HIW 2015 Fish Community Templates

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
�_BRASSTOWN CR
SR 1111
FF13
07/08/14
Good
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
CLAY
06020002
34.988067
-83.894665
1710
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mi)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth
Broad Basins
37.3
9
0.4 !��d
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None
Landuse (%)
Forest
Developed
Impervious
Cultivation
Grass/Herb/Shrub
Wetland
Water
Barren
1992
91.1
0.2
no data
8.2
no data
0.0
0.0
0.5
2001
80.7
7.6
0.7
8.9
2.2
0.1
0.0
0.1
2006
80.1
7.6
0.7
9.1
2.9
0.1
0.0
0.1
Water Quality Parameters
2004
2009
2014
Temperature (°C)
21.8
22.6
19.0
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
8.2
7.6
8.7
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
40
42
44
pH (s.u.)
5.8
6.1
6.4
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
16
Bottom Substrate (15)
8
Pool Variety (10)
8
Riffle Habitat (16)
14
Bank Erosion (7)
5
Bank Vegetation (7)
6
Light Penetration (10)
10
Left Riparian Score (5)
2
Right Riparian Score (5)
3
Total Habitat Score (100)
77
Water Clarity I Very slightly turbid
Site Photograph
{
!T
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
07/08/14
2014-61
20
50
Good
06/22/09
2009-68
17
50
Good
06/14/04
2004-84
18
46
Good -Fair
Data Analysis
Watershed -- almost the entire watershed lies within northern Towns County, GA, including the Town of Young Harris and its WWTP (Town of Young Harris
WPCP, Qw = 0.48 MGD); site is - 6.5 miles downstream from the WWTP; large tributary to the Hiwassee River. Landuse -- greatest percentage of its
watershed developed than any other fish community sampled in 2014. Habitat -- cobble, bedrock, boulder, and gravel embedded substrate; chutes and side
snags; cobble and bedrock shelf riffles; narrow riparian zones, fallow field and residence with lawn along the left bank; greatest scoring of instream and
riparian habitats of any fish community site in the basin. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable since 2004, slightly elevated but not out of the norm foi
a stream whose watershed is - 20% developed and in agriculture and receiving a WWTP discharge. 2014 -- number of fish collected declined by 27%
between 2009 and 2014 (601 vs. 439); most species collected at any site in t he basin; slightly less than expected diversity of intolerant species and Rock
Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and trout, and a slightly skewed trophic structure (only 5% Omnivores+Herbivores). 2004-2014 -- very diverse community, 23
species known from the site, including 8 species of cyprinids, 4 species each of darters and suckers, and 3 Intolerant Species (Sicklefin Redhorse, Rock
Bass, and Gilt Darter); dominant species is the Mottled Sculpin; number of fish collected has ranged from 439-601, diversity, trophic, and multiple age class
metrics stable since 2004; site has rated Good during the past two basinwide cycles. Recommendation --based upon all the data collected, there has been
no significant change in the water quality or fish community since 2004; however, continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any
potential impacts from changing landuse in the watershed is recommended.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (174, Non -indigenous Imperiled
Species 40% Redbreast Sunfish (1) Threatened Sicklefin Redhorse (1)
p ) Species Species

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
GIESKY CR
SR 1353
FF20
07/07/14
Good -Fair
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
CLAY
06020002
35.021138
-83.684192
1985
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (miZ)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Broad Basins
8.1
1 4
1 0.3
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None
Landuse (%)
Forest
Developed
Impervious
Cultivation
Grass/Herb/Shrub
Wetland
Water
Barren
1992
92.7
0.0
no data
7.3
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
87.0
2.3
0.1
8.7
1.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
2006
86.6
2.3
0.1
9.0
2.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
---
---
2014
Temperature (°C)
---
---
21.0
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
---
---
8.1
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
---
---
28
pH (s.u.)
