WAT 2014 Fish Community Templates

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Date Station ID Bioclassification
BEAVERDAM CR I SR 1202 105/30/131 LF5 I Poor
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude AU Number Level IV Ecoregion
WATAUGA 1 1 06010103 1 36.278611111 -81.86833333 8-19 Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.
Stream Classification Drainage Area (mi) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m) Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;Tr 20.3 2624 8 0.6 No
Forested/Wetland Urban Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 100 0 0 0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (> 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Qw, MGD)
None I --- I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C)
2Dissolved
Oxygen (mg/L)
R6.3
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
pH (s.u.)
Water Clarity I Clear
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
5
16
5
16
10
7
7
9
3
5
83
Substrate I Boulder, cobble, sand, silt.
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI NCIBI Ratinq
05/30/13
1 2013-35
9
32
Poor
03/23/09
2009-02
7
32
Poor
06/18/08
2008-66
9
36
Fair
05/04/04
2004-36
8
26
Poor
Most Abundant Species, 2013 River Chub (120, 47%) :1 Exotic Species Rainbow Trout (1) and Green Sunfish (1)
Species Change Since Last Cycle Gained -- Green Sunfish (1, first collection ever) and Rainbow Trout (1). Lost -- none.
Data Analysis
-- no municipalities located in the watershed; one NPDES discharger (NC0066991, Qw = 0.0065) located — 2.5 miles upstream; tributary to the
Watauga River, site is located — 0.6 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Landuse 2006 (from USGS,
http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, > 5%) -- 77% forested and 17% cultivated; since 1992, the forested land has decreased from
86% to 77% and the cultivated land has increased from 14% to 17%. Habitat -- high and swift flow; high quality instream and riparian habitat characteristics;
swift runs and riffles; high gradient plunge pools but with an deep deposits of sand along the edges, in the channel, and in the pools; lower reach of the creek
is atypical (gorge -like) whereas much of the stream flows through pasture and minimal canopy cover; very high flows in January, February, April, and early
May 2013 (12 ft. above gage height in February at the Watauga River near Sugar Grove). Water Quality -- specific conductance elevated for a mountain
stream (ranging from 54-77 pS/cm since 2004). 2013 -- number of fish collected declined by 55% between 2008 and 2013 (566 vs. 255); no change in the
NCIBI score or rating between 2009 and 2013; lower than expected scores compared to the regional reference sites for almost all the NCIBI metrics, very
low total species diversity and diversity of cyprinids; Darters+Sculpins+Madtoms absent and have never been collected at this site; relatively high
percentage of tolerant fish, and a skewed trophic structure (51 % Omnivores+Herbivores and 40% Insectivores); reach immediately upstream of the
assessment site is managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, two stocked Rainbow Trout (203 and 258 mm TL) and three stocked
Brook Trout (214-291 mm TL) collected along with one wild Rainbow Trout (175 mm TL). 2004-2013 -- a very species depauperate community, only 10
species known from the site; dominant species is the omnivorous River Chub (33%) indicative of nonpoint source nutrient enrichment; stream is classified as
Tr but no naturally reproducing populations of trout have ever been collected at this lower site, a reproducing population of Rainbow Trout was documented
upstream at the SR 1121 site in 2008. Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, the community continues to be impacted by agricultural and
landuse practices adjacent to the stream in the watershed; continue to monitor this watershed in 2018 to document any changes in landuse practices or from
riparian stream restoration activities.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Date Station ID Bioclassification
COVE CR off SR 1121 105/29/131 LF11 1 Good -Fair
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC
Latitude Longitude
AU Number
Level IV Ecoregion
WATAUGA 1 1 1 06010103 1
36.239451 -81.8214
8-15
1 Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.
Stream Classification Drainage Area (mil)
Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m)
Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C 34.9
2612 1
9
0.5 1 No
Forested/Wetland Urban
Visible Landuse (%) 50 0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)
Agriculture Other (describe)
50 0
NPDES Number Volume (Q., MGD)
None
I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C)
19.1
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
9.8
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
95
pH (s.u.)
7.2
Water Clarity I Clear
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
Sample Date
5
12
4
16
4
2
2
0
2
2
49
Sample ID
Substrate lCobble, gravel, sand
Species Total NCIBI NCIBI Rating
05/29/13
2013-34
13
46
Good -Fair
03/23/09
2009-01
14
40
Good -Fair
06/17/08
2008-63
13
38
Fair
12/02/04
2004-142 (@ SR 1149)
11
Not Rated (Post -hurricane)
05/05/04
2004-38 (@ SR 1149)
13
44
Good -Fair
Most Abundant Species, 2013 Whitetail Shiner (49, 19%) and Margined Exotic Species Margined Madtom (47), Redbreast Sunfish (7),
Madtom (47, 19 /°). and Green Sunfish (3).
