Desmond Shoreline Restoration

Transcription

1 Desmond Shoreline Restoration Gregory A.D. Final Project Report Prepared by: Kathy Johnson Gregory A.D. June 1, 2014

2 1 Report Contents Report Contents... 1 Project Introduction... 2 Pre-Restoration Review Summary... 3 Post-Construction Review Summary... 4 Final Restoration Reviews... 5 TAP - Project Summary... 6 Fishery Assessment - Species Presence. 7 Species Presence Index... 9 Fishery Assessment - Utilization Pre-Restoration Utilization Index Post-Restoration Utilization Index Project Summary Video Footage Reference Key Still Image Reference Key... 16

3 2 Introduction The goal of the Desmond Landing Restoration project was to restore the nearshore and shallow water habitat along the St. Clair River in Port Huron, MI. The EPA-BPAC report, Delisting Targets for Loss of Fish/Wildlife Habitat Beneficial Use Impairments of the St. Clair River Area of Concern (ECT 2009, 2012), listed this site as an important shallow water area in need of restoration. The successful outcomes of the Desmond Shoreline Restoration project will contribute to the delisting of the Fish and Wildlife Beneficial Use Impairment in the St. Clair River Area of Concern (AOC) through restorations of the nearshore zone. This report includes: summaries of the pre and post restoration underwater site reviews, a summary of the newly implemented Tubular Aquatic Protection (TAP) habitat structures, indexes demonstrating fishery presence within the project area and fishery habitat utilization of the site, a summary of project outcomes and a DVD containing an electronic version of this report and referenced video footage. Prior to the start of the restoration project baseline underwater habitat reviews were conducted by Gregory A.D to document native and invasive species utilization of the site. Underwater reviews began in the fall of 2012 and continued through June Continuity of review methodology was maintained throughout the assessment process in an effort to provide quantifiable outcomes of the shoreline restorations. In addition to pre and post construction reviews, Gregory A.D. completed periodic site assessments to maintain a comprehensive overview of the site restorations. All observations were documented with video footage when possible and all data collected was recorded in an electronic document file. All assessments performed by Gregory A.D. and their employees were strictly for scientific purposes. Underwater reviews were not inspections or surveys of the construction implementation, nor is any of the information provided by Gregory A.D. intended to be used for those purposes. Fishery Assessment - A comprehensive understanding of site specific species presence and utilization of the Desmond Shoreline project area was required to adequately assess the restoration outcomes. Underwater habitat utilization changes seasonally, weekly and daily. Gregory A.D. lead diver, Greg Lashbrook, averages of 300 hours each year underwater in the Upper St. Clair River specifically. Mr. Lashbrook s experiential knowledge of species presence and utilization of the area was used to create a baseline index for comparison with documented outcomes. Mike Thomas, a research biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, completed a review of the underwater video footage by Gregory A.D. from within the Desmond Shoreline Restoration project area and corroborated all fishery identifications as well as the indexes to species presence and habitat utilization. (page 8, 11 &12)

4 3 Pre-Restoration Review Summary The Gregory A.D. Desmond Landing Initial UW Review (GAD, 2013) compiled empirical observational data from the mid 1900 s with pre-restoration underwater site assessments. Historically perch, trout, walleye, whitefish and other native species have gathered off the Desmond Shoreline before utilizing the Black River in the early spring to spawn. This behavior, known as staging, is critical to a successful fishery and was identified as an important fisheries habitat utilization of the Desmond Shoreline site. Pre-restoration reviews of the Desmond Shoreline Project Area completed by Gregory A.D. determined a significant percentage of substrate within the project area was deep loose sediment. This type of silty substrate generally provides limited fishery habitat utilization and is particularly unsuitable for native species such as chubs, darters and sculpin. Although well-established, prerestoration assessments of existing vegetation beds (Image 1) revealed low fisheries utilization. The location of grassy areas was noted by the project design team so consideration could be taken during the inwater restoration process to minimize damage to these existing habitat areas while improving the overall fisheries utilization opportunities on site. Pre-restoration fishery reviews revealed low utilization by native species after the spring sport fish staging. (See Pre-Restoration Utilization Index) Documented behaviors such as rock bass resting in the nearshore zone were generally limited to individual sights. Fisheries utilization prior to restoration was generally limited to species such as muskellunge and yellow perch which are often associated with aquatic vegetation. Semiaquatic species such as mink and water fowl are dependent on a healthy fishery. A remnant population of mink was documented by Gregory A.D. utilizing the Desmond Shoreline prior to the start of restoration. Mergansers and grebes are two species of diving duck, both of which feed on marine organisms and have historically utilized the Desmond Shoreline area.