6.3
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
16
Bottom Substrate (15)
8
Pool Variety (10)
6
Riffle Habitat (16)
16
Bank Erosion (7)
5
Bank Vegetation (7)
5
Light Penetration (10)
7
Left Riparian Score (5)
2
Right Riparian Score (5)
1
Total Habitat Score (100)
71
Water Clarity I Clear, but easily silted
Site Photograph
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
07/07/14
2014-60
14
44
Good -Fair
Data Analysis
This is the first fish community sample collected at this site. Watershed -- drains southeastern Clay County and a very small portions of Towns County, GA;
no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to Shooting Creek, site is — 0.1 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with Shooting
Creek. Habitat -- cobble, boulder, and gravel embedded substrate; shallow riffles; coarse woody debris snags and undercuts; some deep pools present; very
narrow riparian zones; partial canopy over the creek. 2014 -- abundant fish community (n=615) for a stream of its size; although lower than expected total
species diversity, diversities of darters, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Trout, and cyprinids; only one Intolerant Species present (Rainbow Trout); but
overall with a balanced trophic structure; reproducing population of Rainbow Trout present in this stream which is supplementally classified as C;Tr.
Recommendation --continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing landuse in the watershed.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (406, Non -indigenous Snail Bullhead (1), Rainbow Imperiled
Trout (6), Redbreast Sunfish None
Species 66%) Species (4), Green Sunfish (3) Species

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
HANGING DOG CR
off SR 1342
FF5
09/17/14
Good
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
CHEROKEE
06020002
35.152027
-84.061111
1665
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mil)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Southern Metasedimentary Mtns.
21.7
9
0.4
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None
Landuse (%)
Forest
Developed
Impervious
Cultivation
Grass/Herb/Shrub
Wetland
Water
Barren
1992
97.8
0.0
no data
2.2
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
95.3
2.3
0.1
1.5
0.7
0.1
0.0
0.0
2006
95.2
2.3
0.1
1.5
0.9
0.1
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
2004
2009
2014
Temperature (°C)
17.9
21.5
17.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
9.1
8.9
9.2
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
18
17
20
pH (s.u.)
6.1
5.4
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
16
Bottom Substrate (15)
10
Pool Variety (10)
8
Riffle Habitat (16)
16
Bank Erosion (7)
4
Bank Vegetation (7)
6
Light Penetration (10)
7
Left Riparian Score (5)
2
Right Riparian Score (5)
1
Total Habitat Score (100)
75
Water Clarity I Clear
Site Photograph
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
09/17/14
2014-72
15
56
Good
06/24/09
2009-75
15
50
Good
06/16/04
2004-88
15
56
Good
Data An
Watershed -- drains north central Cherokee County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to Hiwassee Lake, site is - 4.8 miles
upstream from the creek's confluence with the reservoir. Habitats -- cobble, boulder, and bedrock vein substrates; right bank continuing to severely erode as
has been observed in the previous two basinwide cycles; narrow riparian zones; riffles; boulder pools; open canopy at the house; better quality habitats in the
upper reaches of the site. Water Quality -- lowest specific conductance of any fish community site in the basin in 2014 and indicative of a well -forested
watershed and stable since 2004; pH less than water quality standard. 2014 -- number of fish collected declined by 36% between 2009 and 2014 (521 vs.
331); only metrics not scoring the maximum score of "5" were Number of Species (3) and Number of Cyprinids (3); reproducing population of Rainbow Trout
in this stream although it is not currently supplementally classified as C;Tr. 2004-2014 -- overall, very stable metrics with very low percentage (0-1 %) of
Tolerant Fish present; 18 species are known from the site, including 7 species of cyprinids, 4 species of darters, and 3 Intolerant Species (Rainbow Trout,
Rock Bass, and Gilt Darter); dominant species is the Tennessee Shiner. Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, there has been no
significant change in the water quality or fish community since 2004; however, continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential
impacts from changing landuse in the watershed is recommended.
Most Abundant Tennessee Shiner (108, Non -indigenous Rainbow Trout (5) Imperiled None
Species 33%) Species Species

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
LITTLE BRASSTOWN CR
SR 1565
FF11
07/08/14
Good -Fair
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
CHEROKEE
06020002
35.033466
-83.962630
1595
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mi)
Stream Width (m)
Stream (m)
EDepth
Broad Basins
8.9
5
0.4
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None
Landuse (%)
Forest
Developed
Impervious
Cultivation
Grass/Herb/Shrub
Wetland
Water
Barren
1992
90.0
0.0
no data
10.0
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
83.6
3.5
0.2
10.8
1.3
0.5
0.0
0.0
2006
82.9
3.5
0.2
10.8
2.2
0.5
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
2004
2009
2014
Temperature (°C)
19.3
18.9
19.5
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
7.7
8.1
7.9
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
46
47
52
pH (s.u.)