Species Change Since Last Cycle Gained -- Tangerine Darter (1, first collection ever). Lost -- Creek Chub (2) and Brown Trout 1).
uaca
This site was re -located in 2008 — 1 mile downstream from the previous basinwide site at SR 1149 to its current location to correspond to the Random
Ambient Monitoring site; site is — 100 ft. upstream from the creek's confluence with the Watauga River. Watershed -- drains north -central Watauga County,
including the northwestern edge of the City of Boone and the US 321/421 corridor; three NPDES dischargers located upstream (NC0032182, NC0036242,
and NC0067008, Total Qw = 0.02 MGD), but further than within one mile of the site. Landuse 2006 (from USGS,
http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, only landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 71 % forest, 17% cultivation, and 9% developed;
since 1992 forested land has decreased from 82% to 71 % and developed land has increased from 1 % to 9%. Habitat -- no change in the poor quality
instream and riparian habitat characteristics for a mountain stream; primarily swift and deep riffles at the high flows that were experienced in 2013; no in -
channel pools; Podostemum in the riffles; eroding and entrenched banks covered only with grasses; no canopy over the stream; very high flows in January,
February, April, and early May 2013 (12 ft. above gage height in February at the Watauga River near Sugar Grove). Water Quality -- the water temperature
was greater than at any other fish community site in the basin indicative of an open canopy throughout much of its watershed; specific conductance was
elevated for a mountain stream and was also the greatest measurement at any fish community site in the basin, has ranged from 93-125 pS/cm. 2013 --
number of fish collected declined by 67% between 2009 and 2013 (777 vs. 253) and by 78% between 2008 and 2013 (1143 vs. 253); for 2013, a 6 point
increase in the NCIBI score was noted, but did not change the rating class due to a more balanced trophic structure, the collection of the intolerant Tangerine
Darter (a migrant form the river); still with lower than expected total species diversity, and diversity of cyprinids, intolerant species, and darters for a stream of
its size. 2004-2013 -- only 16 species known from the site; species that should inhabit the site, but have not yet been collected include Rosyside Dace,
Longnose Dace, White Sucker, and Greenfin Darter, dominant species is the herbivorous Central Stoneroller (48%) which can be very prolific in streams
with an open canopy, abundant periphyton, and nutrient enrichment from nonpoint source runoff; a naturally reproducing population of Brown Trout were
documented in this stream in 2004 and 2008, but not since then. Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, the community continues to be
impacted by agricultural and Ianduse practice in the watershed; continue to monitor this watershed in 2018 to document any changes in Ianduse practices or
from riparian stream restoration activities.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Date Station ID Bioclassification
DUTCH CR SR 1112/NC 194 105/30/131 LF7 I Good -Fair
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude AU Number Level IV Ecoregion
WATAUGA 1 06010103 36,209122 81.778234 8-12-(1.5) Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.
Stream Classification Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m) Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;Tr 1 10.6 2675 9 0.4 No
Forested/Wetland Rural Residential Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 1 15 1 60 0 25 (school)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Qw, MGD)
None I --- I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 15.2
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 9.4
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 52
pH (s.u.) 6.6
Water Clarity IClear
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
4
18
11
14
6
6
6
7
2
2
76
Substrate Cobble, boulder rip/rap at the bridge
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI NCIBI Ratinq
05/30/13
2013-36
17
46
Good -Fair
06/16/08
2008-62
20
44
Good -Fair
05/05/04
2004-39
19
46
Good -Fair
Mountain Redbelly Dace (3), Margined Madtom
Most Abundant Species, 2013 Central Stoneroller (289, 46%) Exotic Species (44), Brown Trout (2), Redbreast Sunfish (4),
Green Sunfish (2).
Species Change Since Last Cycle Gained -- none. Lost -- Rosyside Dace (3)western Blacknose Dace (12), and Rainbow Trout (1).
ua[a Ana
Watershed -- no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Watauga River, site is - 1.1 miles upstream from the creek's
confluence with the river. Landuse 2006 (from USGS, http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, only landuse categories >_ 5% are
reported) -- 86% forest, 8% cultivation, and 5% developed; since 1992 forested land has decreased from 94% to 86% and developed land from < 1 % to
5%. Habitat -- no change in the moderate quality instream and riparian habitat characteristics; rip/rap at the bridge and along the right bank creating a
deep pool at the beginning of the reach; undercuts; frequent riffles and runs; cobble slick with periphyton; partial canopy provided by the narrow riparian
zones; very high flows in January, February, April, and early May 2013 (12 ft. above gage height in February at the Watauga River near Sugar Grove).