5 4 Post-Construction Review Summary Habitat enhancements targeted native aquatic species which could be expected to benefit from restorations at this site. These species include but are not limited to: amphipods, bluegill sunfish, brown trout, channel catfish, crayfish, emerald shiners, freshwater drum, gar pike, gizzard shad, horny head chub, log perch, long nose gar, longear sunfish, mottled sculpin, mudpuppy, muskellunge, northern madtom, sunfish, pug nosed minnows, pumpkinseed sunfish, rainbow trout, red horse sucker, rock bass, sand shiner, smallmouth bass, smelt, spot tail shiner, spotted sucker, steelhead, stickleback, yellow perch, walleye, whitefish, white bass and white perch. Restoration monitoring began in July 2013 and continued to June The first post-construction assessment of the project area was conducted by Gregory A.D. on September 30 th, This assessment consisted of three underwater reviews starting at the northern boundary of the project area and continuing to the southern edge of the in-water restoration area. Post-construction review methodology was consistent with pre-restoration reviews conducted on June 24 th, 2013 in an effort to provide the project team with a quantifiable comparison of the habitat restorations. The September 30 th review found active utilization of the North Reef by more than twenty smallmouth bass measuring from approximately 3 inches to 12 inches in length. The nearshore zone from the Outdoor Classroom to the Ferry Dock area had immediate utilization by young of year (YOY) fish, most likely emerald shiners. The YOY were, in all probability, spawned and hatched in lower Lake Huron (Bob Haas, MDNR retired.) The creation of new nursery habitat for native species was a specific delisting goal targeted by the project design team. The newly installed woody habitat was being utilized by juvenile as well as adult emerald shiners. Their design provides the needed shallow water, protective cover necessary for native species. (Image 2, Video DSR P #6, #7) The offshore wave abatement piles (WAP) created the desired nearshore protective habitat for aquatic and semi aquatic species. The use of large armor stones formed two to four foot wide interspatial areas throughout the reef which allows aquatic species to move freely from the deep waters of the St. Clair River into the nearshore nursery habitat.

6 5 Final Restoration Reviews Local sport fisherman began catching ripe walleye off the Desmond Shoreline in John On Saturday morning, date over thirty fishing boats were counted along the upper section of the project area directly downstream of Black River. Fishing report catches also included; brown trout, rainbow trout, salmon, steelhead and whitefish. Gregory A.D. conducted the first underwater site review on May 10 th All in-water habitat structures and wave abatement piles showed no changes since the December 2013 post-construction, pre-winter assessment. Species abundance in the Upper St. Clair River in the early spring is typically low. Many common river species which overwinter in Lakes Huron and St. Clair do not appear in abundance until water temperatures rise above 55 F. Dense schools of shiners primarily emerald were documented utilizing the nearshore and WAP structures. (Cover Image) A small school of yellow perch was documented under the ferry dock area. This school appeared to consist primarily of young of year fish which demonstrates juvenile nursery habitat utilization of the site. (Video DSR F #) Two final underwater site assessments were conducted on June 10 th The first review was conducted from 1-3pm and the second was completed at 11pm to midnight. These assessments were competed on the same day in an effort to provide a fisheries habitat utilization review which was a comprehensive as possible. Assessment methodology was consistent with all previous reviews. The June 10 th daytime assessment documented a healthy variety of species site utilization. (See Post-Restoration Index) Continuous streams of emerald shiners flowed through the site. Adult and juvenile yellow perch were documented throughout the nearshore zone. (Image?) Horny head chub were documented for the first time on this site. Log perch were filmed schooling in the shallows and a single crayfish was sighted on the inside of the WAP structures. A walleye was seen swimming between two offshore WAP s. (Image #) This individual appeared to be utilizing the site rather than simply passing through as was more typically noted prior to restoration. An adult smallmouth bass was documented utilizing a newly installed deep water TAP structure. (Image?) The eastern or deep water side of the WAP structures showed no utilization by aquatic species. No rock bass were observed on site during the daytime reviews. (Video DSR F #)

