FRB 2017 Fish Community Templates

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
BUNCOMBE 06010105 35.456389 -82.568333 2057 No
AVERY CR off SR 3498 EF66 07/10/17 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None ----
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Broad Basins 8.1 5 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 80.7 5.6 no data 13.5 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.2
2001 70.1 13.0 1.2 15.2 1.6 0.1 0.0 0.0
2006 68.7 17.1 1.6 12.6 1.6 0.0 0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2007 2012 2017 Site Photograph
2011 68.6 17.2 1.7 12.6 1.7
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)38 48 45
pH (s.u.)5.9 6.5 7.2
Temperature (°C)20.8 23.4 21.1
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.3 7.2 8.3
Bottom Substrate (15)6
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)16
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2017
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)77
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)7
Light Penetration (10)7
Water Clarity Clear Substrates Gravel, cobble, sand, bedrock, and silt.
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
07/10/17 2017-07 19 48 Good
07/17/12 2012-80 20 50 Good
06/12/07 2007-73 23 40 Good-Fair
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Species gained since 2012 - Gilt Darter (17, last collected here in 2007). Species lost since 2012 - Rock Bass (1 collected in 2012), and Swannanoa
Darter (7 collected in 2012).
Data Analysis
Watershed - Avery Creek drains the extreme south central part of Buncombe County, with its headwaters located in the Pisgah National Forest. Dubose
Lake is a small impoundment of Avery Creek located about 1.5 miles upstream of the fish site, and the French Broad River confluence is about one 1
mile downstream. Habitats - Moderate to good quality riparian coverage and shading occur in this reach of Avery Creek. Instream habitats consist of
frequent shallow riffles and runs, shallow bedrock plunges, and some side pools and undercuts where bends occur. Some deeply incised banks were
noted at channel bends. Observations of recent high flash-flow events following heavy rains were noted by the landowner. However, no obvious changes
in riparian or instream habitats were observed since the last monitoring cycle. 2017 - Although one less species was collected here in 2017, individual
species abundances and the total number of fish were much higher than in 2012, with more than twice as many fish collected (363 in 2012 vs. 812 in
2017). Trophic stability seems good here with a relatively low percentage of tolerant fish in 2017 (8%), but as seen before, no top predator species were
collected. 2007 - 2017 - Avery Creek continues to support a diverse community of fish, with nearly identical fish metric scores, and the same bioclass as
the 2012 assessment. Overall, the fish community continues to show resilience here, as indicated by three consecutive NCIBI water quality ratings of
Good.
Most Abundant Sp.Saffron Shiner (204, 25%)Non-Native Sp. Redbreast Sunfish (26), Green Sunfish (12), and
Flat Bullhead (10).
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
MITCHELL 06010108 35.887845 -82.146470 2590 Yes
BIG CRABTREE CR SR 1002 EF7 07/19/17 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None ----
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.14.6 8 0.5
Wetland Water Barren
1992 97.6 0.2 no data 2.0 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.0
2001 89.3 4.8 0.2 4.6 1.2 0.1 0.0 0.1
2006 89.3 4.8 0.2 4.6 1.2 0.1 0.0 0.1
0.1 0.0 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2007 2012 2017 Site Photograph
2011 89.2 4.8 0.2 4.6 1.3
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)32 34 39
pH (s.u.)6.1 6.5 6.8
Temperature (°C)18.5 16.2 18.2
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.3 9.0 8.7
Bottom Substrate (15)14
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)16
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2017
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)18
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)92
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)9
Water Clarity Clear Substrates Boulder, cobble, bedrock, gravel, sand, silt, and coarse leaf detritus.
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
07/19/17 2017-11 20 58 Excellent
06/12/12 2012-55 20 58 Excellent
06/18/07 2007-83 20 58 Excellent
12/01/04 2004-141 17 58 Excellent
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Species gained since 2012 - Rosyside Dace (3, last collected here 2007). Species lost since 2012 - Greenside Darter (2 collected in 2012).
