NC0000272_Report (Appendix C)_20181113

APPENDIX C
1. Aquatic Species Reintroductions in the Pigeon River,
North Carolina
Progress Report
2006-2010
(2012 Biological Assessment)
2. Table of Fish Species Re -introductions into the Pigeon
River, North Carolina 2004-2013
Prepared for:
Blue Ridge Paper Products Inc.
Canton, NC 28716
Prepared by:
University of Tennessee
Institute of Agriculture
Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries
Dr. J. Larry Wilson, PhD — Principal Investigator
244 Ellington Plant Sciences Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-4563
December 2013

Aquatic Species Reintroductions in the Pigeon River,
North Carolina
Progress Report
2006-2010
Steve Fraley
T.R. Russ
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
and
Joyce Coombs
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
November 22, 2010

Background
The Pigeon River is a major tributary of the French Broad River that arises in
Haywood Co., NC and flows northward to its confluence with the French Broad (Douglas
Reservoir) near Newport, Tennessee. Throughout most of the twentieth century, the
Pigeon River suffered severe impacts from effluent released from a paper mill at Canton,
NC. Water quality began to improve in the mid-1990's when Champion International
began a major modernization of their production and waste water treatment processes.
The mill was sold to Blue Ridge Paper Products (BRPP) in 1999 and improvements
continued. Fish species richness and abundance increased as aquatic communities began
to recover and fish re -colonized the mainstem Pigeon. As habitat conditions continued to
improve in the Tennessee reach, monitoring indicated that a number of fish species were
not returning as expected. Further investigation showed that many species that had
historically inhabited the mainstem Pigeon River were absent from tributaries or
elsewhere with a direct route for natural recolonization.
Efforts to restore aquatic species began in the Tennessee reach in 2001 and in the
affected reach in North Carolina in 2003. This report updates progress since 2005. See
2006 progress report for more detailed background information and activities in North
Carolina during 2003-2005.
2006
Steering Committee Meeting: The third meeting of the Pigeon River fish restoration
steering committee was held on March 16 at BRPP in Canton and was attended by 19
partners and stakeholders (Table 1). Updates were presented and plans for the next two
years were finalized. Fish sampling by Progress Energy in 2004 at Hepco, in the lower
section of our target reach, collected tangerine darter (Percina aurantiaca), black
redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei), and warpaint shiner (Luxilus coccogenis) for the first
time at that site. Planning included: Striped shiner (Luxilus chrysocephalus), Tennessee
shiner (Notropis leuciodus), and mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi) were added to the
priority list of candidates for reintroduction. Saffron shiners (N. rubricroceus) were
removed from the priority list due to low numbers available for translocation and
perceived habitat deficiencies in the target reach. New release sites for shiners (mouth of

Crabtree Cr. and Irontree Golf Course), as well as new collection sites for gilt darters
(Percina evides) were identified. Late translocations were rescheduled from August to
October to avoid higher temperatures and to collect larger YOY fish to hopefully
minimize mortalities.
We received updates on two research projects. Mike Lavoie, MS student at
Western Carolina Univ., presented preliminary results from his research into patterns of
larval fish drift upstream and downstream from putative physical and thermal barriers
associated with the BRPP paper mill (supported by NC State Wildlife Grant funds and
Pigeon River Fund). Nine hundred twenty eight drift net samples were taken during
spring -fall 2005. Spikes of larval fish abundance occurred in May (predominately
suckers), June (more darters), and August (mostly sunfish and catfish). Numbers were
lowest below the low head dams. Larval darter densities were 3-4 times higher at the
upstream site than at the lower two sites, downstream from barriers. Mike anticipated
completing his thesis in summer 2006. Mike Gaugler, PhD student at University of
Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) presented a description of his application of new habitat
mapping technology (supported by Pigeon River Fund and UTK). Canoe -mounted, GPS-
integrated underwater video and acoustic Doppler velocimeter gear will be used to map
habitat in a 26.5 mile reach of the upper Pigeon River (up and downstream of BRPP).
Data collected will include substrate characteristics, depth, flow velocities, and perhaps
direct observations of fish -habitat associations. Mapping is to begin in April and have
deliverables by summer. Deliverables include print materials, CD's, and DVDs that can
be used in GIS applications and video interpretation of instream impacts from land use
practices, etc.
Several folks from the NC Division of Water Quality, Asheville Field Office were
invited to share information about non -point source impacts to water quality from
throughout the watershed. Sources of sediment and nutrient enrichment were discussed,
including permitted livestock operations and land applications of animal waste. Chris
Cooper (TVA) and Eric Romanizsn (Haywood Waterways Assoc.) reported that an
Integrated Pollutant Source Identification (IPSI) analysis of the Pigeon watershed in NC
above Waterville Reservoir will be done this year to update, and for comparison to, the
first iteration done in 1999. Other topics discussed included a proposed cooperative