5.9
6.5
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
4
Instream Habitat (20)
10
Bottom Substrate (15)
3
Pool Variety (10)
8
Riffle Habitat (16)
7
Bank Erosion (7)
2
Bank Vegetation (7)
7
Light Penetration (10)
9
Left Riparian Score (5)
2
Right Riparian Score (5)
4
Total Habitat Score (100)
56
Water Clarity I Turbid
Site Photograph
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
07/08/14
2014-63
18
46
Good -Fair
06/23/09
2009-70
19
40
Good -Fair
06/17/04
2004-91
20
44
Good -Fair
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains southeastern Cherokee County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to Brasstown Creek, site is - 0.5
mile upstream from the creek's confluence with Brasstown Creek. Habitat -- boulder rip/rap, sand, and silt substrate; embedded substrate; pools; over
hanging vegetation providing dense canopy over the stream; coarse woody debris deadfalls across the channel; gravel and cobble riffles (uncommon); severe
bank erosion with lots of rip/rap placed in the stream; lowest scoring of instream and riparian habitats of any site in the basin. Water Quality -- second
greatest specific conductance of any fish community site in the basin and indicative of nonpoint source runoff, although stable since 2004; moderately
elevated but not out of the norm for a stream whose watershed is - 20% in agriculture and developed. 2014 - very low fish abundance, only 1 Intolerant
Species (Rock Bass) present, and a moderately high percentage of Tolerant Fish (Green Sunfish, Fathead Minnow, and Creek Chub). 2004-2014 --
consistently low fish abundance; diverse community for the size of the stream with 23 species known from the site, but trout and Smallmouth Bass are
absent; the community's high species diversity may be a function of the stream's close proximity to Brasstown Creek; dominant species is the Mottled
Sculpin; trophic metrics stable since 2004. Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected there has been no appreciable change in the water quality
or fish community since 2004; however, continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing landuse in the
watershed is recommended.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (67, 34%) Non -indigenous Green Sunfish (6) Imperiled None
Species Species Species

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
MARTIN CR
SR 1558
FF7
07/09/14
Good
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
CHEROKEE
06020002
35.075410
-84.020617
1560
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mi)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Broad Basins
9.0
6
0.3
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None
Landuse (%)
Forest
Developed
Impervious
Cultivation
Grass/Herb/Shrub
Wetland
Water
Barren
1992
90.1
0.3
no data
9.6
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
79.1
4.9
0.3
12.8
2.2
0.1
0.0
0.2
2006
77.7
5.2
0.3
13.0
3.9
0.1
0.0
0.1
Water Quality Parameters
2006
2009
2014
Temperature (°C)
6.5
24.3
19.4
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
12.7
7.8
8.6
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
37
53
56
pH (s.u.)
6.5
6.3
6.5
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
16
Bottom Substrate (15)
6
Pool Variety (10)
6
Riffle Habitat (16)
10
Bank Erosion (7)
6
Bank Vegetation (7)
7
Light Penetration (10)
10
Left Riparian Score (5)
5
Right Riparian Score (5)
5
Total Habitat Score (100)
76
Water Clarity I Slightly turbid, easily silted
Site Photograph
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
07/09/14
2014-64
18
48
Good
06/23/09
2009-72
22
38
Fair
03/23/06
2006-03
20
46
Good -Fair
06/17/04
2004-92
19
38
Fair
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains southeast Cherokee County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Hiwassee River, site is - 0.1 mile
upstream from the creek's confluence with the river and - 0.7 mile downstream from the re -located US 64 corridor. Landuse -- lowest percentage of its
watershed in forest and greatest in cultivation than any other fish community site in the basin in 2014. Habitat -- flat cobble, bedrock, and silt embedded
substrates; silts along the stream edge and atop the flat rocks; short riffles; wide and forested riparian zones vegetated with Rhododendron and Leucothoe ;
shallow, uniform depth; coarse woody debris across the channel. Water Quality -- greatest specific conductance of any fish community site in the basin in
2014, indicative of nonpoint source runoff, and has been relatively stable since 2004 (range 37-56 pS/cm); moderately elevated but not out of the norm for a
stream whose watershed is - 25% in agriculture and developed. 2014 -- number of fish collected declined by 15% between 2009 and 2014 (449 vs. 382);
increase in the NCIBI Score and NCIBI Rating was primarily the result of a more balanced trophic structure in 2014 than in 2009 (16% Omnivores+Herbivores
and 79% Insectivores vs. 8% Om n ivores+ Herbivores and 90% Insectivores). 2004-2014 -- most speciose community in the basin, 26 species known from
the site including 10 species of cyprinids, 4 species of darters, 3 species each of suckers, bass (Smallmouth, Largemouth, and Spotted), and Intolerant
