creek is a small, shallow water tributary of Glacier Creek. This creek was the previous site of an ADF&G weir to enumerate returns of coho and chum salmon reared at Clear Hatchery. The ADF &G reports 1988 estimates of coho and chum salmon returns to Wood Creek as 2046 and 5350 respectively. Run timing statistics for indicated that the mid-point of the chum salmon run reaching the Wood Creek weir ranged from October 4-13 (average of 8 Oct.). During 1988, the midpoint of the coho salmon run occurred on 1-2 Oct. (Raymond 1988). During the aerial survey an impassable beaver dam was observed on Wood Creek approximately 1.0 mile upstream from the confluence with Glacier Creek. Surveys of the Julius Creek drainage were conducted on 3 & 4 October. Foot, boat, and aerial survey methods were used. Coho salmon were observed in Julius Creek, Clear Creek, Glacier Creek, and Wood Creek. No chum salmon were observed during any of 11

17 the surveys. Two chinook salmon carcasses were observed in Clear Creek during the surveys ( I by foo t, I by aerial). Coho salmon were observed spawning in the headwaters of Glacier Creek. Coho carcasses observed in Glacier Creek were directly below the weir and were most likely the fi sh used for egg stripping for rearing at Clear Hatchery. During the survey period heavy slush ice was forming on Lost Slough. 3 October was the last day that the jet boat would operate efficiently due to ice build up within the lower unit. Ice was also forming on the edges of Julius Creek, but not yet to the point of compromising the quality of the survey. Anchor ice was forming on the substrate in Clear Creek and Glacier Creek near their confluence and it appeared that the coho salmon were avoiding this area. During the last two weeks of September, schools of coho salmon were observed within the first few bends of Julius Creek while the author briefly observed the drainage while en route to other areas. By the time the boat/foot survey was conducted on 3 October the coho had moved upstream into the Clear Creek drainage and/or the upper portion of Julius Creek. Julius Creek was surveyed only to the confluence with Clear Creek at Shores Landing. Five coho salmon were observed within this reach. Fish migration in Julius Creek past Shores Landing was unknown. Weather conditions on 3 October were cloud cover <10%, air temperature of -6 C, and calm wind. Weather conditions on 4 October were similar. Julius Creek Survey Date Start Finish Live Dead Survey Type Time Needed to Coho Coho Complete Survey 10/3/96 Confluence Shores Landing 3 2 Boat 30 minutes with Lost Slough Clear Creek Surveys* Date Start Finish Live Dead Survey Type Time Needed to Coho Coho Complete Survey 10/3/96 Shores Landing Confluence w/ Boat/Foot 90 minutes G lacier Creek N64 25' 17" Wl49 OT 57" 10/4/96 Confluence w/ Beaver Dam at Aerial 25 minutes Glacier Creek N64 25' 24" N64 25' 17'' W149 os 60" w ' 57" TOTALS * Observed 2 chinook carcasses 12

18 Glacier Creek Surveys Date Statt Finish Live Dead Survey Time Needed Coho Coho Type to Complete Survey I 0/4/96 Confluence w/ Wood Creek 66 3 Aerial 10 minutes Clear Creek connuence N64 25' 17" N64 24' 55" Wl49 07' 57" w149 07' 91" I 0/4/96 Wood Creek ADF&G Weir Aerial 10 minutes connuence N64 22' 49" N64 24' 55" w ' 90" Wl49 07' 91" I 0/4/96 ADF&G Weir End of water *99 plus Aerial IO minutes N64 22' 49" N64 21' 56" approx. w149 08' 90" Wl49 09' 95" 2000 TOTAL * The lower reaches of Glacier Creek provide poor aerial survey opportunities due to dark substrate and brush cover. Just above the weir the helicopter spooked fish in the water. A continuous grouping of salmon (assumed to be coho) was observed for approximately ¼ mile. Fish were too difficult to count so an estimate of 2000 was made and added to the coho that were counted. Wood Creek Date Statt Finish Live Dead Survey Type Time Needed to Coho Coho Complete Survey I 0/4/96 Wood Creek Beaver Dam Aerial 5 minutes connuence approximately N64 24' 55" I.Omile w149 07' 9 1" upstream Tek/anika River (side tributary) The Teklanika River is a major tributary of Lost Slough. The Teklanika River originates as glacial meltwater on the north side of the Alaska Range approximately five miles east of Mount Pendleton. Ground water upwellings and small thaw lakes contribute to the Teklanika's flow. Due to time constraints and ice buildup a limited aerial survey was completed on this river. On 11 October, while traveling by air to Fairbanks from the Toklat River, 282 coho salmon were observed in small a tributary of the east bank of the Teklanika River. While returning from the same project on 26 November, live coho salmon were observed in this same reach of water, however, no count was made. The coho were observed in the area approximately 15 miles west of Clear Air Force Base. Within this area the Teklanika 13