outreach project with Haywood Co. Schools to put striped shiners (Luxilus
chrysocephalus) in aquaria in classrooms and attempt to spawn them in captivity for
release in the Pigeon. There was interest in pursuing it and Eric Romanizsn and Bob
Williams (BRPP) volunteered to contact the Haywood Co. school system and other
potential partners.
Translocations: In early April, cooperators from NCWRC (West AWD & District 9),
UTK, Haywood Community College, and TN Dept. of Environment and Conservation
(TDEC) collected 583 mirror shiners (Notropis spectrunculus) from the upper Pigeon
River, 306 silver shiners (N. photogenis) and 238 telescope shiners (N. telescopus) from
Cosby Creek, TN, and 60 gilt darters from Mills River and Boylston Creels (see Table 2).
All fish were released in the Pigeon River reach between Crabtree Creek and Ferguson
Bridge. Target fishes were again translocated to the Pigeon River in early October.
Cooperators from NCWRC, UTK, Haywood Comm. College, TDEC, and NC Division of
Water Quality (NCDWQ) collected 1608 mirror shiners from upper Pigeon River, 214
telescope shiners and 149 silver shiners from Cosby Creek, TN, and 92 gilt darters from
the upper French Broad River at Rosman. Shiners were released in the Pigeon River near
the mouth of Crabtree Creek and darters were released upstream from NC 209 crossing,
near Irontree golf course (see Table 2).
Assessments: In August, NCWRC and cooperators from UTK, US Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS), NC Natural Heritage Project (NCNHP), Tennessee Valley Authority
(TVA), and Haywood Waterways Association performed monitoring surveys for re-
introduced fishes in reaches of the Pigeon River at and near release sites. Silver shiners
were found in good numbers from over a mile below and above our release sites —over 4
river miles total. Mirror shiners and telescope shiners were found at and between the
release sites (about 2 river miles). One tagged male gilt darter that was released in
August 2005 was recovered at the Irontree release site (Pigeon River mile [PRM] 52.2).
This is the first recovery of a gilt darter since re -introductions of that species began in
spring 2005. No saffron shiners were recovered. Based on this and last year's
monitoring data, silver shiners appear to be well established in the Riverside reach and

releases of this species will be shifted to other parts of the river in subsequent re-
introduction efforts.
Hayivood Co. schools striped shiner project: We met with personnel from Haywood
County Schools and Blue Ridge Paper to gauge interest and determine scope of proposed
striped shiner propagation project. Three Haywood County school teachers (one
elementary, middle, and high) and one from Bethel Christian Academy, Canton, and their
students have committed to care for striped shiners in aquaria in their classrooms and
attempt to spawn and rear the young. Blue Ridge Paper agreed to purchase the necessary
equipment. Western AWD staff will help direct the project and collect fish this fall, as
well as provide financial support (through State Wildlife Grant) for technical assistance
from Conservation Fisheries, Inc. (CFI, a private, non-profit rare fish hatchery in
Knoxville, TN). Other cooperators include Kathy Boydston, Water Quality Curriculum
Coordinator for Haywood County Schools (who serves to coordinate the project and
support the teachers —position supported by the Pigeon River Fund) and Gail Heathman,
Education Coordinator, Haywood Soil and Water Conservation District.
With assistance from CFI, aquaria were set-up in four Haywood County
classrooms and stocked with striped shiners from the Cane River system in October.
Classes will learn water quality and biology lessons through captive husbandry of these
adult fishes and attempt to spawn and rear young. The adults and any progeny will be
released in the Pigeon River next summer.
2007
Translocations: Again in early April, cooperators from NCWRC (West AWD & District
9), UTK, TDEC, and Haywood Community College translocated 153 silver shiners, 172
telescope shiners, 609 Tennessee shiners, 1,369 mirror shiners and 87 gilt darters to the
Pigeon River in NC from source sites in TN and NC. All fish were released near PRM
52.2. Due to low water and stressed source populations caused by severe drought, fall
translocations were cancelled for 2007.

Assessments: Annual surveys to assess the status of reintroduced and other fishes were
completed in August with assistance from UTK and BRPP cooperators. Silver and
telescope shiners appear to be well established. Good numbers from multiple year
classes were collected over several river miles. Mirror shiners were recovered again in
the vicinity of the release sites, but no expansion of their population was evident.
Tennessee shiners, released for the first time this spring, were recovered near where they
were released. One untagged female gilt darter was collected, apparently the result of
successful reproduction and recruitment. Tangerine darters, though not reintroduced,
appear to have increased in numbers and were found to be relatively common in
appropriate habitats.
Fish kill. In September, Western A" staff assisted District 9 staff with the
investigation of a fish kill on the Pigeon River below the Blue Ridge Paper Mill, Canton,
NC. Approximately 8,400 fish were estimated killed, including an estimated 925
tangerine darters. Also among the dead fish recovered and identified were two silver
shiners, which represents the first record of that reintroduced species that far up the river
(Pigeon River mile 60), nearly 8 river miles upstream from the nearest reintroduction site.
Due to severe drought, the Pigeon River was at historically low levels and water
temperature was elevated. The kill appeared to be due to a thermal spike related to
effluent from the mill. No dead fish were observed upstream or beyond 3.5 miles
downstream from the paper mill.
Haywood Co. schools striped shiner project: The first year of the Haywood County
classroom striped shiner propagation effort ended with the successful release of 27 adults
into the Pigeon River, near the mouth of Crabtree Cr. (PRM 49.8). Students that cared
for the fish attended and helped release fish. Under guidance from CFI, and following
advice from other fish culturists, photoperiod was manipulated, feeding was adjusted, and
spawning substrate was provided beginning in late winter, in an attempt to coax them into
spawning within the school year. In the wild, striped shiners spawn in late spring and
summer. Unfortunately, there was no successful spawning in the classrooms, but fish
husbandry was a focal point around which water quality, biology, chemistry, and ecology