7 6 Final Restoration Reviews, Cont The June 10 th nocturnal review revealed a significantly higher fisheries utilization of the Desmond Shoreline nearshore area than was documented during the daytime review. The deep water side of the WAP structures was the only area which did not appear to have any change or increase in utilization. However the quiet water, nearshore zone on the interior of the WAP structures was being heavily utilized by adult and juvenile species. (See Post- Restoration Utilization Index) Approximately three individual fish were noted per every square yard of substrate in 6 to 3 feet of water. Utilization included adults and juveniles comprised of a majority of the species listed in the Species Presence Index. (Page 8) A significantly higher concentration of horny head chub, log perch and yellow perch was documented on the night review. Over two dozen rock bass were filmed resting in as shallow as 6 of water at the Pebble beach area. The large number of rock bass utilizing the site at night was interesting given no individuals were documented or seen by Mr. Lashbrook during the day. A 3 to 4 foot muskellunge was filmed resting in the shallow grassy area. (Video DSR F #) In addition to the emerald shiners which continued to school near the surface, Mr. Thomas identified two other species resting on bottom: sand shiner and spot tail shiner. (Video DSR F #) Adult river red horse and spotted suckers were documented resting on bottom. Spotted suckers are classified as a species of Special Concern by the Canadian government. (Image?, Video DSR F #) Several juvenile suckers were documented however making species specific identifications was challenging via video review alone. Mudpuppies which are a nocturnal species were actively utilizing the nearshore area. Three young adults were found within one small section of rocky habitat north of the Pebble Beach area. (Image? Video DSR F #) It is possible that walleye and other nocturnal predators may have avoided the underwater lights used during the nighttime assessments. No crayfish were documented during the nighttime review.

8 7 TAP Project Summary Pre-restoration assessments of the Desmond Shoreline site revealed a lack of adequate deep water shady habitat and limited shallow water overhead protective cover for aquatic species. Overhead protective cover and nearshore shady habitat can be challenging to create particularly on urban restoration projects. Trees, which historically provided shady habitat along river banks, have been replanted as part of the restoration project; however these new plantings will take several years to become established enough to provide nearshore overhead shelter. Gregory A.D. recommended the implementation of Tubular Aquatic Protection (TAP) structures to address the need for immediate restoration of nearshore and deep water shade and protective habitat. A total of ten TAP structures were installed as part of the restorations. They created immediate access to deep water and nearshore shady habitat within the Desmond Shoreline project area. The tubular profile of the TAP habitats was chosen based on decades of underwater documentation by Gregory A.D. of marine species repeatedly seeking out doomed and tubular shelters. (Video DSR P #9) No utilization of the shallow water sites was documented before the completion date of this project assessment, however anticipate rock bass, mudpuppy and minnows may use throughout the summer and fall. The June 10 th underwater assessment documented immediate utilization of a deep water TAP structure by an adult smallmouth bass. Smallmouths are a popular and therefore important sport fish for this area. (Image?, Video DRS F #) Bass ut utilizing TAP habitats