19 River is braided, water is clear, color is slight green, and substrate is dark in many areas. It is unknown whether the side tributary was wadeable. Teklanika River (side lributa,y) Surveys Date Start Finish Live Dead Survey Type Time Needed to Coho Coho Complete Survey 10/ 11 /96 Beginning of Beaver Dam Aerial 5 minutes Tributary approximately N64 26' 36" ½ mile Wl49 42' 15" upstream of confluence 11/26/96 Beginn ing of Beaver Dam Coho 0 Aerial 5 minutes Tributary approximately salmon N64 26' 36" ½ mile present, Wl49 42' 15" upstream of 110 confluence count made June Creek June Creek originates in a small lake and flows northeast to it's confluence with the west bank of the Nenana River. June Creek flows through a culvert underneath the Parks Highway. At this point on the Parks Highway there is a wayside rest, outhouses, and a small campground. June Creek is a shallow, narrow, wadeable creek with substrate composed of large gravels and small to medium size cobbles. Water was clear. June Creek was surveyed by foot and aerial methods. On 22 September a foot survey of the creek from confluence with the Nenana River upstream to the Parks Highway culvert was conducted. Seven "late stage" chum salmon carcasses and no coho salmon were observed during this survey. Mr. Will iam Busher, ADF&G, Fairbanks Office, accompanied the author on this survey. On 6 October 1994, Mr. Busher and Mr. AI Townsend, ADF&G, Fairbanks surveyed June Creek on foot and counted 371 live coho salmon, 37 dead coho salmon, and 37 dead chum salmon (ADF&G 1994). On 2 October and 5 October the author stopped at the culvert at Parks Highway and observed the first I 00 meters downstream. No salmon were observed. Finally, on 14 October an aerial survey was made of the entire drainage from the confluence with the Nenana River to a beaver dam impasse upstream of the Parks Highway. No live or dead salmon were observed during this survey. The quality of the aerial survey was poor due to ice on the creek and dark substrate. Viewing was better without the aid of Polaroid sunglasses. However, while the survey quality was considered poor, no indication of predation (eagles, bear or fox tracks in snow, etc.) on live or dead salmon was evident within the drainage. 14

20 During the foot survey on 22 September the author spoke with a woman who has been homesteading on June Creek for the past ten years. She said that the salmon runs can be very inconsistent. Some years she would see a lot of salmon and other years there would be none at all. She was specificall y referring to chum salmon that arrive earlier than coho. The absence of coho salmon in June Creek was surprising considering the 408 observed in 1994 and the absence of any obstruction to salmon passage. Additionally, adequate habitat was present for spawning and rearing. Water temperature of June Creek during the foot survey was 1.0 C. The water temperature of the Nenana River just above the confl uence was 0.5 C. June Creek Surveys Date Start Finish Live Live Dead Survey Time Needed to Coho Chum Chum Type Complete Survey 9/22/96* Confluence Culvert at Parks Foot 60 minutes with Nenana Highway River N64 08' 72" w " 10/2/96 Parks Highway 100 meters Foot 5 minutes culvert downstream downstream from culvett 10/5/96 Parks Highway 100 meters Foot 5 m inutes culvert downstream downstream from culvert 10/ 14/96 Confluence Beaver dam Aerial 5 minutes with N enana upstream of River Parks Highway N64 08' 72" N64 07' 57'' w ' 81" W I49 15' 50" * Used in total estimate for drainage Moose Creek Moose Creek flows east to west from the foothills of the Alaska Range to its confluence with the east bank of the Nenana River. This is a small creek with good clarity and adequate substrate for salmon spawning. Local knowledge suggests that coho salmon have spawned in Moose Creek as well as the Nenana mainstem within the confluence area. No salmon, or evidence of salmon, were observed during the aerial survey. 15