Species (Highland Shiner, Smallmouth Bass, and Gilt Darter); unexplainably missing are Rock Bass and any species of trout; dominant species is the Mottled
Sculpin; only known locality from which Highland Shiner has been collected by DWR staff in the basin and likely migrants from the river; high species
diversity may be attributed to the site's close proximity to the Hiwassee River; NCIBI Scores and NCIBI Rating are variable ranging from Fair to Good -Fair to
Good and seem to be correlated to whether the community is trophically balanced (in 2006 and 2014) or not (in 2004 and 2009) which in itself is a function of
the abundance of the Central Stoneroller (3%-4% in 2004 and 2009 vs. 11%-14% in 2006 and 2014). Recommendation -- based on all the data collected,
there has been an improvement in the fish community; continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing
Ianduse in the watershed is recommended.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (132, Non -indigenous Green Sunfish (10), Yellow Imperiled Significantly Rare - Highland Shiner
Species 35%) Species Perch (3) Species (26)

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
�_PEACHTREE CR
old US 64
FF8
07/08/14
Good
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
CHEROKEE
06020002
35.077801
-83.974336
1560
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mil)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Broad Basins
18.0
9
0.4
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None I---
Landuse (%)
Forest
Developed
Impervious
Cultivation
Grass/Herb/Shrub
Wetland
Water
Barren
1992
86.7
0.1
no data
12.5
no data
0.6
0.0
0.1
2001
80.6
5.3
0.4
11.5
1.6
0.4
0.0
0.0
2006
80.5
5.3
0.4
11.5
2.3
0.4
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
2004
2009
2014
Temperature (°C)
21.1
20.4
19.0
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
7.9
8.8
9.2
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
39
44
47
pH (s.u.)
6.0
6.3
6.7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
4
Instream Habitat (20)
16
Bottom Substrate (15)
8
Pool Variety (10)
8
Riffle Habitat (16)
12
Bank Erosion (7)
3
Bank Vegetation (7)
4
Light Penetration (10)
3
Left Riparian Score (5)
2
Right Riparian Score (5)
1
Total Habitat Score (100)
61
Water Clarity I Very slightly turbid
Site Ph
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
07/08/14
2014-62
18
52
Good
06/23/09
2009-71
24
58
Excellent
06/15/04
2004-85
22
58
Excellent
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains eastern Cherokee County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Hiwassee River, site is - 0.5 mile
upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- cobble and gravel substrate; cobble riffles, side snags, severely eroding banks, entrenched
with loss of right bank buffer; open canopy providing minimal shading across the stream; narrow riparian zones. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable
since 2004; slightly elevated but not out of the norm for a stream whose watershed is - 20% developed and in agriculture. 2014 -- although the number of
fish collected declined by 29% between 2009 and 2014 (982 vs. 693) the site still had more fish collected (n=693) than from any other site in the basin; loss
of two intolerant species (Silver Shiner and Gilt Darter, 1 each) resulted in the slight decrease in the NCIBI Score and NCIBI rating. 2004-2014 -- 2"d most
speciose community in the basin, 25 species known from the site including 10 species of cyprinids, 4 species of darters, 3 species of suckers, and 4
Intolerant Species (Silver Shiner, Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, and Gilt Darter); dominant species is the Mottled Sculpin; very abundant community, number of
fish collected has ranged from 535-982; stable percent tolerant and trophic metrics since 2004. Recommendation -- based on all the data collected, there
has been no significant change in the water quality or fish community; however, continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any
potential impacts from changing landuse in the watershed is recommended.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (258, Non -indigenous Imperiled
Species 37%) Species Redbreast Sunfish (2) Species None

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
PERSIMMON CR
SR 1127
FF2
07/09/14
Poor
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
CHEROKEE
06020002
35.052315
-84.181920
1545
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mil)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth
Basins
12.0
7
0.4
!9Broad
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None
Landuse (%)
Forest
Developed
Impervious
Cultivation
Grass/Herb/Shrub
Wetland
Water
Barren
1992
93.5
0.3
no data
4.7
no data
0.0
0.0
1.4
2001
84.3
5.5
0.4
7.1
2.3
0.0
0.0
0.2
2006
82.5
5.5
0.4
7.2
4.5
0.0
0.0
0.2
Water Quality Parameters
2004
2006
2014
Temperature (°C)
19.9
7.7
19.1
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
8.7
12.6
9.5
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
26
25
35
pH (s.u.)
