LTN 2015 Fish Community Templates

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
ALARKA CR
SR 1185
GF1
06/03/14
Good -Fair
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
SWAIN
106010202
1 35.378706
-83.472104
1940
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mil)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Southern Metasedimentary Mtns.
125.0
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
99.2
0.0
no data
0.8
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
94.3
2.5
0.1
1.9
1.1
0.0
0.0
0.1
2006
94.3
2.5
0.1
1.9
1.3
0.0
0.0
0.1
Water Quality Parameters
---
2004
2014
Temperature (°C)
---
14.1
15.0
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
---
9.7
10.0
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
---
25
30
pH (s.u.)
6.0
6.5
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
15
Bottom Substrate (15)
8
Pool Variety (10)
4
Riffle Habitat (16)
16
Bank Erosion (7)
4
Bank Vegetation (7)
6
Light Penetration (10)
10
Left Riparian Score (5)
2
Right Riparian Score (5)
3
Total Habitat Score (100)
73
Water Clarity I Slightly turbid
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/03/14
2014-30
11
44
Good -Fair
06/03/04
2004-66
12
46
Good -Fair
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains southeastern Swain County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; large tributary to Fontana Reservoir. Habitat --
cobble, bedrock, and boulder substrates; extensive riffles; Rhododendron along the banks; residences on the right and left banks; rocks covered with silt.
Water Quality -- specific conductance stable since 2004, slightly elevated for a watershed that is more than 94% forested. 2014 -- the number of fish
collected declined by 54% between 2004 and 2014 (1503 vs. 685, especially for Smoky Dace, Warpaint Shiner, Tennessee Shiner, River Chub, Longnose
Dace, and Blacknose Dace); still an abundant and trophically balanced community, but the least speciose community (along with that at Brush Creek) of any
in the basin in 2014; a 2 point decline in the NCIBI Score, but no NCIBI Rating Class decline due to fewer fish being collected and the loss of wild Brown
Trout; the trout fishery is managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters and two stocked Brown Trout (238 and 289 mm TL) were shocked
and released, all Rainbow Trout were wild. 2004 & 2014 -- a species depauperate community, only 12 species are known from the site including 7 species of
cyprinids, 2 Intolerant Species (Rainbow Trout and Greenfin Darter), and just 1 species of darters (Greenfin Darter of which only 2 specimens have been
collected out of 2188 fish); no tolerant species have ever been collected at the site; dominant species is the cold -cool water indicator Mottled Sculpin; no
appreciable change in the NCIBI Score or NCIBI Rating; reproducing populations of Rainbow Trout have been documented at this site which is
supplementally classified as Trout waters Jr); the only imperiled species known from this site is the Smoky Dace (Special Concern, 2004 and 2014); NCIBI
Score and Rating might be under assessing the community as it appears to be more like a cool -cold water Southern Appalachian Trout Stream than a cool
water Mountain stream. Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, there has been no change in the water quality or the biological integrity of
the fish community since 2004; continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing landuse in the
watershed.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (435, Non -indigenous Imperiled
Species 64%) Species Rainbow Trout (13) Species Special Concern -- Smoky Dace (12)

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
BRUSH CR
off SR 1129
GF2
06/30/15
Good -Fair
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
SWAIN
1 06010202
1 35.317872
-83,515438
1950
Yes
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mi)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Southern Metasedimentary Mtns.
7.5
1 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
98.7
0.0
no data
1.3
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
93.5
3.0
0.1
2.3
0.9
0.0
0.0
0.0
2006
93.5
3.0
0.1
2.3
1.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
2004
2009
2014
Temperature (°C)
16.9
16.7
16.4
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
8.7
9.9
9.2
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
28
29
35
pH (s.u.)
6.5
6.6
6.8
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
4
Instream Habitat (20)
16
Bottom Substrate (15)
10
Pool Variety (10)
4
Riffle Habitat (16)
16
Bank Erosion (7)
7
Bank Vegetation (7)
6
Light Penetration (10)
10
Left Riparian Score (5)
5
Right Riparian Score (5)
5
Total Habitat Score (100)
83
Water Clarity IClear, but became easily silted and then very turbid when walking in the channel.