21 Moose Creek Survey Date Start Finish Live Dead Survey Type Time Needed to Coho Coho Complete Survey 10/ 14/96 Confluence Beaver Dam 0 0 Aerial 5 minutes with Nenana on Moose River Creek N64 03' 65" N64 03 ' 54" w ' 68" W l49 06' 80" Walker Creek Walker Creek originates as meltwater on the north side of Walker Dome. The creek enters the east bank of the Nenana River immediately upstream of the railroad trestle that spans the Nenana River near the small community of Ferry. The confluence of Walker Creek and the Nenana River can be described as a small shallow flood plain ending in a large pool at the confluence with the Nenana River. Mr. Wayne Valcq, an area resident, identified the confluence as an area where local fishers often angle for salmon. Water was clear, shallow, and wadeable. Adequate spawning substrate was limited. On 2 October Mr. Valcq accompanied the author on the foot survey of Walker Creek to a point where the water was a few inches deep and emerging from the gravel. This area was approximately ¾ mile from the Nenana River confluence. No coho were observed and one (1) late stage chum carcass was found. On 14 October an aerial survey was conducted on this drainage during which no salmon were observed. Walker Creek Surveys Date Start Finish Live Live Dead Survey Time Needed to Coho Chum Chum Type Complete Survey 10/2/96* Confluence ¾ mile 0 0 I Foot 10 minutes with Nenana upstream of Ri ver confluence N64 00' 75" N64 28' 84" w ' 03" W149 10' 98" I 0/ 14/96 Confluence ¾ mile Aerial 5 minutes with Nenana upstream of River confluence N64 00' 75" N64 28' 84" w149 07' 03" w " * Used in total estimate 16

22 Cottonwood Creek Cottonwood Creek is a small creek approximately 2-3 meters wide that originates in the lower elevations of Walker Dome and parallels Walker Creek. The author and Mr. Valcq surveyed a portion of Cottonwood Creek that was accessed via the Ferry Trail. At approximately mile I of the Ferry Trail a trail veers to the south, crosses Walker Creek ( dry at the time of crossing), and ends at a foot bridge that crosses Cottonwood Creek (approximately I mile from the Ferry Trail turn off). Mr. Valcq did not initially recognize Cottonwood Creek due a series of beaver dams and ponds that were constructed since his last visit. No salmon were observed during the survey. Mr. Valcq had last visited the site in 1993 and observed coho salmon at the access point. No less than five beaver dams were observed within the first ¼ mile downstream from the access point. Water was clear. A small ATV trail continued on the opposite side of the creek via the foot bridge. An aerial survey of Cottonwood Creek was made on 14 October several beaver dams were observed throughout its length. The largest dam was observed approximately 100 meters from the Nenana River flood plai n. Cottonwood Creek Surveys Date Start Finish Live Live Dead Survey Time Needed to Coho Chum Chum Type Complete Survey 10/2/96 Access point ¼ mile Foot IO minutes via the downstream of Ferry Trail access point 10/ 14/96 Access point Confluence Aerial 5 minutes via the with Nenana Ferry Trail River. N63 59' 83" w149 06' 26" Slate Creek (and adjacent sloughs) Slate Creek originates in the foot hills west of the Parks Highway, flows northeast underneath the highway, underneath the Alaska railroad, and enters a side channel of the west bank of the Nenana River approximately one mile upstream of the trestle crossing the Nenana River near Ferry. After parking the vehicle near the old section house, access to the point where Slate Creek flows underneath the railroad tracks was by foot. Although no salmon were observed, beaver activity immediately downstream of the railroad tracks was preventing salmon passage. The beaver activity was backing up water making the creek not wadeable. Mr. Valcq accompanied the author and identified some adjacent sloughs to Slate Creek. He had observed coho salmon in these sloughs in past years. At the time of our survey these same sloughs were dammed by beavers and salmon passage was prevented. An aerial survey was not made on this drainage. 17