Data Analysis
Watershed - This site drains southern Mitchell and southeastern Yancey counties and is located approximately 5.5 miles above the creek's confluence with
the North Toe River. Habitats - Wide forested riparians provide good shading here and high quality instream habitats are present throughout the reach.
Habitat types consist of swift, deep cobble riffles and runs, and bedrock/boulder pools with a variety of depths and velocities. This regional reference location
has attained consistently high habitat scores with no apparent changes to instream or riparian habitats over the last few basin cycles. 2017 - High fish species
richness and abundances were observed with very few tolerant species collected (1% of total sample) and 4 intolerant species including Rock Bass (n=3),
Greenfin Darter (n=39), Gilt Darter (n=1), and wild Rainbow Trout (n=1). Consistent with past assessments, almost all individual NCIBI metric scores were
maximized. A young Eastern Hellbender [Cryptobranchus a. alleganiensi (198 mm TL), a species of Special Concern and key indicator species of high quality
water] was released unharmed. Hellbenders have been collected at this location by NCDWR at least three other times; 2012 (1 @ 290 mm), 2007 (1 @ 190
mm), and 1999 (1 @ 400 mm). 1998 - 2017 - Big Crabtree Creek continues to support a highly diverse and trophically balanced fish community at this
reference location. Since 1998, six consecutive Excellent water quality bioclassifications have occurred here with nearly maximized NCIBI scores.
Most Abundant Sp.Mottled Sculpin (89, 21%)Non-Native Sp. Redbreast Sunfish (1), Rosyside Dace (3),
Rainbow Trout (1), and Brown Trout (7).
05/04/99 99-30 18 58 Excellent
09/30/98 98-77 17 58 Excellent
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
HAYWOOD 06010106 35.598056 -82.933889 2511 No
CRABTREE CR NC 209 EF21 07/11/17 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None ----
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Broad Basins 19.1 6 0.5
Wetland Water Barren
1992 85.2 1.5 no data 13.2 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.1
2001 64.9 2.8 0.1 28.0 4.1 0.0 0.0 0.1
2006 64.9 2.8 0.1 28.0 4.1 0.0 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2007 2012 2017 Site Photograph
2011 64.8 2.8 0.1 28.0 4.3
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)65 67 68
pH (s.u.)7.6 7.4 7.6
Temperature (°C)17.1 16.6 23.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.7 8.4 8.3
Bottom Substrate (15)6
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2017
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)16
Left Riparian Score (5)2
Right Riparian Score (5)2
Total Habitat Score (100)62
Bank Erosion (7)4
Bank Vegetation (7)3
Light Penetration (10)7
Water Clarity Clear Substrates Bedrock, cobble, silt, and sand.
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
07/11/17 2017-09 15 52 Good
06/27/12 2012-71 12 50 Good
06/14/07 2007-79 13 44 Good-Fair
09/24/02 2002-82 11 40 Good-Fair
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Species gained since 2012 (all first collections here) - Black Redhorse (1), Bigeye Chub (15), and Tuckaseegee Darter (1). Species Lost since 2012 - None.
Data Analysis
Watershed - This site drains northeast Haywood County and is approximately 1.4 miles upstream of the creek's confluence with the Pigeon River. Habitat -
Thin riparian widths and a fairly open canopy persist here as noted in previous assessments. Unrestricted cattle access continues throughout the site with
several breaks in bank vegetation (mostly grasses and shrubs) and severe bank erosion and slumping in several areas. Instream habitat types include silty
bedrock bottom pools of various sizes separated by bedrock chutes, cobble runs, and riffles with Podostemum covered rocks. As noted previously, the creek
became very silty during fish sampling. However, there are no noticeable changes in habitat qualities over the last few basin cycles. 2017 - The fish community
sample in 2017 showed the highest diversity to date with the addition of 3 species including Tuckaseegee Darter, Black Redhorse, and Bigeye Chub
(reintroduced at the Crabtree Creek confluence and other nearby locations during the Pigeon River reintroduction project, 2006-2016). The highest NCIBI
score to date in 2017 was due to the addition of the single Tuckaseegee Darter collected (Number Darter Sp. metric improved from 1 to 3), and the site
maintained its fish-based rating of Good. 1997-2017 - The NCIBI scores at this fish monitoring site have improved during every consecutive basin cycle over
the last 20 years. Although BMPs have not been employed here to restrict direct cattle access and sedimentation to the creek, the fish community has
maintained a Good bioclassification at this location over the last basin cycle.