9 8 Fishery Assessment Species Presence The St. Clair River is a connecting waterway between the upper and lower Great lakes and is heavily utilized by a diverse group of marine species moving through the system. Additionally, this critical corridor provides support for a wide range of resident species. The Desmond Shoreline Restoration Project was focused primarily on improving habitat for resident marine species. In an effort to differentiate between transient and resident species a site specific index of species presence within the Desmond Shoreline project area was compiled. Experiential site knowledge from Greg Lashbrook, Gregory A.D. in corroboration with Mike Thomas, MDNR was used to assemble the Species Presence Index (page 8) which categorizes marine species according to frequency of observation along the Desmond Shoreline. This index is intended to provide a means of quantifying project outcomes by establishing a baseline of species presence which in turn permits a more precise assessment of the overall fishery restoration outcomes. The extensive list of species known to utilize this section of the Upper St. Clair River required a site specific approach be taken when indexing marine species presence along the Desmond Shoreline Project Area. For example, tens of thousands of lake sturgeon spawn under the Blue Water Bridges approximately 3 miles upstream of this project area. However, adult lake sturgeons have never been documented within the Desmond Shoreline Project Area. Therefore, although adult lake sturgeons are generally considered common in the Upper St. Clair River area, their presence is rare within the Desmond Shoreline Restoration Project area specifically. Each species was placed into one of three categories: Common, Uncommon or Rare. For the purposes of this report, the term season refers to; spring through fall when the marine species are most active and abundant. Common refers to species that require little effort to locate; and or can be observed at all times throughout the season. For example, smallmouth bass have been categorized as common. This species was documented throughout the project area on each underwater review, without Mr. Lashbrook having to actively seek them out. Other species such as crayfish can be more difficult to locate, however with a basic understanding of habitat usage they can typically be observed throughout the season. Some species such as Walleye are not found in abundance throughout the season however they regularly utilize the shoreline in the early spring for staging prior to spawning in Black River. Uncommon refers to species that have been documented on site but are not readily located. For example, amphipods or scuds can be found throughout the season along the Desmond Shoreline project area, however locating them requires a comprehensive understanding of habitat utilization. Rare refers to transient; and or species not known to utilize the project area. For example: burbot have been observed by Mr. Lashbrook within the project area but the sights have been rare and the individual fish were moving quickly through the area and have not been documented utilizing the site.

10 9 Species Presence Index The following index categories fishery species presence within the Desmond Shoreline Project Area specifically. The index categories have been defined as: Common - no effort required to locate; can be observed at all times throughout the season Uncommon present but not readily located Rare transient; non-permanent species Species in the Project Area Common Uncommon Rare Amphipods (Scuds) Bass Rock, Smallmouth, White Largemouth Burbot Carp Catfish Channel, Northern Madtom Brown Bullhead Chub Horny Head Clams all native species Crayfish Darters Rainbow Freshwater Drum (Sheephead) Gar Longnose Goby Round (invasive) Hydra Lamprey Silver Sea (invasive) Minnows and Shiners Mudpuppy Muskellunge Mussels Zebra, Quagga (invasives) Perch Log, Yellow, White Sculpin Mottled Shad Gizzard Smelt - rainbow Sponge Stickleback three and five spine Sturgeon Lake Suckers River redhorse, White Longnose, N. Hog, Spotted Sunfish Bluegill, Pumpkinseed Longear Trout Brown, Rainbow, Steelhead Troutperch Walleye Whitefish

11 10 Fishery Assessment Habitat Utilization One of the principal objectives of the Desmond Shoreline fishery restorations was to increase habitat utilization by marine species within the project area. Pre-restoration assessments completed by Gregory A.D. revealed low utilization by a majority of species identified in the Species Presence Index (page 8). Healthy nearshore fisheries provide marine species with the opportunity for a diversity of habitat utilizations. A high diversity of habitat utilization by a wide variety of marine species was a restoration goal. Restoration efforts concentrated on habitat enhancements which increased support for the all aspects of habitat utilization from nesting and spawning to nocturnal foraging. Pre and Post Restoration Fishery Utilization Indexes (page 11 & 12) were compiled from underwater observations and documentation by Greg Lashbrook, Gregory A.D. and expert knowledge from Mike Thomas, fisheries biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. These indexes are intended to provide a qualitative means to quantify the fishery habitat restorations and assess the overall fishery habitat restoration outcomes. Fishery habitat restorations focused on Common and Uncommon native species as listed in the Species Presence Index. Rare species were not targeted for restoration and therefore were not included in the pre and post restoration Fishery Utilization Indexes. Fisheries utilization of the Desmond Shoreline by the previously defined species of interest was qualified into three primary categories of usage; Habitat, Life Cycle or Food. Each category was then further delineated by specific type of behavior. For example, Habitat includes behaviors such as the use of protective cover to avoid predation and or seeking out shallow water areas for nocturnal resting. Life Cycle utilization includes the full range of reproductive behaviors from staging and nesting adults to nursery habitat for juveniles. Food denotes the availability of species to find appropriate feeding opportunities.