lessons were taught. Plans were made to continue the project through the next school
year.
In October, Western AWD staff again collected striped shiners from Prices Creek,
Yancey Co. and put them in aquaria in Haywood Co. classrooms. Cooperation with the
Haywood Co. School system continued with an additional school participating this year:
Riverbend Elementary School, along with Canton Middle School, Jonathan Valley
Elementary School, Tuscola High School, and Bethel Christian Academy. Fish will be
held until the end of the school year, providing opportunities for hands-on water quality,
chemistry, biology, and other lessons in the classroom. Students will also attempt to
manipulate environmental conditions to induce the shiners to spawn in captivity,
hopefully providing additional fish for reintroduction to the Pigeon River.
2008
Steering Committee Meeting: A biennial meeting of the ad hoc steering committee for
our cooperative Pigeon River fish restoration efforts was held at BRPP in Canton on
March 5. It was attended by cooperators from NCWRC, BRPP, UTK, NCDWQ,
Western Carolina University (WCU), and Haywood Waterways Association. Updates
were presented, progress since our 2006 meeting was reviewed, and potential changes in
implementation were discussed. The reproducing and expanding population of re-
introduced silver shiners was deemed to be re-established over approximately 8 miles of
our target reach, and stocking of this species will cease following 2008 releases. Plans
for the next two years include additions of a new release site in the lower portion of the
target reach at Hepco Bridge (Pigeon River mile 42.5) and three new target species for
reintroduction were identified (bigeye chub, Hybopsis amblops; banded darter,
Etheostoma zonale; and highland shiner, N. micropteryx). Due to poor recovery of mirror
shiners following releases in the mainstem, we also decided to move their release to
lower Jonathan Creek, a tributary in the lower target reach. It is believed that there may
be greater likelihood for reestablishing this species there and subsequently, they could
recolonize the Pigeon River if conditions become more suitable over time.
Other updates and topics discussed included: In July 2007, Evergreen Paper
(owned by Rank Group of New Zealand) purchased Blue Ridge Paper Products, but they

will continue to do business as BRPP. Dr. Tom Martin (WCU) distributed copies of
Mike Lavoie's thesis (studied larval fish as related to barriers, Pigeon R.). Conclusion
was that low head dams negatively affected downstream drift of darter and shiner larvae.
BRPP, NCDWQ, and NCWRC personnel provided information about the fish kill in
September 2007. Haywood Waterways and TVA have completed Integrated Pollution
Source Inventory (IPSI) analyses in the Pigeon watershed. Eroding stream banks and
roads were again identified as the first and second greatest sources of sediment. Striped
shiner project was discussed and difficulties in inducing spawning were cited as reasons
to discontinue the effort.
Translocations: In April, cooperators from NCWRC (West AWD & District 9), UTK,
TDEC, Haywood Community College, and USFWS translocated 434 silver shiners, and
250 telescope shiners, 338 Tennessee shiners, 325 mirror shiners and 93 gilt darters to the
Pigeon River in NC from source sites in TN and NC. Silver and telescope shiners were
released at a new site (Hepco, Pigeon River mile 42.5) in the last remaining unoccupied
reach. Mirror shiners were released for the first time in Jonathan Creek, a Pigeon River
tributary. Fall translocations were again cancelled due to concerns related to drought.
Assessments: Annual surveys to assess the status of reintroduced and other fishes were
completed in August with assistance from UTK and Haywood Community College.
Silver shiners and telescope shiners continue to be recovered in good numbers and
multiple size classes. Also, both species were collected several miles upstream of the
nearest release site near the mouth of Richland Creek. Tennessee shiners were recovered
near where they were released. No gilt darters or mirror shiners were recovered.
Haywood Co. schools striped shiner project. The second year of the Haywood County
classroom striped shiner propagation effort was completed with the release of 20 adults
into the Pigeon River. Ms. Nikki Jayne's classroom from Riverbend Elementary School
attended and took part in releasing the fish. There was no reproduction in the classrooms
again this year and unfortunately, all adult fish were lost at one school. While the
attempt to spawn striped shiners for stocking in the Pigeon was ultimately unsuccessful,