Most Abundant Sp.Whitetail Shiner (313, 42%)Non-Native Sp. Redbreast Sunfish (18), and Brown Trout (1).
06/03/97 97-52 8 28 Poor
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
HAYWOOD 06010106 35.666944 -82.991111 2273 No
FINES CR off SR 1355 EF76 07/11/17 Good-Fair
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None ----
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Broad Basins 25.8 9 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 92.3 1.7 no data 6.0 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.1
2001 78.3 3.7 0.2 16.2 1.7 0.0 0.0 0.0
2006 78.2 3.7 0.2 16.2 1.8 0.0 0.0 0.0
0.0 0.0 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2012 2013 2017 Site Photograph
2011 78.2 3.7 0.2 16.2 1.8
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)75 79 86
pH (s.u.)6.6 6.5 6.5
Temperature (°C)15.0 12.8 17.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.9 10.2 8.8
Bottom Substrate (15)8
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)16
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2017
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)18
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)2
Total Habitat Score (100)78
Bank Erosion (7)7
Bank Vegetation (7)5
Light Penetration (10)2
Water Clarity Clear Substrates Boulder, cobble, bedrock, gravel, and sand.
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
07/11/17 2017-08 17 46 Good-Fair
10/10/13 2013-68 12 38 Fair
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Species gained since 2012/13 - Rock Bass (intolerant, 4, first collections here), Striped Shiner (1, first collection here), Tennessee Shiner (8, first collections
here), Saffron Shiner (1, first collection here), Flathead Catfish (2, first collections here), and Tuckaseegee Darter (4, last collected here in 2007). Species lost
since 2012/13 - Black Redhorse (2 collected in 2012), Smallmouth Bass (intolerant, 1 collected in 2012), Largemouth Bass (1 collected in 2012), Whitetail
Shiner (8 collected in 2013), Western Blacknose Dace (7 collected in 2013), and Creek Chub (1 collected in 2013).
Data Analysis
Watershed - Fines Creek drains northeast Haywood County with the majority of the catchment in the Southern Crystalline Ridges and Mountains ecoregion.
This site is about 600 feet upstream of the creek's confluence with the Pigeon River, just above Walters Lake. Habitats - Riparians here are mature and intact,
but the right riparian is thin due to the adjacent parallel road. Accordingly, canopy shading is about equal in this reach of Fines Creek. Instream habitats are
high quality and gorge-like, with high gradient runs, plunge pools, chutes, and riffles. Overall, instream and riparian habitats appear unchanged here. 2017 - A
diverse and abundant community of mostly intermediately tolerant fish was collected, including the first records for three species [Rock Bass (intolerant),
Tennessee Shiner, and Saffron Shiner], all of which have been reintroduced into the Pigeon River at several locations as part of the Pigeon River
Reintroduction Project (2006-2016). The 2017 fish community sample represents the most speciose and abundant collection at this location, with the highest
NCIBI score to date. Accordingly, the 2017 bioclassification was only 2 points shy of a Good rating. 1997-2017 - The Fines Creek watershed continues to
support a robust fish community that appears to have benefited from a multi-year effort to repopulate the Pigeon River catchment near Canton, NC. The fish
community NCIBI score has increased by eight points since last sampled, resulting in an improvement in rating to Good-Fair. Water quality here appears
stable and supportive of the recent efforts to restore fisheries within the Pigeon River watershed.