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/30/15
2015-68
12
44
Good -Fair
06/03/14
2014-31
11
34
Fair
04/29/09
2009-23
15
52
Good
05/19/04
1 2004-50
1 16
1 50
1 Good
Data An
Watershed -- drains southern Swain County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Little Tennessee River, site is - 0.2
mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the river and within the state-owned Needmore Tract. Habitat -- cobble and sand substrate; silt -covered
rocks contributing to the very turbid conditions; shallow riffles and plunge pools; dense canopy and riparian vegetation (Rhododendron). Water Quality --
specific conductance stable, slightly elevated for a watershed that is more than 90% forested. 2014 -- the number of fish collected declined by 57% between
2009 and 2014 (648 vs. 294, especially for Whitetail Shiner, Spotfin Chub, Mountain Brook Lamprey, Warpaint Shiner, River Chub, Tennessee Shiner, and
Telescope Shiner); least speciose community (along with that at Alarka Creek) and least speciose community in terms of cyprinid diversity (n=4) of any site in
the basin in 2014; lowest NCIBI Score and NCIBI Rating of any site in the basin in 2014, a 18 point decline in the Score and 2 Rating Class decline due to
fewer fish being collected, the loss of several key species (Whitetail Shiner, Spotfin Chub, Black Redhorse, Telescope Shiner, and Rainbow Trout), a very
skewed trophic structure (only 3% Om n ivores+ Herbivores and 96% Insectivores), and a very low Percentage of Species with Multiple Age Classes (45%,
indicative of a loss of cohorts); except for the Number of Intolerant Species, the Percentage of Tolerant Fish, and the Number of Species of Rock Bass,
Smallmouth Bass, and Trout all other metrics were scored a 1" or a "S'. 2004-2014 -- 20 species known from the site including 9 species of cyprinids, 7
Intolerant Species (Spotfin Chub, Telescope Shiner, Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Greenfin Darter, and Gilt Darter), but just 2 species of
darters; seasonal migrants from the river include Spotfin Chub, Whitetail Shiner, and Telescope Shiner; dominant species is the cold -cool water indicator
Mottled Sculpin; imperiled species known from this site are Smoky Dace (Special Concern, 2004) and Spotfin Chub (Threatened, 2009), but neither species
was collected in 2014. Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, there has been no change in the water quality (as evidence by the stable
specific conductance), but the biological integrity seems to have substantially declined since 2009 at this regional reference site; except for the affects from
the prolonged high water in 2013 and early 2014 (e.g., the loss of cohorts), there is no known reason for this decline. However, 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;
continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing landuse in the watershed. Note: the fish community
was re -sampled in 2015 and was rated Good -Fair; 375 fish were collected of which the dominant species was the Mottled Sculpin (34%); the specific
conductance was 43 pS/cm.
Mottled Sculpin (125, Non -indigenous Imperiled
2004-2014 59% None None
Species ISnecies

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
�_BURNINGTOWN CR
SR 1364
GF3
06/05/14
Good
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
MACON
06010202
35.277535
-83.480315
1940
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (miZ)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Southern Metasedimentary Mtns.
126.1
110
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
97.9
0.0
no data
2.1
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
92.0
2.2
0.1
4.0
1.2
0.1
0.0
0.0
2006
92.0
2.2
0.1
4.0
1.7
0.1
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
---
2004
2014
Temperature (°C)
---
15.5
17.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
---
8.4
9.2
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
---
18
19
pH (s.u.)
5.4
6.5
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
4
Instream Habitat (20)
16
Bottom Substrate (15)
6
Pool Variety (10)
8
Riffle Habitat (16)
7
Bank Erosion (7)
6
Bank Vegetation (7)
5
Light Penetration (10)
7
Left Riparian Score (5)
2
Right Riparian Score (5)
4
Total Habitat Score (100)
65
Water Clarity IVery slightly turbid
Site Photograph
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/05/14
2014-37
15
50
Good
05/21 /04
2004-54
18
58
Excellent
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains north -central Macon County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Little Tennessee River, site is --
0.9 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- cobble and bedrock substrates; same habitats as in 2004; road along the left bank;
slow runs; a few cobble riffles; uniform depth; fairly straight channel. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable since 2004, low, and within the norm for a
watershed that is more than 90% forested. 2014 -- the number of fish collected declined by 35% between 2004 and 2014 (448 vs. 289, especially for Smokey
Dace, Mottled Sculpin, Warpaint Shiner, River Chub, and Mirror Shiner); a 10 point decline in the NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating class decrease due to
fewer fish collected and several species which were absent in 2014 (i.e., Smoky Dace, Blacknose Dace, Black Redhorse, and Greenfin Darter); community
remains intolerant and trophically balanced; the trout fishery is managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, one stocked Brown Trout (235
mm TL) and one stocked Rainbow Trout (219 mm TL) were shocked and released. 2004 & 2014 -- 20 species known from the site including 9 species of
cyprinids, 5 Intolerant Species (Telescope Shiner, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Greenfin Darter, and Gilt Darter), and 3 species of darters; dominant
species is the cold -cool water indicator Mottled Sculpin; reproducing populations of trout have not been documented by NCDWR staff at this site which is
supplementally classified as Trout waters jr); the only imperiled species known from this site is the Smoky Dace (Special Concern, 2004).
Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, there has been no substantial change in the water quality (as evidence by the stable specific
conductance measurements) but the biological integrity of the fish community has declined since 2004 (most likely due to the prolonged high water in 2013
and 2014); continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing landuse in the watershed and to determine
if the decline is persistent.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (80, 28%) Non -indigenous Brown Trout (1) Imperiled None
Species Species Species

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
F--CALER FORK CR
off SR 1341
GF62
06/16/14
Fair
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
MACON
06010202
1 35.268487
-83.390481
2005
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mF)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth
Broad Basins
7.4
4
4.0
!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
98.8
0.0
no data
1.2
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
89.9
3.0
0.2
5.2
1.2
0.2
0.0
0.0
2006
89.9
3.0
0.2
5.2
1.8
0.2
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
---
2010
2014
Temperature (°C)
---
15.9
19.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
---
9.2
8.6
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
---
33
31
pH (s.u.)
5.8
6.8
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
4
Instream Habitat (20)
16
Bottom Substrate (15)
8
Pool Variety (10)
4
Riffle Habitat (16)
14
Bank Erosion (7)
6
Bank Vegetation (7)
4
Light Penetration (10)
2
Left Riparian Score (5)
2
Right Riparian Score (5)
2
Total Habitat Score (100)
62
Water Clarity I Slightly turbid
Site Photograph
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/16/14
2014-47
16
38
Fair
09/14/10
2010-73
14
28
Poor
Data Analvsis
First time sampled as a basinwide site; evaluated in 2010 as part of a broader Little Tennessee River Basin Trout Waters reclassification study (Biological
Assessment Branch Memorandum BAB 20120314). Watershed -- drains northeast corner of Macon County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the
watershed; tributary to Cowee Creek, site is -50 ft. upstream from the creek's confluence with Cowee Creek. Habitat -- low quality pool and riparian habitats;
embedded cobble substrate; narrow stream with riparian zones vegetated with herbaceous growths and shrubs; minimal canopy over the creek and only in
the upper one half of the reach; side snags; cobble riffles present, but deep pools were rare. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable since 2010 and
relatively low for a watershed that is predominantly forested with - 10% in agriculture and developed. 2014 -- the number of fish collected increased by
143% between 2010 and 2014 (169 vs. 242, especially for Mottled Sculpin and Gilt Darter); 1 of only 2 sites in the basin from which no species of Rock Bass,
Smallmouth Bass and trout were collected (the other stream being Caney Fork) possibly due to the paucity of deeper pools and runs; fewest Intolerant
Species (n=1, along with Rabbit Creek) of any site in the basin, and 2Id lowest NCIBI Score (along with lotila Creek) of any site in the basin; 10 point increase
in the NCIBI Score and 1 NCIBI Rating Class increase due to additional fish and species being collected (Longnose Dace, Yellowfin Shiner, Largemouth
Bass, Bluegill, Redbreast Sunfish) and a more balanced trophic structures in 2014 than in 2010 (12% Omnivores+Herbivores and 84% Insectivores
contrasted to 9% and 91%, respectively); seasonal migrants from Cowee Creek in 2010 (Spotfin Chub, Telescope Shiner, and Whitetail Shiner) were absent
in 2014. 2010 & 2014 -- diverse community for the size of stream with 19 species known from the site including 11 species of cyprinids, 3 Intolerant Species
(Spotfin Chub, Telescope Shiner and Gilt Darter), but just 1 species of darters; dominant species is the Gilt Darter and cold -cool water indicator Mottled
Sculpin; the only imperiled species known from this site is the Spotfin Chub (Threatened, 2010). Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected,
there has been a modest improvement in the biological integrity of the fish community since 2010; continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to
document any potential impacts from changing landuse in the watershed and to determine if the community's 2014 improvement continues.
Most Abundant Gilt Darter (76, 31 %), Non -indigenous Yellowfin Shiner (2), Imperiled
Species Mottled Sculpin (75, 31%) Species Redbreast Sunfish (1), Species None
Green Sunfish (8)

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
CANEY FK
SR 1738
GF4
06/02/14
Good -Fair
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
JACKSON
06010203
35.304976
-83.137853
2170
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mi)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth
Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.
50.2
13
0.4 !S]
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
0.4
no data
0.9
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
95.1
2.1
0.1
2.1
0.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
2006
95.1
2.1
0.1
2.1
0.7
0.0
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
2004
2009
2014
Temperature (°C)
18.2
18.8
17.6
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
8.8
8.5
9.5
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
21
19
21
pH (s.u.)