12 11 Fishery Assessment Habitat Utilization, Cont. Fishery habitat utilization of the Desmond Shoreline project area was categorized by species and type of behavior. Each type of utilization was placed into one of three categories: Habitat, Life Cycle or Food. For the purposes of this report, the term season refers to; spring through fall when marine species are most active and abundant at this site. Red denotes documented utilizations. Habitat pre-restoration assessments competed by Gregory A.D. identified a need for increased availability of marine species to find cover from and for predation, quiet water areas for nocturnal resting and shady habitat. C denotes cover which varies by species. For example; emerald shiners use the nearshore woody habitat for overhead cover from predation, while walleye and smallmouth bass utilize the deeper water wave abatement rock piles as stalking cover for predation; nocturnal species like crayfish and mudpuppy seek out crevices and covered areas for shelter during the day. NR denotes nocturnal resting which is a critical but frequently overlooked habitat need. (Image?) Nearshore shallow water resting habitat is critical for a healthy fishery. The majority of the species catalogued in the Species Presence Index (Page 8) seek out quiet water areas to sleep or rest at night. SH denotes shade or shady habitat which was virtually nonexistent prerestoration. Post-restoration shady habitat includes the newly installed TAP structures, nearshore woody habitat and the existing ferry dock platform. Life Cycle restoration goals aimed to increase access for nesting, spawning, staging and nursery habitat. J denotes outcomes for juveniles only. For example; although lake sturgeon adults are not expected to utilize this site, there is some expectation that young of year sturgeon may. NA denotes nesting adults. For example; smallmouth bass and mudpuppy establish and guard nesting sites NJ denotes nursery for juveniles SP denotes spawning ST denotes staging prior to spawning Food refers to utilization of the site by species of interest for feeding. Some species such as freshwater drum and river redhorse suckers search through the substrate for benthic invertebrates. While predators like smallmouth and white bass are drawn into the area by schooling bait fish.

13 12 Pre-Restoration Utilization Index Habitat access to protective cover, shade and nocturnal resting Life Cycle support for adult staging to nursery habitat Food availability *C - Cover *G Grasses *J - Juveniles only *NA - Nesting Adults *NF Nocturnal Foraging *NJ - Nursery for Juveniles *NR - Nocturnal Resting *SP - Spawning *ST - Staging prior to spawning *Red indicates documented outcomes Species in the Project Area Habitat Life Cycle Food Amphipods (scuds) Bass Rock White Smallmouth Carp Catfish Channel Northern Madtom (endangered) Chub Horny Head Crayfish Freshwater Drum (Sheephead) Gar Longnose NR NA C G Goby Round (invasive) NR NA Mudpuppy NF Muskellunge G Perch Log Yellow G White Shad Gizzard ST Shiners Emerald, Sand, Spot tail C,G Smelt rainbow Stickleback Sturgeon Lake Suckers River Redhorse, Spotted NR Sunfish Bluegill, Pumpkinseed Trout Brown, Rainbow, Steelhead Walleye Whitefish ST ST ST