Most Abundant Sp.Central Stoneroller (252, 43%)Non-Native Sp. Green Sunfish (3), Redbreast Sunfish (21), and
Brown Trout (15).
06/27/12 2012-70 14 36 Not Rated
06/14/07 2007-78 16 40 Good-Fair
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Species gained since 2012 - Flat Bullhead (2, last collected here in 2002). Species lost since 2012 - Bluegill (2 collected here in 2012), and Flathead
Catfish (1 collected in 2012).
Data Analysis
Watershed - Drains north central Buncombe county, including some headwater catchments in the Southern Ridges and Mountains ecoregion. This site
is located about 0.3 miles upstream of the creek's confluence with the French Broad River. There are several minor NPDES dischargers located
upstream, with a combined Qw of approximately 100,000 GPD. In 2017, the fish site was moved exactly 600 feet upstream to the 2nd SR 1742 crossing
to avoid the deep bridge pool (atypical habitat) located at the end of the old reach. Habitats - High quality riparians along both banks provide good
canopy shading, but a powerline right of way and the adjacent road allow some additional sunlit areas within the sample reach. Instream habitats are
high quality and gorge-like, with coarse rocky substrates and high velocity plunges, chutes, pools, and riffles. Despite movig the site 600 feet upstream,
habitat qualities appear unchanged here since 2012. However, conductivity readings have risen with each consecutive basin cycle. 2017 - Similar to
previous assessments, an abundant and diverse fish community was collected in 2017, including 3 intolerant species (Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass,
and Greenfin Darter). Most fish species collected in 2017 (74%) were represented by mulitiple year classes, including 5 with young-of-year cohorts. 1997-
2017 - Flat Creek continues to support a robust and trophically balanced fish community, with 4 fish-based ratings of Good over a 20 year period.
Most Abundant Sp.Central Stoneroller (190, 32%)Non-Native Sp. Redbreast Sunfish (8), Green Sunfish (3), and
Flat Bullhead (2).
06/18/02 2002-72 16 50 Good
04/10/97 97-18 17 56 Good
07/18/17 2017-10 19 52 Good
06/15/12 2012-62 20 50 Good
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid Substrates Boulder, bedrock, and sand.
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)84
Bank Erosion (7)7
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)7
Bottom Substrate (15)10
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)14
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2017
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)17
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)52 125 172
pH (s.u.)7.6 8.1 8.0
Temperature (°C)21.5 20.7 21.1
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.4 7.4 8.9
0.0 0.0 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2002 2012 2017 Site Photograph
2011 56.3 15.5 1.9 24.9 3.2
2006 56.4 15.4 1.9 25.0 3.0 0.0 0.0 0.1
2001 56.8 15.1 1.8 25.1 3.0 0.0 0.0 0.1
Wetland Water Barren
1992 76.8 5.0 no data 18.2 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None ----
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Broad Basins 24.7 5 0.3
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
BUNCOMBE 06010105 35.718963 -82.623396 1775 No
FLAT CR SR 1742 EF25 07/18/17 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Species gained since 2012 - Tennessee Shiner (67, first collections here), Greenside Darter (10, last collected here in 2002), and Mountain Brook
Lamprey (4, last collected here in 2002). Species lost since 2012 - White Sucker (1 collected here in 2012), Bluegill (1 collected here in 2012), and
Bluehead Chub (3 collected here in 2012).
Data Analysis
Watershed - This site drains southwestern Yancey county and is about 0.8 miles upstream of the creek's confluence with the Cane River. Habitats -
Thin riparian widths provide minimal sun shading to this section of Price Creek. Instream habitats consist primarily of extensive cobble riffles (seine net
used 14 times) with some deeper runs and a few shallow pools. There have been no apparent changes to the riparian or instream habitats here since
the last basin cycle. 2017 - Similar to previous assessments here, a very abundant (>1200 individuals) and speciose fish community was collected. The
abundance of sunlight reaching the cobble substrates may be contributing to the high percentage of the herbivorous Central Stoneroller in this collection
(28% of total). Otherwise the fish community continues to show trophic stability with only 3 of the 10 NCIBI metrics with less than maximized scores.