5.9
5.9
7.0
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)
6
Bank Vegetation (7)
4
Light Penetration (10)
3
Left Riparian Score (5)
3
Right Riparian Score (5)
2
Total Habitat Score (100)
69
Water Clarity IClear
Site Photograph
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/02/14
2014-28
13
44
Good -Fair
04/27/09
2009-17
15
52
Good
06/01 /04
2004-62
16
56
Good
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains east -central Jackson County, including the Great Balsam Mountains; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary
to the Tuckasegee River, site is -- 2.3 miles upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Landuse -- greatest percentage of its watershed in forest
than any other fish community site sampled in 2014. Habitat -- cobble, bedrock, and boulder substrates; no change in habitats from those observed in 2009;
slick bedrock; swift chutes along the left bank and swift riffles in the mid -channel; no buffered riparian zone on the right. Water Quality -- no change in the
specific conductance during the past 10 years, low, and typical of a watershed that is - 95% forested. 2014 -- the number of fish collected declined by 31 %
between 2009 and 2014 (537 vs. 370, especially for Mottled Sculpin, River Chub, Warpaint Shiner, and Tennessee Shiner); 1 of only 2 sites in the basin from
which no Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, or trout were collected (the other being Caler Fork Creek); an 8 point decline in the NCIBI Score and an one NCIBI
Rating class decrease due to the losses of the intolerant Rock Bass and the widespread Warpaint Shiner and Blacknose Dace, and the low Percentage of
Species with Multiple Age Classes (62% reflecting a loss of cohorts and often indicative of past persistent high flows); total species diversity and diversity of
darters and cyprinids lower than expected. 2004-2014 -- 19 species known from the site including 9 species of cyprinids, 4 Intolerant Species (Rainbow Trout
(although absent in 2014), Rock Bass (also absent in 2014), Greenfin Darter, and Gilt Darter), and 3 species of darters; an abundant and intolerant
community, no tolerant species have ever been collected at the site; dominant species is the cold -cool water indicator Mottled Sculpin; reproducing
populations of trout have not been documented by NC DWR staff at this site which is supplementally classified as Trout waters jr); the only imperiled
species known from this site is the Smoky Dace (Special Concern, 2004, 2009, and 2014). Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, there has
been no change in the water quality (as evidence by the stable specific conductance measurements) but the biological integrity of the fish community has
declined by 12 NCIBI points and one NCIBI rating since 2004 and especially in 2014 (most likely due to the prolonged high water in 2013 and 2014);
continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing landuse in the watershed and to determine if the
decline is persistent.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (217, Non -indigenous Imperiled
Species 59%) Species None Species Special Concern -- Smoky Dace (3)

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
�_CARTOOGECHAYE CR
SR 1146
GF6
06/05/14
Good
County1
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
MACON
1 06010202
35.156497
-83.456124
2100
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mi)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Broad Basins
41.2
11
0.5
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
95.0
0.0
no data
5.0
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
87.4
4.7
0.3
5.7
1.8
0.1
0.0
0.0
2006
87.4
4.7
0.3
5.7
2.2
0.1
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
---
2004
2014
Temperature (°C)
---
15.2
17.1
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
---
8.8
8.5
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
---
30
33
pH (s.u.)
5.8
1 6.7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
10
Bottom Substrate (15)
4
Pool Variety (10)
10
Riffle Habitat (16)
10
Bank Erosion (7)
1
Bank Vegetation (7)
4
Light Penetration (10)
3
Left Riparian Score (5)
3
Right Riparian Score (5)
2
Total Habitat Score (100)
52
Water Clarity I Slightly turbid
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/05/14
2014-35
18
52
Good
05/18/04
2004-45
18
56
Good
Data Analvsis
Watershed -- drains central Macon County, west of the City of Franklin; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Little
Tennessee River. Habitat -- 2"d lowest scoring of instream and riparian habitats of any fish community site in the basin; embedded cobble, sand, and silt
substrates; severe bank erosion and long, deep snag pool above second bridge; riffles rare. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable since 2004 and
relatively low for a watershed that is predominantly forested with — 10% in agriculture. 2014 -- the number of fish collected declined by 30% between 2004
and 2014 (473 vs. 332, especially for Mottled Sculpin, Mountain Brook Lamprey; and River Chub); a 4 point decrease in the NCIBI Score (but no change in
the NCIBI Rating) which was due to slightly greater Percentage of Tolerant Fish in 2014 than in 2004 (3% vs. 1 %) and the loss of two species of cyprinids
(Blacknose Dace and Mirror Shiner); the community continues to be abundant, diverse, and trophically balanced; the trout fishery is managed by the NCWRC
as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters and one stocked Rainbow Trout (285 mm TL) and four stocked Brown Trout (214, 218, 233, and 258 mm TL) were
shocked and released, however, only one wild Rainbow Trout was collected (170 mm TL). 2004 & 2014 --21 species known from the site including 9 species
of cyprinids, 4 Intolerant Species (Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, Greenfin Darter, and Gilt Darter), but just 2 species of darters; dominant species is the cold -
cool water indicator Mottled Sculpin; the NCIBI Rating has not changed during the past 10 years; reproducing populations of trout have not been documented
by NCDWR staff at this site which is supplementally classified as Trout waters Jr); no imperiled species are known from this site. Recommendation --
based upon all the data collected, there has been no change in water quality or the biological integrity of the fish community since 2004; continued basinwide
assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing landuse in the watershed.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (139, Non -indigenous Rainbow Trout (1), Imperiled
Species 42%) Species Redbreast Sunfish (3), Species None
Sunfish hybrid (1)

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
COWEE CR
SR 1340
GF8
06/16/14
Excellent
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
MACON
06010202
35.262629
-83.408800
1990
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mil)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Broad Basins
25.2
10
0.4
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
Landuse (%)
Forest
Developed
Impervious
Cultivation
Grass/Herb/Shrub
Wetland
Water
Barren
1992
97.7
0.0
no data
2.3
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
89.8
3.0
0.1
5.0
1.5
0.1
0.0
0.0
2006
89.8
3.0
0.1
5.0
2.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
---
2004
2014
Temperature (°C)
---
15.8
19.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
---
8.5
9.1
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
---
22
25
pH (s.u.)