14 13 Post Restoration Utilization Index Habitat increased access to protective cover, shade and nocturnal resting Life Cycle increased support for adult staging to nursery habitat. Food increased availability *C - Cover *J - Juveniles only *NA - Nesting Adults *NF Nocturnal Foraging *NJ - Nursery for Juveniles *NR - Nocturnal Resting *SH - Shade *SP - Spawning *ST - Staging prior to spawning *Red indicates documented outcomes Species in the Project Area Habitat Life Cycle Food Amphipods (Scuds) C Bass Rock Silver Smallmouth C,NR,SH C C,NR,SH NJ NA,NJ Carp SP Catfish Channel Northern Madtom (endangered) C,SH C J NA,NF Chub Horny Headed NR,SH Crayfish C NA,NF,NJ Freshwater Drum (Sheephead) Gar Long Nosed C Goby Round (invasive) C,NR NA,NJ Mudpuppy C NA,NF,NJ Muskellunge NR Perch Log C,NR Yellow C,NR SP,NJ White C Shad Gizzard Shiners Emerald, Sand, Spot tail C, NR Smelt Rainbow C, J-NR Steelhead C ST Stickleback C Sturgeon Lake J-C NJ Suckers Redhorse, Spotted NR, J-NR Sunfish Bluegill, Longear, Pumpkinseed C NA,NJ Trout Brown, Rainbow C ST Walleye C ST,NJ Whitefish ST

15 14 Desmond Shoreline Restoration Project Summary Quote BPAC Delisting goals A Desmond Shoreline Restoration project goal was to assist with the delisting of the Fish and Wildlife Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI) in the St. Clair River (SCR) Area of Concern (AOC). Gregory A.D. compiled a pre-restoration site assessment in July Historical and existing fisheries utilization of the Desmond Landing site was noted as was a known staging area for sport fish who utilize the Black River to spawn. A comprehensive understanding of aquatic species utilization of the Desmond Shoreline site was an important restoration tool for the project design team. The Desmond Shoreline in-water restorations were designed to enhance historically utilized areas while addressing additional habitat utilization needs established by experiential data and pre-restoration site assessments. Pre-restoration underwater reviews revealed the site received a significant sediment load from the Black River. The soft substrate at the northern boundary of the project area measured over 6 feet deep. The majority of substrate in the project area appeared to be comprised of loose, material with sparse to dense native aquatic plant beds. Enhancement of the sport fish staging areas; the addition of overhead protective cover and shady habitat; and creation of protected, nearshore, shallow water habitat were the primary needs identified for fisheries restorations at the Desmond Landing site. (Image?, Video DSR pre clip of deep mucky bottom and no fish) Post-restoration reviews demonstrated the in-water restorations created a mixture of habitat areas which have provided native species with a wider array of habitat utilization options, thereby increasing the overall utilization of the site (see Post-Restoration Utilization Index). The project design team did an excellent job of weighting fishery needs with practical applications. The restoration contractor was cautious throughout the restoration process to minimize negative impacts to existing habitat and marine life. (Image #, Video DSR F #) The offshore wave abatement piles (WAP) are fulfilling multiple objectives. The rock piles have created a protected nearshore zone which was immediate utilized by adult and juvenile fish. Dense schools of emerald shiners were documented using the WAP for protection from

16 15 predation. Walleye and smallmouth bass were documented moving between the deep and shallow water areas. (Video DSR F#) The use of armor stones formed large interspatial areas underwater, which provide excellent protective shelter for marine species. Two to three foot spaces throughout the reefs allow marine species access to move from the deeper waters of the St. Clair River channel into the new shallow water zone. Increased utilization of the Desmond Shoreline project area by sport fish was a project restoration goal. (Image?, Video DSR?) New native plantings on the riverbank will recreate the natural shoreline overhead protection; however some plant species may take up to a decade to reach the height needed to provide the desired shady habitat. Woody habitat structures were installed underwater along the restoration shoreline to address the need for shallow water overhead protection. These tree roots were immediately utilized by schooling bait fish primarily emerald shiners. The December 5 th underwater review documented adult and juvenile emerald shiners still on site utilizing the woody habitat. These remnant fish will increase the food available to over-wintering birds such as common mergansers and redneck grebes which are known to utilize the Desmond shoreline. Adult shiners are rarely observed after mid-october in the Upper St. Clair River; therefore, their presence is an indication of increased fishery habitat utilization of the Desmond shoreline by native species of interest. Increased access to overhead protective cover was a Desmond Shoreline restoration goal. (Image?, Video DSR P #6) Tubular Aquatic Protection (TAP) habitat structures were implemented for the first time as part of the Desmond Landing Shoreline Restoration. Design and selection of the structures was based on decades of underwater observations by Gregory A.D. documenting native species selecting domed habitats. (Video DSR P #9) The new TAP structures provide aquatic species with