6.4
6.2
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
12
Bottom Substrate (15)
6
Pool Variety (10)
9
Riffle Habitat (16)
14
Bank Erosion (7)
2
Bank Vegetation (7)
2
Light Penetration (10)
4
Left Riparian Score (5)
0
Right Riparian Score (5)
3
Total Habitat Score (100)
57
Water Clarity I Slightly turbid (greenish), but easily silted
Site Photograph
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
07/09/14
2014-66
9
22
Poor
03/23/06
2006-05
9
26
Poor
06/16/04
2004-89
11
20
Poor
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains southwestern Cherokee County, including the US 64 corridor; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributaryto
Lake Cherokee, site is -- 0.9 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the reservoir. Habitat -- cobble, sand, rip/rap boulder embedded substrate;
severe bank erosion on left; re -vegetated on the right; cobble riffles and large rock veins in the channel; left bank has re -vegetated compared with what it was
like in 2004 and 2006; narrow or no riparian zone buffers; severe bank erosion; minimal canopy over the creek; overall low quality instream and riparian
habitats. 2014 -- number of fish collected has declined by 61 % since 2009 (541 vs. 209); fewest species collected at any site in the basin with an absence of
Intolerant Species and of Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and trout; highest percentage of Tolerant Fish of any site in the basin (13%); skewed trophic
structure with 9% Omnivores+Herbivores and 86% Insectivores; large Spotted Bass (253-293 mm TL) had migrated into the creek from downstream Lake
Cherokee. 2004-2014 -- depauperate fish community with only 11 species known from the site (least speciose site in the basin along with Rapier Mill Creek),
including only 3 species of cyprinids and 1 species of darter; species notably absent include Redline Darter, Banded Darter, Gilt Darter, Warpaint Shiner,
Tennessee Shiner, Whitetail Shiner, River Chub, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and trout, and all Intolerant Species; dominant species is the Mottled
Sculpin; trophic structure has consistently been skewed. Recommendation -- watershed and stream restoration and fish community re -introduction projects
should be considered to restore the biological integrity of this stream; if not, discontinuance of the fish community basinwide monitoring at this site in 2019 is
recommended.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (82, 39%) Non -indigenous ( ) Imperiled
Species Species Redbreast Sunfish 28 Species None

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
RAPIER MILL CR
off SR 1124
FF21
06/29/15
Poor
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
CHEROKEE
06020002
35.010297
-84.142540
1560
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (miz)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth
Broad Basins
16.2
7
0.4
Ed
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None
Landuse (%)
Forest
Developed
Impervious
Cultivation
Grass/Herb/Shrub
Wetland
Water
Barren
1992
91.8
0.2
no data
8.0
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
81.8
6.0
0.5
9.3
1.8
0.3
0.0
0.0
2006
81.2
6.0
0.5
9.2
3.3
0.3
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
---
2014
2015
Temperature (°C)
---
19.0
17.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
---
9.3
8.9
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
---
36
36
pH (s.u.)
6.1
6.7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
12
Bottom Substrate (15)
6
Pool Variety (10)
8
Riffle Habitat (16)
7
Bank Erosion (7)
2
Bank Vegetation (7)
6
Light Penetration (10)
8
Left Riparian Score (5)
4
Right Riparian Score (5)
3
Total Habitat Score (100)
61
Water Clarity I Slightly turbid, but easily silted and became very turbid
Site Photograph
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/29/14
2015-66
11
26
Poor
07/09/14
2014-65
11
22
Poor
Data
This is the first fish community sample collected at this site. Watershed -- drains northern Fannin County, GA and southern Cherokee County, NC including
the US 64 and NC 60 highway corridors; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Nottely River, site is -900 ft. upstream
from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- sand, cobble, boulder, and bedrock substrate; entrenched with severely eroding vertical banks;
infrequent riffles; side snags and undercuts; Piedmont -like with channel filled with sediment; poor instream habitats; recent overbank deposits. 2014--fewest
fish of any site (n=103); very few species collected, including only 1 species of darter, 1 species of Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and trout, 3 species of
cyprinids, and 1 Intolerant Species (Rock Bass); least speciose site in the basin along with Persimmon Creek; trophic structure very skewed with only two
individuals of the herbivorous Central Stonerollers present and no River Chub; and very few of the species (45%) were represented by multiple age groups.