5.9
6.8
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)
11
Bank Erosion (7)
6
Bank Vegetation (7)
6
Light Penetration (10)
7
Left Riparian Score (5)
4
Right Riparian Score (5)
3
Total Habitat Score (100)
74
Water Clarity I Slightly turbid
Site Photograph
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/16/14
2014-48
19
58
Excellent
05/19/04
2004-49
21
56
Good
Data Analvsis
Watershed -- drains northeast corner of Macon County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Little Tennessee River, site
is - 0.28 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitats -- cobble, bedrock, and sand substrates; high gradient plunges and shelves in
upper one half of the reach; side snags; silts plentiful atop the rocks. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable since 2004 and within the range for a
watershed that is - 90% forested. 2014 -- the number of fish collected declined by 24% between 2004 and 2014 (468 vs. 354, especially for Mottled Sculpin
and Gilt Darter); greatest NCIBI Score and NCIBI Rating of any site in the basin in 2014, only fish community that rated Excellent; slight 2 point increase in
the NCIBI Score and a one NCIBI Rating class improvement was due to a lower Percentage of Tolerant Fish collected in 2014 than in 2004 (1 % vs. 5%);
overall, a diverse, abundant, and trophically stable community. 2004 & 2014 -- 22 species known from the site including 8 species of cyprinids, 5 Intolerant
Species (Telescope Shiner, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Greenfin Darter, and Gilt Darter), and 3 species of darters; dominant species is the Gilt Darter and
the cold -cool water indicator Mottled Sculpin; reproducing populations of trout have not been documented by NCDWR staff at this site which is
supplementally classified as Trout waters jr); no imperiled species are known from this site. Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, there
has been no substantial change in the water quality or the biological integrity of the fish community since 2004; NCIBI Rating fluctuates between a very high
Good and a low Excellent; continue basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing landuse in the watershed.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (85) Non -indigenous Yellowfin Shiner (4), Green Imperiled None
Species Species Sunfish (5) Species

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bloc lassification
COWEETA CR
SR 1119
GF9
06/18/14
Good
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
MACON
06010202
35.082979
-83.388604
2065
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mi)
Stream Width (m)
Stream (m)
EDepth
Broad Basins
16.8
9
0.5
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
98.0
0.1
no data
2.0
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
90.3
3.6
0.1
3.6
1.8
0.1
0.0
0.0
2006
90.3
3.6
0.1
3.6
2.3
0.1
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
---
2004
2014
Temperature (°C)
---
18.5
17.1
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
---
8.0
9.2
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
---
16
19
pH (s.u.)