other objectives for fish in the classroom were successful and worthwhile. We will cease
working with striped shiners in the schools, but will continue to provide other, native
fishes for classroom aquaria.
WCU mussel project: Western AWD staff initiated a partnership with Dr. Tom Martin
and MS student Caroline Rooney, WCU, to experimentally assess survival and growth of
mussels in the Pigeon River. Support was provided through State Wildlife Grant funds.
The study used an innovative in -situ enclosure developed at Missouri State University to
place mussels in the river at points upstream and downstream of the Evergreen paper mill
at Canton. Wavy -rayed lampmussels (Lampsilis fasciola) propagated at North Carolina
State University (NCSU) and cultured at the NCWRC Table Rock and Marion state
hatcheries were used to gauge the potential for reintroduction in the recovering reach
downstream from the paper mill. This species, as well as the Federal and State
Endangered Appalachian elktoe, presently inhabit the river upstream of the paper mill
only. Several factors potentially inhibit the natural dispersal of mussels downstream as
habitats improve.
2009
Translocations: In early April, Western AWD staff were assisted by cooperators from
UTK, TDEC, Haywood Community College, BRPP, District 9 Fisheries staff, and
NCDWQ to translocate 474 silver shiners, 428 telescope shiners, 518 Tennessee shiners,
276 mirror shiners, and 121 gilt darters to the Pigeon River in NC from source sites in TN
and NC. This was the last translocation of silver and telescope shiners, which have been
deemed restored after assessment surveys have found them in good numbers, of multiple
age classes, and over several river miles from the release sites. Sufficient numbers of
these two species have been translocated to ensure transfer of the majority of the genetic
diversity present in source populations (-3000 fish per species).
In early October, with assistance from several cooperators (UT Knoxville, NC
Div. of Water Quality, RiverLink, UNC Asheville, USFWS), fishes were collected from
three new source sites and released in the recovering reach of the Pigeon River. The
Swannanoa River at Asheville proved to be an excellent source for gilt darters and

Tennessee shiners, but success was limited at sites on the French Broad River and Spring
Creek near Hot Springs due to high flows. In all, we released 958 Tennessee shiners, 144
gilt darters, and 20 telescope shiners, as well as 112 banded darters, 42 highland shiners,
and 12 bigeye chubs, which were reintroduced for the first time during this effort.
Assessments: Annual surveys to assess the status of reintroduced and other fishes were
completed in August with assistance from UTK, District 9 Fisheries staff, and NCDWQ.
Silver shiners and telescope shiners were again collected in multiple size classes, but
overall abundance appeared lower than last year, perhaps due to problems associated with
two years of severe drought. Tennessee shiners were recovered near where they were
released. Gilt darters and mirror shiners were again not seen in the mainstem, but were
collected in lower Richland Cr., a major tributary in the reach targeted for restoration.
Tangerine darters, a WAP priority species that has persisted in the reach (not
reintroduced) was again relatively common with a high proportion of young of the year
captured.
WCU mussel project: Dr. Tom Martin and MS student Caroline Rooney, Western
Carolina University, successfully completed the one-year field portion of our partnership
to assess survival and growth of mussels in the Pigeon River to gauge the potential for
reintroduction in the recovering reach downstream from the paper mill. The study used
in -situ enclosures to place mussels at two control sites upstream and at three experimental
sites downstream of the paper mill at Canton. Survival and growth were monitored
monthly at each site. Results were positive. Juvenile wavy -rayed lampmussels in each
enclosure did well for one year and showed no significant differences in survival;
however, growth rates were greater at the downstream sites, apparently due to higher
temperatures and nutrient levels. Mussels used in this study were products of our
partnership with NCSU and the NCWRC Conservation Aquaculture Center at Marion
State Fish Hatchery to propagate and culture them in captivity. We will continue this
study to assess any affect on reproduction and survival of glochidia (larvae) and early
juveniles concurrent with preparations to rear mussels in numbers and reintroduce this
species to the reach.

Haywood Co. schools fish in classrooms: In October, an assortment of native fishes
(Tuckaseegee darters, Etheostoma gutselli, greenfin darters, Etheostoma
chlorobranchium; warpaint shiners, Luxilus coccogenis; river chubs, Nocomis
micropogon) were collected by Western A" staff and delivered to each participating
classroom. As was the case with striped shiners, husbandry of fishes will be a focal point
around which water quality, biology, chemistry, and ecology lessons will be taught.
However, captive spawning of these fishes will not be attempted. Fishes will be released
in the Pigeon River at the end of the school year.
2010
Steering Committee Meeting: The biennial meeting of our ad hoc steering committee
was held at Blue Ridge Paper/Evergreen Packaging offices in Canton, NC on March 11.
It was attended by a broad group of partners (see Table 1). Updates were given, issues
were discussed, and plans were made for the next two years' activities. No major
changes in approach or implementation were adopted; however, an additional release site
was identified at PRM 61 (near BRP/SP oxygenation station). This was chosen to
address potential barriers to dispersal for some species, including the WWTP outfall at
Richland Cr. confluence and to facilitate colonization of the upper target reach. Since
translocations had been reduced during 2007-08 to spring only due to drought concerns,
and in light of recent assessment results, it was resolved to continue with the current
target species for translocation for the next two years. The logistics of translocating
and/or release of propagated golden redhorse (Moxostoma erythrztrum) were again
discussed and it was identified as the next priority species for focus when feasible.
Feasibility depends on one of the current focal species being deemed reestablished and
determination of effective methods. Opportunities for collection of pre -spawning golden
redhorse and methods for translocation will be assessed in more detail over the next two
years.
Other updates and topics discussed included: An extensive bloom of a fish toxin
producing blue-green algae (Microcystis sp.) was observed in Walters Reservoir during
recent sampling conducted by UTK. While the thesis research portion of WCU's mussel