23 Slate Creek (and adjacent sloughs) Survey Date Stati Fin ish Live Live Dead Survey Time Needed to Coho Chum Chum Type Complete Survey I 0/2/96 Point where Adjacent Foot I0minutes Slate Creek sloughs south flows of railroad underneath tracks the railroad tracks Panguingue Creek Panguingue Creek originates in the foot hills west of the Parks Highway, flows northeast underneath the Highway, underneath the Alaska railroad, and enters the west bank of the Nenana River. On 14 October an aerial survey was attempted on this creek but the creek was completely iced over. No indication of animal tracks or predation by birds was evident within this creek drainage. Coho salmon have been observed in this creek in past years. Fifty (50) coho salmon were documented in 1994 by ADF&G Habitat and Commercial Fisheries personnel (ADF &G 1994 ). Mercer Springs Creek Mercer Springs Creek is a small, wadeable creek that originates on the east side of the Parks Highway and parallels Panguingue Creek. An aerial survey on 14 October was the only survey conducted on this drainage. No salmon were observed during the survey. This is consistent with the ADF&G survey conducted 6 October A large beaver dam on the creek approximately 200 meters upstream from the Nenana River confluence appeared to presented an impasse to salmon migration (see photo 4). However, upstream of the railroad trestle spawning and rearing habitat appeared to be very good. Mr. Jim Duyck rep01is that in past years he had caught salmon and dolly varden (Salvelinus malma) in Mercer Springs Creek at the railroad trestle. Mercer Springs Creek Survey Date Start Finish Live Live Dead Survey Time Needed to Coho Chum Chum Type Complete Survey I 0/ 14/96 Confluence Point upstream Aerial 10 minutes with Nenana of railroad River near trestle at large beaver dam beaver dam N63 56' 45" N63 55' 89" w " W t49 03' 32" 18

24 Lignite Spring Creek Lignite Spring Creek originates on the east side of the Parks Highway, flows underneath the A laska Railroad near the community of Lignite and enters the west bank of the Nenana River. Lignite Spring Creek is a small, clear, wadeable creek approximately 2-4 meters in width with varying types of riparian cover. Access to the creek is by the Lignite Road via the Parks Highway. On 22 September the author and Mr. Bill Busher, ADF&G Commercial Fisheries, Fairbanks, conducted a foot survey of Lignite Spring Creek. Salmon observed included: 280 live coho, 2 dead coho, and 16 dead chum. The starting point was the confluence with the Nenana River and the endpoint was the beaver dam impasse just upstream of the railroad trestle that the creek flows underneath. The point of the beaver dam impasse was also the point where vehicles can be parked. Over half of the live coho salmon were observed in a pool approximately 150 meters long that was adjacent to the railroad tracks. On 14 October an aerial survey was conducted on Lignite Spring Creek. Fifty (50) live coho salmon were counted in the pool adjacent to the railroad tracks and 65 additional live coho were counted upstream within the remainder of the creek. No coho carcasses were observed during this survey. This was in part due to brushy cover. The quality of the aerial survey was fair to poor. This was reinforced by the fact that less than half the coho salmon were counted during the aerial survey as were counted during the foot survey 22 days earlier. Lignite Spring Creek Surveys Date Stait Finish Live Dead Dead Survey Time Needed to Coho Coho Chum Type Complete Survey 9/22/96* Confluence Beaver dam Foot 2 hours with the Nenana impasse near River the community N63 55' 20" of Lignite W I' 26" N 63 54' 56" W149 0 I' 26" I 0/ 14/96 Confluence Beaver dam Aerial 5 minutes with the Nenana impasse near River the community N63 55' 20" of Lignite W I' 26" N 63 54' 56" Wl " * Used in total estimate 19

25 Drv Creek Dry Creek is a shallow, wadeable, braided, clear water creek that enters the west bank of the Nenana River near the community of Healy. The Parks Highway crosses over the creek bed which is dry at that point. However, approximately I mi le upstream of the confluence with the Nenana River, water was re-emerging from the gravels. Local knowledge indicated that in past years coho salmon have been observed milling around at the Dry Creek/Nenana River confluence. On 14 October an aerial survey was conducted of this drainage upstream to a point immediately below where power lines cross over the creek bed. No salmon were observed during this survey. Water depth and substrate appeared to be suitable for spawning but habitat for coho rearing appeared to be lacking. Dry Creek Survey Date Start Finish Live Li ve Dead Survey Time Needed to Coho Chum C hum Type Complete Survey 10/ 14/96 Contluence Point upstream Aerial 5 minutes with Nenana and just below River near. power lines. N63 53' 3 1" Wl48 58' 54" Healv Creek and Moodv Creek Healy Creek originates in a lower elevation valley of the Alaska Range at the southern base of Mount Lathrop. Healy Creek is medium sized, clear water, high velocity, and is composed of gravels, cobbles, and boulders. The creek flows eastward to its confluence with the Nenana River near the site of the Healy Clean Coal Project currently under construction. In the lower reaches of the creek, visibility is diminished due to turbulence. It is not advised to wade this reach. Moody Creek originates on the north side of the Alaska Range between Dora Peak and Sugar Loaf Mountain and is a tributary of south bank of Healy Creek. Local residents have reported chum and coho salmon presence in Healy Creek. During August of 1995 an individual recovered five external spaghetti tags from chum salmon carcasses near the Moody Creek/Healy Creek confluence. During the Fall of 1996 another local resident reported a school of coho salmon near the old Usibelli Coal Mine wash plant on Healy Creek. It is unknown as to whether the observed salmon were successful at spawning or if the presence of these fish were the result of straying from other streams within the drainage. Due to time constraints and snow cover two limited foot surveys were conducted on Healy Creek on 2 October and 5 October. An aerial survey of the entire drainage was conducted 14 October. At the time of the aerial survey Moody Creek was completely 20