6.0
6.0
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
16
Bottom Substrate (15)
10
Pool Variety (10)
10
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)
2
Total Habitat Score (100)
78
Water Clarity IClear
Site Photograph
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/18/14
2014-52
20
56
Good
05/20/04
2004-53
20
56
Good
Data Analvsis
Watershed -- drains south-central Macon County, including the US Forest Service's Coweeta Experimental Forest; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers
in the watershed; tributary to the Little Tennessee River, site is - 0.7 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- cobble, boulder, and
bedrock substrates; no change in the instream and riparian habitats, same as they were in 2004; riffles, runs, deep plunge and boulder pools; coarse woody
debris at the old mill site; large rip/rap placed along the right bank. Water Quality -- no change in the specific conductance during the past 10 years, low, and
typical of a watershed that is - 90% forested. 2014 -- the number of fish collected declined by 35% between 2004 and 2014 (799 vs. 523, especially for
Central Stoneroller, Warpaint Shiner, and Gilt Darter); 2nd greatest NCIBI Score and NCIBI Rating (along with that at Middle Creek) of any site in the basin in
2014; a diverse, abundant, intolerant, and trophically balanced community. 2004 & 2014 -- 23 species known from the site including 10 species of cyprinids,
4 Intolerant Species (Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, Greenfin Darter, and Gilt Darter), and 3 species of darters; dominant species is the cold -cool water indicator
Mottled Sculpin; the NCIBI Score nor the NCIBI Rating changed during the past 10 years and continues to rate a very high Good; reproducing populations of
trout have not been documented at this site which is supplementally classified as Trout waters jr); the only imperiled species known from this site is the
Smoky Dace (Special Concern, 2014). Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, there has been no change in the water quality or the
biological integrity of the fish community since 2004; continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing
landuse in the watershed.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (249, Non -indigenous Yellowfin Shiner (5), Imperiled
Species 48%) Species Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout Species Special Concern -- Smoky Dace (1)
(1), Redbreast Sunfish (8)

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
F--CULLOWHEE CR
SR 1545
GF13
06/02/14
Good -Fair
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
JACKSON
06010203
35.296767
-83.180978
2110
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mil)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth
Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.
19.5
10
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
96.5
1.0
no data
2.5
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
91.1
3.8
0.2
3.5
1.2
0.2
0.0
0.0
2006
91.1
3.8
0.2
3.5
1.5
0.2
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
2004
2009
2014
Temperature ('C)
13.1
12.1
16.1
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
10.0
8.9
9.5
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
33
30
30
pH (s.u.)
5.8
6.2
6.5
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)
6
Bank Vegetation (7)
5
Light Penetration (10)
6
Left Riparian Score (5)
3
Right Riparian Score (5)
5
Total Habitat Score (100)
76
Water Clarity IClear
Site Photograph
y
i01
1' "Y
�, r
�•v� .A'�
y
i
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/02/14
2014-27
14
44
Good -Fair
04/27/09
2009-16
17
50
Good
06/02/04
2004-63
16
46
Good -Fair
Data
Watershed -- drains southwestern Jackson County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Tuckasegee River, site is - 2.4
miles upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- cobble, gravel, and sand substrates; coarse woody debris dam and pool in the same
place as it was in 2009; riffles and runs; deadfalls along the left bank. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable since 2004 and within the range for a
watershed that is - 90% forested. 2014 -- the number of fish collected declined by 55% between 2009 and 2014 (648 vs. 294, especially for Mottled Sculpin,
Longnose Dace, and Blacknose Dace); a 6 point decline in the NCIBI Score and an one NCIBI Rating class decrease due to fewer fish being collected; the
loss of several species (River Chub, White Sucker, Black Redhorse, Rainbow Trout, and Tuckasegee Darter) and the low Percentage of Species with Multiple
Age Classes (64% reflecting a loss of cohorts and often indicative of past persistent high flows); total species diversity and diversity of darters and cyprinids
lower than expected; the trout fishery is managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, three stocked Brown Trout (198, 198, and 235 mm
TL) were shocked and released, all other Brown Trout were wild. 2004-2014 --19 species known from the site including 7 species of cyprinids, 3 Intolerant
Species (Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, and Gilt Darter), but only 2 species of darters; dominant species is the cold -cool water indicator Mottled Sculpin; stream
is supporting its supplemental designation as trout waters jr); no imperiled species are known from this site. Recommendation -- based upon all the data
collected, there has been no substantial change in the water quality (as evidence by the stable specific conductance measurements) but the biological
integrity of the fish community has slightly declined since 2009 (most likely due to the prolonged high water in 2013 and 2014); recommend continued
basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing landuse in the watershed and to determine if the decline is
persistent.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (165, Non -indigenous Rainbow Trout (4), Imperiled
Species 56%) Species Redbreast Sunfish (4) Species None

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
ELLIJAY CR
SR 1524
GF14
06/19/14
Good
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
MACON
06010202
1 35.166238
-83.307308
2070
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mi)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.
120.0
8
0.4
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
Landuse (%)
Forest
Developed
Impervious
Cultivation
Grass/Herb/Shrub
Wetland
Water
Barren
1992
96.8
0.0
no data
3.2
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
91.5
3.1
0.1
3.8
1.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
2006
91.5
3.1
0.1
3.8
1.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
2004
2009
2014
Temperature (°C)
15.2
16.2
16.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
8.6
9.1
9.1
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
32
31
34
pH (s.u.)