project was completed, monitoring of survival of wavy -rayed lampmussels in enclosures
both up- and downstream of the paper mill is continuing and the same trends of no
significant differences in survival at all sites and higher growth rates at at least one
downstream site were indicated. Caroline Rooney presented the final results of her thesis
research and copies of the thesis were made available. Completion of the UTK project to
map habitat in the target reach in NC has been delayed, but review and characterization
of video data is now complete and further analyses are in progress and data products
should be made available to cooperators in the near future.
Bryn Tracy and Ed Williams (NCDWQ) presented and discussed their plans for
reintroduction by translocation of a suite of fish species to Richland Creek upstream from
Lake Junaluska. Richland Cr. is a major tributary of the Pigeon River that has suffered
significant water quality impacts historically and has been on the state list of Impaired
Waters (Section 303d, Clean Water Act) since 2002. Impairment was defined by high
levels of fecal coliforms and an impaired fish community. Focused efforts to reduce
fecal coliforms have been successful and levels are now below the minimum level for
impairment. The dam that impounds Lake Junaluska is a barrier to recolonization by
extirpated fishes from lower Richland Cr. and Pigeon River. Thus, reintroductions are
necessary to address impairment of the fish community which is required to remove the
stream from the impaired list. Translocations will begin in spring 2010 (species include
warpaint shiner, river chub, Tuckasegee darter, greenfin darter, fantail darter, Etheostoma
flabellare; and rock bass, Ambloplites rupestris) and activities will be coordinated with
Pigeon River restoration efforts and several of the Pigeon partners will cooperate
(NCWRC, UTK, USFWS, et. al).
Translocations: In early April, Western AWD staff and cooperators from District 9
Fisheries Staff, UTK, USFWS, NCDWQ, University of NC, Asheville, Western Carolina
University, North American Native Fishes Association, Dominion Power, Haywood
Community College, Bays Mountain Park (Kingsport, TN), Catawba River Keeper, NC
Ecosystem Enhancement Program and Western NC Alliance/French Broad Riverkeeper
translocated 588 Tennessee shiners, 392 mirror shiners, 272 highland shiners, 138 gilt
darters, 71 banded darters, and 4 bigeye chubs from source sites in North Carolina to the

Pigeon River and lower Richland and Jonathan creeks. Collections were coordinated
with upper Richland Creek restoration efforts and personnel cooperated to collect target
fishes for both projects.
Again in early October, Western AWD staff and cooperators from UTK, USFWS,
NCDWQ, University of NC, Asheville, Haywood Community College, Haywood
Waterways Assoc., and Western Carolina University, translocated 1062 Tennessee
shiners, 480 mirror shiners, 325 highland shiners, 165 gilt darters, 152 bigeye chubs, and
86 banded darters from source sites in NC to release sites in the target reaches. These
efforts were also coordinated with upper Richland Creek efforts. The new collection sites
in the French Broad River, Swannanoa River, and other French Broad tributaries, proved
to be productive sources for most target species. Total number of fishes translocated
since the project began is now 18,833 (see Table 3).
Assessments: Annual surveys to assess the status of reintroduced and other fishes were
completed in August with assistance from UTK, District 9 Fisheries staff, USFWS,
NCDWQ, and Western NC Alliance/French Broad Riverkeeper. Eight sites on the
mainstem were surveyed, as well as one site each on three tributaries: Richland, Jonathan,
and Crabtree creeks. At least one reintroduced species was recovered at each site.
Silver shiners remained relatively common and were collected at all but one
mainstem site and in lower Richland Cr. in good numbers and multiple year classes.
Total numbers collected at sites where they were present in the sample ranged from 6 to
158 (mean per site where collected= 52). In addition, during both spring and fall
translocation collections, silver shiners were found in the upper Pigeon River upstream
from the putative barriers at the paper mill (first known records in the reach), suggesting
that these barriers may be passable upstream at some time. Telescope shiners were
collected at four mainstream sites and in Crabtree Cr.; however, they were represented by
only one or two specimens at each site. Results continue to indicate rapid recolonization
by Tennessee shiners, which were collected at six mainstem sites and in lower Crabtree
Cr. Number of individuals collected at sites where they were present in the sample
ranged from 1 to 33 (mean= 14). Highland shiners, first released in the Pigeon in

October 2009, were found at two mainstem sites in the lower reach, downstream from
where they were released.
No mirror shiners were collected from the mainstem, but 25 were found in lower
Jonathan Cr., indicating that our shift to stocking that tributary may be a good strategy for
long-term reestablishment. Likewise, we failed to detect any reintroduced darters in the
mainstem, but five gilt darters were collected in lower Richland Creek where releases
were shifted in April 2009. Of these, two were untagged, indicating some level of
reproduction and recruitment. No striped shiners, bigeye chubs, or banded darters were
found.
Mussel reintroduction: Following positive indications from our cooperative study with
WCU, we initiated steps toward propagating and eventual release of wavy -rayed
lampmussels in the target reach. Gravid females were collected from the upper Pigeon
River in spring 2010 and glochidia were propagated in captivity by cooperators at NCSU.
These will be reared for two years at the NCWRC Conservation Aquaculture Center at
Marion State Fish Hatchery before release.
Haywood Co. Schools fish in classrooms: Fishes held over the 2009-2010 school year
were released in the Pigeon River in late May. Following the initiation of NCDWQ's
upper Richland Cr. restoration project, we made a slight shift in approach. Fishes
delivered to classrooms in October 2010 were species targeted for reintroduction in upper
Richland Creek and will be released there near the end of the 2010-2011 school year.
River chubs, Tuckasegee darters, greenfin darters, and warpaint shiners were collected
from Jonathan Creek and delivered to Jonathan Valley Elementary, North Canton
Elementary, Canton Middle, and Tuscola High schools.