2017 marked the first DWR collection of Tennessee Shiner at this location (intermediately tolerant insectivore, n=67), likely due to upstream movement
from the Cane River. 1997-2017 - A total of 26 species have been collected by DWR at this location, with similar species abundances in each of the four
assessments. The Price Creek watershed continues to support a robust and diverse fish community with similar NCIBI metric scores, and 3 Good fish-
based water quality ratings since 2002.
Most Abundant Sp.Central Stoneroller (342, 28%).Non-Native Sp. Redbreast Sunfish (1), and Rainbow Trout (7).
06/20/02 2002-77 22 52 Good
10/21/97 97-89 19 46 Good-Fair
07/19/17 2017-12 21 52 Good
06/12/12 2012-56 21 50 Good
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid Substrates Boulder, cobble, bedrock, and gravel
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
Left Riparian Score (5)3
Right Riparian Score (5)3
Total Habitat Score (100)76
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)4
Light Penetration (10)4
Bottom Substrate (15)10
Pool Variety (10)8
Riffle Habitat (16)16
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2017
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)17
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)51 47 56
pH (s.u.)7.1 7.1 7.6
Temperature (°C)20.0 18.9 20.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)7.8 8.4 8.8
0.0 0.0 0.0
Water Quality Parameters 2002 2012 2017 Site Photograph
2011 84.0 4.2 0.2 10.3 1.4
2006 84.2 4.2 0.2 10.4 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.0
2001 84.2 4.2 0.2 10.3 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.0
Wetland Water Barren
1992 96.5 0.3 no data 3.2 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None ------
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.22.1 5 0.3
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
YANCEY 06010108 35.904704 -82.382611 2495 No
PRICE CR SR 1126/1136 EF41 07/19/17 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
MADISON 06010105 35.706667 -82.750556 2012 No
SANDYMUSH CR SR 1107 EF52 08/16/17 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None -----
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Broad Basins 34.8 5 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 92.6 0.1 no data 7.1 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.2
2001 77.8 3.3 0.2 16.7 2.1 0.0 0.0 0.1
2006 77.8 3.3 0.2 16.7 2.1 0.0 0.0 0.1
0.0 0.0 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2002 2012 2017 Site Photograph
2011 77.7 3.3 0.2 16.7 2.3
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)73 94 97
pH (s.u.)8.9 7.3 8.2
Temperature (°C)23.0 16.3 24.0
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)9.2 8.8 8.4
Bottom Substrate (15)8
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)9
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2017
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)15
Left Riparian Score (5)2
Right Riparian Score (5)4
Total Habitat Score (100)63
Bank Erosion (7)2
Bank Vegetation (7)4
Light Penetration (10)4
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid.Substrates Cobble, sand, silt, and gravel.
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
08/16/17 2017-16 19 48 Good
09/26/12 2012-94 14 46 Good-Fair
06/19/02 2002-75 15 48 Good
09/17/97 97-82 18 50 Good
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Species gained since 2012 - Tennessee Shiner (9, last collected here in 1993), Longnose Dace (9, last collected in 1997), Creek Chub (2, last collected
here in 1997), Swannanoa Darter (6, last collected here in 2002), and Banded Darter (first collection here). Species lost since 2012 - None.