5.8
6.9
6.4
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
16
Bottom Substrate (15)
12
Pool Variety (10)
8
Riffle Habitat (16)
16
Bank Erosion (7)
6
Bank Vegetation (7)
4
Light Penetration (10)
7
Left Riparian Score (5)
2
Right Riparian Score (5)
2
Total Habitat Score (100)
78
Water Clarity ISlightly turbid
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/19/14
2014-55
19
52
Good
04/30/09
2009-26
19
50
Good
05/20/04
2004-51
20
56
Good
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains the east-northeast portion of Macon County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Cullasaja River,
site is - 0.6 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- cobble, boulder, and bedrock substrates; no change in the instream and
riparian habitats, same as in 2004 and 2009; plunges, riffles, and runs; side coarse woody debris pools; lots of rip/rap along the left bank. Water Quality --
specific conductance stable since 2004 and within the range for a watershed that is more than 90% forested. 2014 -- the number of fish collected declined
by 61% between 2009 and 2014 (1132 vs. 294, especially for Central Stoneroller, Mottled Sculpin, Whitetail Shiner, Northern Hog Sucker, Warpaint Shiner,
River Chub, and Tennessee Shiner); 1 of 2 sites in the basin from which no darters were collected (the other being Rabbit Creek); 2 point increase in the
NCIBI Score, but not the NCIBI Rating, was due to a more balanced trophic structure in 2014 than in 2009 (14% Omnivores+Herbivores and 84%
Insectivores vs. 37% and 61 %, respectively in 2009) and fewer fish being collected in 2014 than in 2009. 2004-2014 -- 23 species known from the site
including 10 species of cyprinids, 5 Intolerant Species (Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Greenfin Darter, and Gilt Darter), and 3 species of
darters (darters are extremely rare at this site, out of 2162 fish collected only 3 have been darters -- 1 specimen each of Gilt Darter, Greenfin Darter, and
Tuckasegee Darter); dominant species is the cold -cool water indicator Mottled Sculpin; an abundant, diverse, and intolerant community; reproducing
populations of Rainbow Trout have been documented at this site which is supplementally classified as Trout waters jr); the only imperiled species known
from this site is the Smoky Dace (Special Concern, 2004, 2009, and 2014); NCIBI Rating has not changed in 10 years. Recommendation -- based upon all
the data collected, there has been no change in the water quality or the biological integrity of the fish community since 2004; continued basinwide
assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing landuse in the watershed.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (265, Non -indigenous Rainbow Trout (7), Imperiled
61 % Species Redbreast Sunfish (1), Special Concern -- Smoky Dace (5)
p ) Species Green Sunfish (1) Species

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
IOTLA CR
off SR 1378
1 GF15
1 06/30/15
1 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft) Reference Site
MACON 1 06010202 35.234674-83.397981 1995 No
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi) Stream Width (m) Stream Depth (m)
Broad Basins 9.9 1 4 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
82.0
0.1
no data
18.0
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
68.0
5.6
0.5
21.5
3.3
0.1
0.0
0.1
2006
68.0
5.6
0.5
21.7
4.3
0.0
0.0
0.1
Water Quality Parameters
2004
2009
2014
Temperature (°C)
16.4
15.3
12.6
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
8.3
8.9
8.8
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
39
41
45
pH (s.u.)
5.9
5.7
6.7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
10
Bottom Substrate (15)
3
Pool Variety (10)
8
Riffle Habitat (16)
7
Bank Erosion (7)
5
Bank Vegetation (7)
6
Light Penetration (10)
9
Left Riparian Score (5)
4
Right Riparian Score (5)
2
Total Habitat Score (100)
59
Water Clarity ITurbid
Site Ph
s
,
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/30/15
2015-67
16
48
Good
06/05/14
2014-36
17
38
Fair
05/01 /09
2009-27
22
48
Good
05/19/04
1 2004-48
1 18
1 44
1 Good -Fair
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains north -central Macon County, including portions of the Macon County airport; no NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the
Little Tennessee River, site is - 0.2 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Landuse -- lowest percentage of its watershed in forest and
greatest percentage of its watershed in cultivation than any other fish community sampled in 2014. Habitat -- low quality instream and riparian habitats;
rip/rap, boulder, cobble, sand, and silt substrates; rip/rap along the right bank; upper two-thirds of the reach is flat and Piedmont -like, the lower one-third of
the reach has a higher gradient; cattle with stream access along the right bank near end of reach; plunge riffles and undercut snags. Water Quality -- 2nd
greatest measurement of specific conductance of any fish community site in the basin in 2014 and indicative of the nonpoint source runoff, although stable
since 2004 and within the range for a mountain watershed that is - 25% in agriculture. 2014 -- the number of fish collected declined by 57% between 2009
and 2014 (289 vs. 123, especially for Warpaint Shiner and River Chub); fewest fish collected at any site in the basin in 2014 (n=123), 2"d lowest NCIBI Score
(along with Caler Fork Creek) of any site in the basin in 2014; a 10 point decline in the NCIBI Score and a two NCIBI Rating class decrease due to fewer fish
being collected and the loss of several species. 2004-2014 -- extremely diverse community with 28 species known from the site including 9 species of
cyprinids, 6 Intolerant Species (Spotfin Chub, Telescope Shiner, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Greenfin Darter, and Gilt Darter), and 4 species of darters;
dominant species is the River Chub; site's proximity to the river may inflate the diversity metrics and result in an inflated NCIBI Rating rate (e.g. Good in
2009); the only imperiled species known from this site is the Spotfin Chub (Threatened, 2009). Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, there
has likely been no substantial change in the water quality (as evidence by the stable specific conductance) however, the biological integrity of the fish
community appears to have substantially declined since 2009; except for the affects from the prolonged high water in 2013 and early 2014, there is no known
reason for this decline. 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; continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing
Ianduse in the watershed. Note: the fish community was re -sampled in 2015 and was rated Good; 223 fish were collected of which the dominant species
was the Warpaint Shiner (26%); the specific conductance was 48 pS/cm.