Table 1. Steering Committee meeting attendees
Agency/Company
16 March 2006
5 March 2008
11 March 2010
BRPP/Evergreen Packaging
Derric Brown
Derric Brown
Paul Dickens
Paul Dickens
Paul Dickens
Nick McCracken
David Greene
Bob Williams
Haywood Waterways Assoc.
Eric Romaniszyn
Eric Romaniszyn
Eric Romaniszyn
NC Division of Water Quality
Jeff DeBerardinis
Landon Davidson
Bryn Tracy
Keith Haynes
Keith Haynes
Ed Williams
Beverly Price
Bryn Tracy
Bryn Tracy
Ed Williams
NC Natural Heritage Program
Angie Rodgers
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Steve Fraley
Steve Fraley
Doug Besler
Jeff Simmons
T.R. Russ
Steve Fraley
Chris Goudreau
T.R. Russ
Tennessee Valley Authority
Chris Cooper
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Mark Cantrell
Mark Cantrell
Gary Peeples
US Forest Service
Sheryl Bryan
Lorie Stroup
Lorie Stroup
University of Tennessee
Joyce Coombs
Joyce Coombs
Joyce Coombs
Mike Gaugler
Dr. Larry Wilson
Dr. Larry Wilson
Western Carolina University
Mike LaVoie
Dr. Tom Martin
Adric Olsen
Dr. Tom Martin
Caroline Rooney
Western NC Alliance/
French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson

Table 2. Fish released at source sites in Tennessee and North Carolina and introduced to the Pigeon River downstream from Blue
Ridge Paper Mill from April 4, 2006 to October 7, 2010.
Date
Species
N
Source Site
Release Site
4/4/2006
Silver Shiner
306
Cosby Creek, TN
PRM 48
Telescope Shiner
238
Cosby Creek, TN
PRM 48
4/6/2006
Mirror Shiner
583
Pigeon River, RM 64.5
PRM 48
4/7/2006
Gilt Darter
60
Boylston Creek and
PRM 48
Mills River
10/3/2006
Silver Shiner
149
Cosby Creek, TN
PRM 49.8 (Crabtree Cr. confluence)
Telescope Shiner
214
Cosby Creek, TN
PRM 49.8
10/4/2006
Mirror Shiner
1608
Pigeon River, RM 64.5
PRM 49.8
10/5/2006
Gilt Darter
92
Upper French Broad R.
PRM 52.2
4/3/2007
Silver Shiner
160
Cosby Creek, TN
PRM 52.2
Telescope shiner
175
Cosby Creek, TN
PRM 52.2
Tennessee shiner
670
Cosby Creek, TN
PRM 52.2
4/4/2007
Mirror Shiner
1269
Pigeon River, RM 64.5
PRM 52.2
4/5/2007
Gilt darter
87
Upper French Broad R.
PRM 52.2
5/30/2007
Striped shiner
27
Price Cr. (Cane R.)
PRM 49.8
10/16/2007
Striped shiner
63
Price Cr. (Cane R.)
Crabtree Creek, near confluence
Continued

Table 2. Continued.
Date
Species
N
Source Site
Release Site
4/2/2008
Silver Shiner
434
Cosby Creek, TN
PRM 42.6 (Hepco Bridge)
Telescope Shiner
250
Cosby Creek, TN
PRM 42.6
Tennessee shiner
338
Cosby Creek, TN
PRM 49.8
4/3/2008
Gilt Darter
93
Upper French Broad R.
PRM 52.2
4/4/2008
Mirror Shiner
325
Pigeon River, RM 64.5
Jonathan Creek, near confluence
3/30/2009
Silver Shiner
474
Cosby Creek, TN
PRM 42.6
Telescope Shiner
428
Cosby Creek, TN
PRM 42.6
Tennessee shiner
512
Cosby Creek, TN
PRM 42.6
3/31/2009
Mirror Shiner
1608
Pigeon River, RM 64.5
PRM 42.6
4/1/2009
Gilt Darter
121
Upper French Broad R.
Richland Creek, near confluence
10/6/2009
Banded darter
57
Swannanoa R., RM 1.5
PRM 52.2
Tennessee shiner
441
Swannanoa R., RM 1.5
PRM 52.2
Tennessee shiner
442
Swannanoa R., RM 1.5
PRM 49.8
Gilt darter
117
Swannanoa R., RM 1.5
Richland Creek, near confluence
l 0/7/2009
Gilt darter
27
Swannanoa R., RM 1.5
Richland Creek, near confluence
Banded darter
15
Lower French Broad R
PRM 52.2
Banded darter
40
Spring Creek (FB)
PRM 52.2
Tennessee shiner
20
Lower French Broad R.
PRM 49.8
Tennessee shiner
55
Spring Creek (FB)
PRM 52.2
Telescope shiner
20
Lower French Broad R.
PRM 49.8
Bigeye chub
12
Lower French Broad R.
PRM 49.8
Highland shiner
42
Lower French Broad R.
PRM 49.8
Continued