26 iced over and no indication of salmon was observed. No live salmon were observed during the surveys. On 5 October one salmon carcass (skeleton) was observed on the north bank of Healy Creek during a foot survey. Plans to repeat the foot survey to locate additional carcasses were precluded when the first snowfall of year on 7 October completely covered the ground. This snowfall severely compromised the ability to locate carcasses on the banks of Healy Creek. Healy Creek Surveys Date Start Finish Live Live Dead Survey Time Needed to Col10 Chum Chum Type Complete Survey I 0/2/96 Old Usibell i 500 meters Foot 20 minutes Coal Mine wash below old wash plant plant I 0/5/96* Mile 0.5 Healy Mile 1.5 Healy 0 0 I Foot 40 minutes Creek Creek I 0/ 14/96 Mile 0.0 Healy Point where Aeria l 25 minutes Creek. groundwater N63 50' 93" seeps/upwelling W '31" s end and water runs out. N63 52' 02" W l48 25' 47" * Used in total estimate 21

27 NENANA RIVER DRAINAGE SALMON SURVEY RESULTS, 1996, TCC RIVER/CREEK DATE SURVEY METHOD #COHO #CHUM QUALITY OF SURVEY 17Mile Slough Oct Boat and Foot Good Nenana River 26-Sep Aerial 2171 O Good Julius Creek 3-Oct Boat 5 (2 carcasses) O Good Clear Creek 3-4 Oct Boat, Foot, and Aerial Fair to Good Glacier Creek 4-Oct Aerial *2215 (34 ca res) 0 Poor Wood Creek 4-Oct Aerial Good Lost Slough (east bank) 4-Oct Aerial Good Lost Slough (west bank) 4-Oct Aerial (37 cares) Good Tekla nika R. (incomplete)** 11-Oct Aerial Fair June Creek 9/22, 10/4, & 10/14 Foot and Aeria l 0 7 carcasses Good Panguingue Creek 14-Oct Aerial 0 0 Poor Mercer Springs Creek 14-Oct Aerial 0 0 Fair Lignite Springs 22-Sep Foot 282 (2 cares) 16 carcasses Good Moose Creek 14-Oct Aerial 0 O Good Slate Creek (& adjacent sloughs) 2-Oct Foot 0 0 Fair Walker Creek 2 & 14 Oct Foot and Aerial 0 1 carcass Good Cottonwood Creek 2 & 14 Oct Foot and Aerial 0 0 Good Dry Creek 14-Oct Aerial 0 O Good Healy Creek 2, 5, & 14 Oct Foot and Aerial*** 0 1 carcass Good * Best estimate, fish too difficult to count ** Only able to observe a side slough on the east bank *** Foot survey of 1 mile of north bank, aerial survey of entire creek TOTALS 13,