Conclusions -- fish community may be affected by the hydroelectric power generation from Nottely Reservoir causing the river to back-up into the creek and
causing the creek to back-up when the Nottely River and flows are high, when power is being generated, or when water is being spilled from the dam.
Recommendation -- consider re -sampling in 2015 to verify its 2014 rating and possibly preventing its placement on the impaired stream's list; until verified,
community should be considered Not Rated. Note: the fish community was re -sampled in 2015 and was rated Poor; 222 fish were collected of which the
dominant species was the Mottled Sculpin (73%); Mountain Brook Lamprey, Silver Shiner, and Blacknose Dace were collected for the first time at this site;
very skewed trophic structure (4% Omnivores+Herbivores and 93% Insectivores); and very few (36%) of the species were represented by multiple age
groups; the water again became extremely turbid when walking in the channel sampling; the banks appeared to be were more vegetated than they were in
2014.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (60, 58%) Non -indigenous Redbreast Sunfish (4), Imperiled None
Species Species Green Sunfish (1) Species

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
SHOOTING CR
SR 1340
FF12
07/07/14
Good -Fair
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
CLAY
06020002
35.022140
-83.682019
2000
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (miZ)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Broad Basins
22.9
1 9
1 0.4
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None
Landuse (%)
Forest
Developed
Impervious
Cultivation
Grass/Herb/Shrub
Wetland
Water
Barren
1992
96.1
0.0
no data
3.8
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
88.8
4.6
0.2
5.2
1.0
0.1
0.0
0.0
2006
88.8
4.6
0.2
5.2
1.3
0.1
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
2004
2009
2014
Temperature (°C)
19.4
21.6
20.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
8.6
7.8
9.2
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
29
30
32
pH (s.u.)
6.3
6.2
6.7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
15
Bottom Substrate (15)
8
Pool Variety (10)
8
Riffle Habitat (16)
14
Bank Erosion (7)
3
Bank Vegetation (7)
6
Light Penetration (10)
5
Left Riparian Score (5)
3
Right Riparian Score (5)
3
Total Habitat Score (100)
70
Water Clarity I Clear, but easily silted
OYU
• ^5
Rif. phnf--h
Sample Date
Rif. phnf--h
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
07/07/14
2014-59
11
40
Good -Fair
06/22/09
2009-67
11
40
Good -Fair
06/14/04
2004-83
16
40
Good -Fair
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains southeastern Clay County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to Lake Chatuge, site is - 2.5 miles
upstream from the creek's confluence with the reservoir. Habitat -- cobble, bedrock, and gravel substrate; shelves, chutes, deep pool snags; shallow, cobble
riffles; rock vein stream reconstruction project completed years ago, but banks continue to erode upstream from the veins; severe erosion along both banks
at end of the reach, especially along left bank; narrow riparian zones; open canopy; evidence of high water. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable
since 2004. 2014 -- lower than expected total species diversity, cyprinid diversity, and number of Intolerant Species; total number of fish collected declined
by 49% between 2009 and 2014 (689 vs. 351); reproducing population of Rainbow Trout in this stream which is supplementally classified as C;Tr. 2004-2014
-- diversity of the community may be affected by the site's proximity to the reservoir; low species diversity for a stream of its size, only 17 species known from
the site including just 2 species of darters and 4 species of cyprinids; species notably absent include River Chub, Tennessee Shiner, Mirror Shiner, Bigeye
Chub, Warpaint Shiner, Banded Darter, and Greenside Darter; lower than expected metric scores for total species diversity and diversities of cyprinids,
darters, and Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and trout; dominant species is the Mottled Sculpin; no change in the NCIBI ratings since 2004.
Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, there has been no change in the water quality or fish fish community since 2004; however, continued
basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing landuse in the watershed is recommended.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (203, Non -indigenous Rainbow Trout (3), Imperiled None
Species 58%) Species Redbreast Sunfish (3) Species

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
SHULER CR
SR 1323
FF17
09/17/14
Good
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
CHEROKEE
06020002
35.183054
-84.280183
1239
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mil)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Southern Metasedimentary Mtns.
17.6
1 9
0.4
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None
Landuse (%)
Forest
Developed
Impervious
Cultivation
Grass/Herb/Shrub
Wetland
Water
Barren
1992
99.0
0.0
no data
0.0
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
98.0
1.7
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.0
0.0
2006
98.0
1.7
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
---
2009
2014
Temperature (°C)
---
18.8
18.4
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
---
8.8
9.3
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
---
20
21
pH (s.u.)
5.6
5.8
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
14
Bottom Substrate (15)
5
Pool Variety (10)
8
Riffle Habitat (16)
7
Bank Erosion (7)
6
Bank Vegetation (7)
4
Light Penetration (10)
7
Left Riparian Score (5)
5
Right Riparian Score (5)
5
Total Habitat Score (100)
66
Water Clarity I Slightly turbid
Site Photograph
F
r T ���sd �'= is �, •� P.. ,.al-
r
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
09/17/14
2014-73
14
48
Good
06/24/09
2009-73
16
48
Good
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains northwest Cherokee County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the de -watered section of the
Hiwassee River downstream from Apalachia Lake and - 1.3 miles upstream from an old USFS rough fish dam/barrier. Landuse -- greatest percentage of its
watershed in forest and least developed than any other fish community site sampled in 2014. Habitats -- silts, bedrock veins, cobble, and boulder embedded
substrate; side boulder pools, runs, ledges, and riffles; slick rocks; deep fine silts in the pools; habitats may have been impacted by deposition of silts and
impounded flows by the recent beaver activity in the stream with an old beaver dam built at the end of the reach. Water Quality -- second lowest specific
conductance of any fish community site in the basin in 2014, indicative of a well -forested watershed, and stable since 2009; pH slightly less than water quality
standard, also low in 2009. 2014 -- number of fish collected declined by 27% between 2009 and 2014 (453 vs. 329); lower than expected metric scores for
total species diversity, diversity of cyprinids, and intolerant species; 2009 & 2014 -- 17 species are known from the site, including 6 species of cyprinids, 2
species of trout, 3 species of darters, and 2 Intolerant Species (Rainbow Trout and Rock Bass); dominant species are Tennessee Shiner and Mottled Sculpin;
trophic metrics have been stable during the past two monitoring cycles; trout fishery is managed as Hatchery Supported or Wild Trout Waters.
Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, there has been no significant change in the water quality or fish community during the past two
basinwide monitoring cycles; however, continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing landuse in the
watershed and any positive impacts from the possible removal of the downstream fish barrier is recommended.
Most Abundant o Non -indigenous Imperiled
Species Mottled Sculpin (82, 25 /o) Species Brown Trout (1) Species None

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
TAYLOR CR
SR 1515
FF4
07/10/14
Good -Fair
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
CHEROKEE
06020002
35.177678
-83.887812
1685
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (miZ)
Stream Width (m)
Stream DepthE:::::
Broad Basins
5.7
7
0.4
Ed
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None
Landuse (%)
Forest
Developed
Impervious
Cultivation
Grass/Herb/Shrub
Wetland
Water
Barren
1992
98.7
0.0
no data
0.7
no data
0.0
0.0
0.5
2001
93.3
1.8
0.1
2.5
1.4
0.5
0.0
0.1
2006
93.2
1.8
0.1
2.5
1.9
0.5
0.0
0.1
Water Quality Parameters
2004
2009
2014
Temperature (°C)
19.1
17.7
19.3
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
8.4
9.1
9.6
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
25
27
27
pH (s.u.)