Data Analysis
Watershed - Sandymush Creek drains northwest Buncombe and southwest Madison counties with its headwaters in the Southern Crystalline Ridges &
Mountains ecoregion. This site is approximately 10 miles upstream of the creek's confluence with the French Broad River. Habitats - Moderate to poor
quality riparian zones are primarily vegetated with grasses and infrequent overhung trees. Instream habitats are primarily sandy cobble runs with small
side pools, short riffles, and a few deeper pools. The outside stream bend in the lower part of the 600 foot reach continues to erode during high flow
events. Although, evidence of historic bank stabilization still exist here (old stacked cars, rusted through). Water became very turbid from suspended silts
during sampling. Excluding the enduring sedimentation, there are no discernable changes in habitat qualities in this catchment over the last few cycles.
2017 - A highly abundant (n=731) and diverse fish community was present, with more species and total fish collected in 2017 than during all previous
samples (including 5 more insectivores than in 2012). 2017 also showed the highest darter species count (n=3), fewer tolerant species (3%, down from
7%), and no species losses since 2012. Accordingly, the fish community structure shifted to a higher percentage of insectivores (85%), which looks more
like the pre-2012 samples collected here. 1993-2017 - Notwithstanding the issue of chronic sedimentation in this productive catchment, water quality
appears stable here. The reoccurrence of several species and a slight shift in the fish community structure appears to have triggered the return to an
NCIBI rating of Good.
Most Abundant Sp.Whitetail Shiner (215, 29%), Fantail Darter (25%).Non-Native Sp. Redbreast Sunfish (5).
11/16/93 93-48 18 48 Not Rated
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Species gained since 2012 - Western Blacknose Dace (10, last collected here in 2007), and Creek Chub (10, last collected here in 2007). Species lost
since 2012 - Black Redhorse (3 collected in 2012).
Data Analysis
Watershed - This site drains northwest Buncombe County and is about 4 stream miles upstream of the creek's confluence with Sandymush Creek, a
tributary to the French Broad River. Habitats - Wide forested riparians outside of grassy banks provide good shading to most parts of the stream.
Moderate to poor instream habitats with abundant sedimentation and bank scouring persist in this catchment. Accordingly, instream habitat types are
primarily sandy runs and long, mid-channel sandy pools with some short, and highly embedded riffles (Site Photograph shows the very least embedded
part of the 600' fish sample reach). In sunlit areas, Podostomum is still found on top of boulders as previously noted. 2017 - A moderately abundant and
balanced fish community was present in 2017 with all previously collected minnow species present (8 of 15 species). A gain of 6 points returned the fish
bioclassification to a Good in 2017 largely due to slight shifts in total abundance and species richness, and a slightly lower percentage of tolerant fish
present. 2002-2017 - Channel sedimentation persists in the Turkey Creek watershed, and should continue to be monitored. However, the fish community
of Turkey Creek appears stable here, earning its third fish-based rating of Good at this location since 2002.
Most Abundant Sp.Whitetail Shiner (88, 23%), and Bigeye Chub (21%). Non-Native Sp. Redbreast Sunfish (4).
06/11/07 2007-69 16 52 Good
06/17/02 2002-68 14 48 Good
07/20/17 2017-13 15 50 Good
06/15/12 2012-64 14 44 Good-Fair
Water Clarity Turbid.Substrates Sand, boulder, and silt.
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)4
Total Habitat Score (100)64
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)4
Light Penetration (10)10
Bottom Substrate (15)5
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2017
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)12
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)97 88 102
pH (s.u.)7.3 7.4 7.3
Temperature (°C)20.5 19.1 20.0
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.2 7.8 8.2
0.0 0.0 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2007 2012 2017 Site Photograph
2011 60.1 5.3 0.4 31.6 2.9
2006 60.6 5.2 0.4 31.6 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.1
2001 60.6 5.2 0.4 31.6 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.1
Wetland Water Barren
1992 79.9 1.8 no data 18.2 no data 0.0
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.0 0.2
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None ------
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Broad Basins 27.3 5 0.3
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
BUNCOMBE 06010105 35.704722 -82.668889 1897 No
TURKEY CR SR 1629 EF59 07/20/17 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)