Water Quality -- specific conductance elevated for a mountain stream (ranging from 45 pS/cm-54 pS/cm since 2004). 2013 -- number of fish collected
declined by 47% between 2008 and 2013 (1170 vs. 625); this sample still produced the most fish (and biomass) and species collected relative to the
remaining basin sites; skewed trophic structure with 63% Omnivores+Herbivores (Central Stoneroller and River Chub) and only 27% Insectivores; lower
reaches of the creek are managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, 4 stocked Brown Trout (185-315 mm TL), 6 stocked Brook Trout
(225-315 mm TL), and 3 stocked Rainbow Trout (232-330 mm TL) collected. 2004-2013 -- a very diverse and abundant community for the size of its
watershed with 20 species known from the site; consistently with a skewed trophic structure; dominant species is the herbivorous Central Stoneroller (50%
which is indicative of an open canopy, abundant periphyton, and nutrient enrichment from nonpoint source runoff; stream is classified as Tr and a naturally
reproducing population of Brown Trout have been documented in this stream during each assessment period. Recommendation -- based upon all the
data collected there has been no change in the NCIBI scores or ratings since 2004; continue monitoring this site in 2018 to document possible impacts
changing landuse practices.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Date Station ID Bioclassification
WATAUGA R off SR 1557 105/30/131 LF9 I Good -Fair
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude AU Number Level IV Ecoregion
WATAUGA 1 06010103 36,174064 81.744181 8-(1) Southern Metasedimentary Mtns.
Stream Classification Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m) Average Depth (m) Reference Site
B;Tr,HQW 1 21.8 1 2900 20 0.4 No
Forested/Wetland Suburban Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 1 50 1 25 0 25 (church with lawn)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Qw, MGD)
None I --- I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) R6.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
pH (s.u.)
Water Clarity IClear
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
5
16
8
12
10
6
6
6
3
5
77
Substrate lCobble, boulder, bedrock, sand, silt
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI NCIBI Rating
05/30/13
2013-37
14
46
Good -Fair
05/06/04
2004-41
16
44
Good -Fair
Most Abundant Species, 2013
Central Stoneroller (96, 27%)
Exotic Species
Rosyside Dace (12), Rainbow Trout (1), and
Redbreast Sunfish (3).
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Data Analysis
Gained -- Black Redhorse (5) and Bluegill (1). Lost -- Golden Shiner (2), Creek Chub (2), Brown Trout (12),
Brook Trout (1).
Watershed -- drains southwest Watauga and northeast Avery counties along the NC 105 corridor; small communities in the watershed include Seven
Devils and Sugar Mountain; 10 NPDES dischargers located upstream (Qw Total = 1.26 MGD), but further than within one mile of the site; site is — 1 mile
upstream from the old Shulls Mill dam. Landuse 2006 (from USGS, http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, > 5%) -- 83% forest, 5%
cultivation, and 11 % developed; since 1992 forested land has decreased from 95% to 83% and developed land has increased from 2% to 11 %. Habitat --
no change in the moderate quality instream and riparian habitat characteristics from those observed in 2004; deep runs and swift riffles; with slick bedrock,
boulders, and cobble; abundant periphyton; very little coarse woody debris in the stream; very high flows in January, February, April, and early May 2013
(12 ft. above gage height in February at the Watauga River near Sugar Grove). Water Quality -- water temperature slightly elevated (compared to the
other sites) due to the partial canopy cover over this stretch of the river; specific conductance elevated for a mountain stream (47 VS/cm in 2004). 2013 --
lower than expected total species diversity, and diversity of cyprinids, intolerant species, and darters for a stream of its size; skewed trophic structure (46%
Omnivores+Herbivores and 47% Insectivores); Northern Hog Sucker, White Sucker, and Black Redhorse biomass was abundant due to their preference
for deep and swift runs and riffles; the NCWRC no longer manages the trout fishery here as Delayed Harvest Waters, but three stocked Rainbow Trout
(201-333 mm TL) were still collected. 2004 & 2013 -- 18 species are known from the site, no changes in NCIBI ratings, community has a skewed trophic
structure, and dominant species is the omnivorous River Chub (35%); stream is classified as Tr and a naturally reproducing population of Brown Trout and
Rainbow Trout were documented in this stream in 2004, but not in 2013. Recommendation -- site is on private property and henceforth will be
discontinued as a basinwide monitoring site.