17 16 protective cover and immediate shady habitat. TAP structures installed on site ranged in diameter: 24 (1), 48 (7), 60 (2). Larger diameter tubes were selected to provide adequate space for schooling fish such as shad to easily swim through the passageway. Smallmouth bass documented utilizing a deep water TAP. Smallmouth bass are known to prefer nesting near underwater structures. This individual was returned to the TAP multiple times. This behavior would be in line with an adult selecting and establishing a nesting site. Increased utilization of the Desmond Shoreline area for nesting was a restoration goal. (Video DSR F #show bass using TAP) The nearshore zone is critical fisheries habitat. The Desmond Shoreline Restorations will contribute to the delisting of the fish and wildlife BUI by creating a larger variety of habitat which offers more opportunities for utilizations. The density of species utilization documented at night illustrates the need for quiet, shallow water, nearshore restorations. Documentation a spotted sucker is of particular note as they are listed as a species of Special Concern in Canada. Given that the SCR AOC is a bi-national advisory council, US and Canadian representatives have worked closely together to achieve delisting of the SCR as an AOC. Finalize - Bit too early to say positively that the number of emerald shiners on site will see an increase in recruitment but underwater assessments documented heavy utilization of the new in-water protective habitat. Increasing the quantity of prey on site benefits the entire food chain. (Image?, Video DRS F#) Elodea, clasping leaf pond weed, sago pond weed Final summaries Comments and input please -

18 17 Finalize Video Footage Reference Key i Video Clip name, length (minutes: seconds), description of footage DSR P #1 (:30) Young of Year (YOY) utilizing the newly restored nearshore zone DSR P #2 (1:16) North reef review December 5 th 2013 DSR P #3 (:30) South reef review December 5 th 2013 DSR - P #4 (:30) New growth of native grasses in the nearshore zone DSR- P #5 (:29) New growth of native grasses in the nearshore zone DSR P #6 (:46) New woody habitat in the shallow water zone DSR P #7 (:34) Piling and new grasses in the shallow water zone DSR P #8 (:43) Large interspatial areas within the newly designed wave abatement rock piles DSR P #9 (:32) Historical footage of native species utilizing domed habitat DSR - P#10 (2:00) TAP structures at the southern end of the project area DSR P #11 (:28) Outdoor Classroom and nearshore zone DSR P #1 2 DSR P #1 3 DSR P #14 (2:39) TAP structures off the Outdoor Classroom area (2:00) Control reef north of the Phase I beach area (1:35) Shoreline restorations at the Outdoor Classroom area 1 NOTE: THE ST. CLAIR RIVER S CURRENT PROVIDES CONSTANT, DIRECTIONAL ORIENTATION. WATCH PARTICLES, SILT AND GRASSES TO ESTABLISH NORTH.

19 18 Finalize Still Image Reference Key Image name and descriptor Cover TAP habitat structure post restorations Image 1 - Walleye are known to stage in the nearshore zone along the Desmond shoreline Image 2 - Pre restoration native grasses off the Desmond Landing shoreline Image 3 - Desmond Landing shoreline restorations summer 2013 Image 4 Shoreline restorations at the Outdoor Classroom Image 5 - New woody habitat installed in the shallow water zone Image 6 - Wave abatement rock piles contain large interspatial areas Image 7 - TAP structures were installed at the south end of the project area Image 8- TAP structures are aligned in the nearshore zone at the north end of the project area Image 9 TAP structures on site prior to installation Image 10 TAP structures set with random orientations Image 11 TAP structures create a underwater passageway off the Outdoor Classroom Image 12 Yellow perch in the nearshore zone Image 13 Shoreline restorations in the summer of 2013 Image 14 New rocky habitat showing sedimentation Image 15 TAP structures sitting level with the substrate Image 16 New grass growth throughout the nearshore zone Image 17 Native grass plugs inside the TAP habitat structures