5.8
6.0
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
14
Bottom Substrate (15)
6
Pool Variety (10)
8
Riffle Habitat (16)
11
Bank Erosion (7)
2
Bank Vegetation (7)
6
Light Penetration (10)
10
Left Riparian Score (5)
1
Right Riparian Score (5)
1
Total Habitat Score (100)
64
Water Clarity I Slightly turbid, but easily silted
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
07/10/14
2014-67
15
40
Good -Fair
06/25/09
2009-77
15
44
Good -Fair
06/18/04
2004-94
15
44
Good -Fair
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains northeastern Cherokee County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Valley River, site is - 0.4 mile
upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitats -- cobble, bedrock shelves, gravel, and sand embedded substrates; riffles, runs, side
snags/undercuts, plunge shelves, and coarse woody debris snags; bedrock shelf waterfall; well -shaded stream; but cattle have access to the creek causing
erosion of the banks and breaks in the narrow riparian zones; large poultry operation upstream. Water Quality -- specific conductance relatively low and
stable since 2004, despite presence of cattle and cattle waste in and near the stream. 2014 -- the number of fish collected declined by 25% between 2009
and 2014 (646 vs. 485), but still an abundant community for a stream of its size; Percentage of Tolerant Fish metric elevated (10%, Creek Chub), slightly
lower than expected total species diversity and diversity of darters; skewed trophic structure; reproducing population of Rainbow Trout in this stream which is
supplementally classified as C;Tr. 2004-2014 -- an abundant fish community, number of fish collected has ranged from 469-646; trophic and multiple age
class metrics have been stable; 17 species are known from the site, including 8 species of cyprinids, 3 species of darters, and 2 Intolerant Species (Rainbow
Trout and Rock Bass); dominant species is the Mottled Sculpin. Recommendation -- based on all the data collected, the water quality and fish community
has not changed since 2004; however, continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing landuse in the
watershed is recommended.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (287, Non -indigenous Endemic
Species 59%) Species Rainbow Trout (1) Species Special Concern -Smoky Dace (1)

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
VENGEANCE CR
NC 141/SR 1520
FF6
09/16/14
Excellent
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
CHEROKEE
06020002
35.160183
-83.920278
1650
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mil)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Broad Basins
7.2
1 6
1 0.4
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None
Landuse (%)
Forest
Developed
Impervious
Cultivation
Grass/Herb/Shrub
Wetland
Water
Barren
1992
97.6
0.0
no data
1.6
no data
0.0
0.0
0.8
2001
92.1
4.5
0.3
2.1
0.8
0.1
0.0
0.1
2006
92.0
4.5
0.3
1.9
1.4
0.0
0.0
0.1
Water Quality Parameters
2004
2009
2014
Temperature (°C)
21.5
17.5
20.4
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
8.3
9.6
9.1
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
27
29
33
pH (s.u.)
6.0
6.3
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
4
Instream Habitat (20)
14
Bottom Substrate (15)
12
Pool Variety (10)
6
Riffle Habitat (16)
16
Bank Erosion (7)
6
Bank Vegetation (7)
4
Light Penetration (10)
9
Left Riparian Score (5)
2
Right Riparian Score (5)
3
Total Habitat Score (100)
76
Water Clarity I Clear, but easily silted
Site Photograph
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
09/16/14
2014-71
18
60
Excellent
06/25/09
2009-76
14
48
Good
06/17/04
2004-93
18
56
Good
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains northeastern Cherokee County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Valley River, site is - 0.8 mile
upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitats -- cobble and boulder; very slick rocks; almost entirely riffles and runs; poor quality riparian and
bank vegetation (exotics), but, along with Tag Alder, provided dense shading over the stream; coarse woody debris across the channel. Water Quality --
specific conductance stable since 2004. 2014 -- a very diverse and very abundant fish community for a stream of its size, but the number of fish collected
declined 13% between 2009 (639 vs. 559); increased total species diversity, diversity of cyprinids, darters, and intolerant species and a lower Percentage of
Tolerant Fish (1% vs 3%) resulted in the total NCIBI Score increasing by 12 points from 48 to 60 and the NCIBI Rating improving from Good to Excellent; all
metrics scored a "Y; reproducing population of Rainbow Trout in this stream which is supplementally classified as C;Tr. 2004-2014 -- diverse community
with 21 species known from the site, including 10 cyprinids, 4 species of darters, and 3 Intolerant Species (Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, and Gilt Darter);
dominant species is the Mottled Sculpin; stable trophic and multiple age metrics since 2004. Recommendation -- based on all the data collected, there was
an improvement in the water quality and fish community at Vengeance Creek; however, continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any
potential impacts from changing landuse in the watershed is recommended.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (202, Non -indigenous Rainbow Trout (3), Imperiled None
Species 36%) Species Redbreast Sunfish (1) Species