Table 2. Continued.
Date
Species
N
Source Site
Release Site
4/6/2010
Gilt darter
136
Swannanoa R., RM 1.5
Richland Creek, near confluence
Banded darter
52
Swannanoa R., RM 1.5
PRM 52.2
Tennessee shiner
277
Swannanoa R., RM 1.5
PRM 52.2
Bigeye chub
4
Swannanoa R., RM 1.5
PRM 52.2
4/7/2010
Gilt darter
2
Spring Creek (FB)
Richland Creek, near confluence
Banded darter
19
Spring Creek (FB)
PRM 52.2
Tennessee shiner
311
Lower French Broad R.
PRM 49.8
Highland shiner
272
Lower French Broad R.
PRM 49.8
4/8/2010
Mirror shiner
194
Pigeon River, RM 64.5
Jonathan Creek, near confluence
4/9/2010
Mirror shiner
198
Pigeon River, RM 64.5
Jonathan Creek, near confluence
9/28/2010
Mirror shiner
480
Pigeon River, RM 64.5
Jonathan Creek, near confluence
10/5/2010
Gilt darter
82
Swannanoa R., RM 1.5
Richland Creek, near confluence
Banded darter
6
Swannanoa R., RM 1.5
Richland Creek, near confluence
Tennessee shiner
903
Swannanoa R., RM 1.5
PRM 52.2
Bigeye chub
22
Swannanoa R., RM 1.5
PRM 52.2
10/6/2010
Gilt darter
1
Spring Creek (FB)
Richland Creek, near confluence
Banded darter
14
Lower French Broad R.
PRM 49.8
Banded darter
51
Spring Creek (FB)
Richland Creek, near confluence
Tennessee shiner
159
Lower French Broad R
PRM 49.8
Highland shiner
325
Lower French Broad R
PRM 49.8
Bigeye chub
130
Lower French Broad R
PRM 49.8
10/7/2010
Gilt darter
82
Upper French Broad R.
Richland Creek, near confluence
Banded darter
21
Upper French Broad R.
Richland Creek, near confluence

Table 3. Total number of fishes by species released in the Pigeon River or tributaries 2004-2013.
Species Numbers
Mirror shiner
8647*
Tennessee shiner
5766**
Telescope shiner
3231 **
Silver shiner
2595**
Gilt darter
2179***
Highland shiner
1496
Banded darter
766***
Bigeye chub
481
Grand total: 25,161
* Includes releases in mainstem and Jonathan Creek
**Species deemed reestablished
*** Includes releases in mainstem and Richland Creek

RE -INTRODUCED SPECIES: NC
jNo VIE
Tags
collection
Gates
Darter
Redhorse
Chub
Shiner
VIE
tags
Collect
site
release
site
Gilt
Banded
Golden
Bigeye
Highlandl
Mirror
Saffron
Silver
Telescope
TN
Striped
3/11/04
171
78
UPR
FBR
3/30/04
167
275
CC
FBR
8/25/04
318
666
CC
FBR
8/26/041
973
155
JUPR
FBR
3/30/05
1 3121
5051
1
CC
FBR
3/31/05
39
R Pos
BC
GC
4/11/05
20
R Pos
MR
GC
8/23/05
713
85
1
UPR
FBR/CTM
8/24/05
262
460
CC
FBR
8/25/05
25
O ANT
MR
GC
4/4/06
306
238
CC
FBR
4/6/06
583
UPR
FBR
4/7/06
60
R Pos
BC/MR
FBR
10/3/06
149
214
CC
CTM
10/4/06
1608
UPR
CTM
10/5/06
92
Y ANT
FBNC
GC
4/3/07
160
175
670
CC
GC
4/4/07
1269
UPR
GC
4/5/07
87
1
1
1
P ANT
FBNC
GC
5/30/07
27
JPC
CTM
10/16/07
63
JPC
CTC
4/2/08
434
250
ICC IHB
4/2/08
338
CC
CTM
4/3/08
93
R Pos
FBNC
GC
4/4/08
325
UPR
JC
3/30/09
474
428
518
CC
HB
3/31/09
276
UPR
JC
4/1/09
121
Y Pos
IFBNC
RC
10/6/09
57
441
R ANT
SW
GC
10/6/09
117
R ANT
SW
RC
10/6/09
442
SW
CTM
10/7/09
27
"
G ANT
SW
RC
10/7/09
15
G ANT
FBPR
GC
10/7/09
1
12
42
20
20
FBPR
CTM
10/7/09
40
55
G ANT
SC
GC
4/6/10
136
O Pos
SW
RC
4/6/10
52
4
277
O Pos
SW
GC
4/7/10
2
O Pos
SC
RC
4/7/101
19
1 1
10 Pos ISC
GC
4/7/101
1
1
272
1 3111
1 JFBHS
CTM
Totals 1 8191 183
3141 59181 3181 2582
Golden lBigeye Iffighland IMirror Saffron I Silver
Redhorse IChub IShiner
1
32311 3072 90
;ooeI TN I Striped
10/4/2013
VIE Tag Color
R
red
G
green
Y
yellow
O
orange
P
pink
VIE Tag Location
ANT
anterior dorsal fin
POS
posterior dorsal fin
River Source
CC
Cosby Creek. TN
BC
Boylston Creek, NC
FBNC
FB a Rosman.RM217.5
MR
Mills River, NC
UPR
Up Pigeon, RM 64.5
PC
Prices Creek
SW
Swannanoa R.. RM 1.5
FBPR
FB a Paint Rock Cr.
SC
Spring Creek NC
FBHS
FB @ Hot Springs.
FBHI
FB P. Huff Island
FBHR
FB@Hannah Rd., 212.8
N
I Ivy River, near mouth
Release Sites - NC
FBR
IFerguson Br, Riverside
GC
Golf Course, RM 52.5
CTC
Crabtree Creek
CTM
Crabtree Cr., mouth
JC
Jonathan Cr.. mouth
HB
HEPCO Br.. RM 42.6
RC
Rich.Cr. Rd. Bridge
RCW
Rich.Cr. cr Walnut Tr.
PR47
Pigeon R., PRM47.0
RCB
Rich. Cr.@209 Hwy. Br.
RCD
Rich. Cr. below dam
Red VIE depleted