28 DISCUSSION The objectives of obtaining information on salmon abundance, run timing, and range within the Nenana River drainage were achieved to varying degrees. The estimate of abundance for coho is believed to be a conservative estimate because two of the higher count surveys, Nenena River (old mainstem) and Seventeen Mile Slough, were surveyed relatively early in the project and were not surveyed again after that time. The incomplete survey of the Teklanika River also resulted in a very conservative estimate coho abundance within that drainage. The remainder of the creeks and rivers were surveyed late enough during the salmon runs to provide estimates that were closer to actual total abundance. Insights to run timing were observed on 3 October in Julius Creek when the coho had moved upstream into Clear and Glacier Creeks and only three live coho were observed below Shores Landing. Mr. Reed Morisky stated that coho normally begin to enter Seventeen Mile Slough about Labor Day, peak in mid-september, and tail off around October l5 1 However, surveys on the Lost Slough Side Channel indicated slightly later run timing. Surveys were conducted on 24 September, 26 September, and 4 October and resulted in 209, 409, and 1669 coho salmon respectively. The ADF&G reports later run timing for spawning areas of Clear, Glacier, and Wood Creeks. Chum salmon abundance estimates are believed to be very conservative. Only 70 chum salmon were observed during the project; fo1iy-five of these during a foot survey of the Lost Slough Side Channel. The advanced condition (skeletons) of some chum carcasses suggested that these fish returned to Lost Slough sometime in late July or early August. The live chum observed were in an advanced stage of spawning. Surveys conducted in mid-august to mid-september of Lost Slough and other creeks and rivers within the Nenana River drainage may provide additional information on chum salmon spawning areas. Range of salmon was more straightforward. Live coho were observed as far upstream as Lignite Spring Creek and chum carcasses were observed as far upstream Lignite Spring Creek and Healy Creek. The range within the Teklanika River and Julius Creek past Shores Landing was unknown. Beaver activity within the Nenana River drainage is a significant limiting factor to salmon range. Dams that were opened up on the West Fork of Seventeen Mi le Slough during the Spring of 1996 were already being rebuilt. Of the 16 tributaries to the Nenana River that were surveyed, 12 had at least one beaver dam impasse to salmon migration. Wh il e aerial surveys provided a more time efficient means of surveying creeks and rivers, salmon carcasses, and their condition, were not observed from the air. The single foot survey of the Lost Slough Side Channel resulted in 45 of the 70 chum salmon observed during the project. Due to the dark mud substrate these salmon would have gone unnoticed from the air. 23

29 The objective of recovering external spaghetti tags from the downstream ADF&G tag recapture project was not met. Although no external tags were recovered from observed chum salmon, the Healy Creek drainage, where tags were recovered in 1995, was not completely surveyed from the ground. If survey data is desired to be relayed to the ADF&G, Fairbanks Office in a time critical manner, all survey areas are within cellular phone distance to Fairbanks. Total contracted air time needed to complete the aerial surveys was I 0.5 hours. That value includes travel time from Fairbanks to the project sites and back. CONCLUSIONS Aerial, foot and boat surveys are cost effective methods to obtain estimates of abundance, range, and run timing of salmon stocks within the Nenana River drainage. A combination of ground, boat, and foot survey methods are preferred to aerial only methods on creeks and rivers with undercut banks and well established vegetation within the riparian zone. Within the Nenana River drainage ground surveys are the preferred method to enumerate live chum salmon and chum salmon carcasses. Aerial surveys of Glacier Creek are difficult to conduct, but should be continued in future years. Beaver activities within the Julius Creek and Seventeen Mile Slough drainages will continue to reduce available spawning habitat for adult salmon. RECOMMENDATIONS To provide fishery managers with additional information regarding Nenana River salmon stocks, surveys should be continued in future years. If time constraints pose problems, efforts should be focused on the lower section of the Nenana River where the majority of the salmon were observed in If time constraints are not a problem, surveys should be conducted earlier on the Lost Slough Side Channel, where the majority of the chum salmon were observed, and on Healy Creek. To better assess run timing of salmon stocks, efforts could be focused on conducting a survey several times on a particular index area. A more involved effort could include a weir and/or a counting tower. However, slush, ice, and low light conditions during the month of October could prove to be problematic to weir operations. 24

30 To obtain more accurate estimates of coho salmon that are di fficult to count in beaver pond areas, aerial photo methods should be explored. The extensive beaver activity on many of the creeks could be addressed by opening secti ons of dams to salmon passage during periods of upstream and downstream movements. Continue to incorporate local knowledge of individual tributaries into future proj ect plans. 25

31 REFERENCES Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Habitat and Restoration Div ision, Fairbanks Office, Memorandum. RE: Anadromous Fish Streams, Nenena Ri ver. October 10, Ba1ion, L. H Population Size and Composition of Chinook Salmon Spawners in a Small Interior Alaska Stream, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Commercial Fisheries Division, Fairbanks. A YK Region, Yukon Salmon Escapement Report No. 32 Raymond, J. A Clear Creek Weir, September 25 to October 11, F.R.E.D. Division, Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Raymond, J. A Salmon Returns to Clear Hatchery. Alaska Department of Fish and Game. 26

32 Photo 1. West Fork of Seventeen Mile Slough where spring flood waters opened several beaver dams. -~..., Photo 2. Coho salmon concentrated along a cut bank of Seventeen Mile Slough. 27

33 Photo 3. Aerial view of Julius Creek just upstream of confluence with Lost Slough. Photo 4. Beaver dam impasse at the lower end of Mercer Springs Creek. 28