RE -INTRODUCED SPECIES: NC
No VIE
Tags
collectio,
Elates
Darter Redhorse
Chub
Shiner
VIE
tags
Collect
site
release
site
Gilt
Banded
Golden
Bigeye
Highland
Mirror
Silver
Telescope
TN
Pg. 2
819
183
16
314
5918
2582
3231
3072
4/8/10
194
UPR
JC
4/13/10
198
UPR
JC
9/28/10
480
JUPR
JC
1015110
82
6
O ANT
SW
RC
1015110
22
903
SW
GC
10/6/10
14
O ANT
FBHS
RC
10/6/10
130
325
159
FBHS
CTM
10/6/10
1
51
O ANT
SC
RC
10/7/10
82
21
O ANT
FBHR
RC
4/5/11
64
P ANT
FBNC
RC
415111
44
11
P ANT
BC
RC
4/7/11
349
UPR
JC
5/12/I1
10
469
36
FBHS
CTM
10/4/11
67
12
1 720
ISW
PR47
10/4/I1
199
14
P ros
SW
RCW
1015111
72
229
14
FBHS
GC
1015111
74
P ros
FBHS
RCW
10/6/11
901
UPR
JC
4/10/12
13
332
SW
CTM
4/10/12
224
36
YArrr
ISW
RCB
4/11/12
42
118
57
jFBHS
CTC
4/11/12
6
YANT
SC
RCW
10/1/12
352
48
462
Y ros
SW
RCB
10/22/12
300
UPR
JC
10/23/12
25
5
1
FBHS
IRC
10/23/12
131
Y ros
FBHI
RCD*
10/24/12
63
42
49
IV
RC
4/8/13
54
2
R ros
IV
RCW
4/8/13
41
R ros
IV
JC
4/9/13
26
36
CCR
CTM
4/10/13
32
6
R ros
SW
JC
4/18/13
3
PR 10
GC
10/1/13
175
UPR
RCD
10/2/13
6
40
7
R ros
FBHS
PRS
10/3/13
165
6
132
R ros
FBNC
RCD
10/4/13
5
34
R ros
MC
PRS
Totals
2179
766
3
481
1496
86471
1
2595
3231
5766
*10/23/12 - only
Gilt
Banded
Golden
Bigeye
Highland
Mirror
Silver
Telescope
TN
Darter
Redhorse IChub
Shiner
VIE Tag Color
R
red
G
green
Y
yellow
O
orange
P
pink
VIE Tag Location
ANT
lanterior dorsal fin
POS
1posterior dorsal fin
River Source
CC
I Cosby Creek
BC
Boylston Creek, NC
FBNC
FB a Rosman,RM217.5
MR
Mills River, NC
UPR
Up Pigeon, RM 64.5
PC
Prices Creek
SW
Swannanoa R., RM 1.5
FBPR
FB n Paint Rock Cr.
SC
Spring Creek, NC
FBHS
FB (a, Hot Springs
FBHI
FB Huff Island
FBHR
FB Hannah Rd., 212.8
JV
Ivy River, near mouth
CCR
Clear Cr., TN
PR 10
PRM (cry 10.3, TN
MC
Mud Cr. 25/70 Br.
Release Sites - NC
FBR
Ferguson Br, Riverside
GC
Golf Course, RM 52.5
CTC
Crabtree Cr.
CTM
Crabtree Cr., mouth
JC
Jonathan Cr., mouth
HB
HEPCO Br., RM 42.6
RC
Rich.Cr. Rd. Bridge
RCW
Rich.Cr.@Walnut Tr.
PR47
Pigeon R., PRM47.0
RCB
Rich. Cr.@209 Hwy. Br.
RCD
Rich. Cr. below dam
PRS
12nd shoal upstr.Ferg.Br.
40 were tagged