Yellowfin Shiner (4),
Most Abundant River Chub (32, 26%) Non -indigenous Redbreast Sunfish (5), Imperiled None
Species Species Species
Green Sunfish 2

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
LITTLE TENNESSEE R
off SR 1683
GF17
06/17/14
Good -Fair
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
MACON
06010202
35.002934
-83.379178
2080
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mi)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Broad Basins
58.8
14
0.6
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
90.7
0.3
no data
8.4
no data
0.0
0.1
0.5
2001
79.5
7.9
0.8
10.2
1.5
0.2
0.1
0.1
2006
79.5
7.9
0.8
10.2
2.0
0.2
0.1
0.2
Water Quality Parameters
---
2004
2014
Temperature (°C)
---
17.6
19.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
---
8.9
8.9
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
---
233
24
pH (s.u.)
6.5
6.6
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
12
Bottom Substrate (15)
3
Pool Variety (10)
10
Riffle Habitat (16)
7
Bank Erosion (7)
1
Bank Vegetation (7)
6
Light Penetration (10)
3
Left Riparian Score (5)
2
Right Riparian Score (5)
5
Total Habitat Score (100)
54
Water Clarity I Slightly turbid
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/17/14
2014-51
23
46
Good -Fair
05/17/04
2004-43
20
38
Fair
Data Analvsis
Watershed -- drains northern Rabun County, GA and southern Macon County, including the communities of Mountain City, Rabun Gap, and Dillard, and the
US 441 corridor; site is - 5.5 miles downstream from two NPDES dischargers in GA (GA0047139 and GA0039152, Total Q, = 2.1 MGD). Landuse --
greatest percentage of its watershed developed than any other fish community site in 2014. Habitat -- low quality instream and riparian habitats; sand, clay,
gravel, and some boulder substrates; entrenched with steep banks (up to 6 m high) which are severely eroding; Podostemum in the riffles; coarse woody
debris snags along the banks. Water Quality -- substantial improvement in the decreasing of the specific conductance in the discharge from the upstream
WWTPs in Georgia and currently low for a watershed that is - 20% in agriculture and developed. 2014 -- no substantial difference in the number of fish
collected between 2004 and 2014 (178 vs. 171), 2Id fewest fish collected, but the most speciose community of any in the basin in 2014; an 8 point increase in
the NCIBI Score and one NCIBI Rating class improvement resulting from an increase in the diversity of darters and cyprinids, the presence of fewer tolerant
fish, and a more balanced trophic structure contrasted to that in 2004; although the fishery is not managed by the NCWRC, one stocked Rainbow Trout (467
mm TL) was shocked and released. 2004 & 2014 -- 27 species known from the site including 10 species of cyprinids, 6 non -indigenous species, 4 Intolerant
Species (Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Greenfin Darter, and Gilt Darter), and 3 species of darters; dominant species is the River Chub; no imperiled species
are known from this site. Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, there has been an improvement in the water quality and the biological
integrity of the fish community since 2004; continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing landuse in
the watershed.
River Chub (28, 16%), Yellowfin Shiner (7), Snail
Most Abundant Warpaint Shiner (23, Non -indigenous Bullhead (1), Redbreast Imperiled None
Species 13%) Species Sunfish (9), Yellow Perch (1) Species

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
MIDDLE CR
SR 1635
GF19
06/17/14
Good
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
MACON
06010202
35.052046
-83.363611
2115
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mi)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth
Broad Basins
12.9
9
0.4
!�::d
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
Landuse (%)
Forest
Developed
Impervious
Cultivation
Grass/Herb/Shrub
Wetland
Water
Barren
1992
91.3
0.0
no data
8.5
no data
0.1
0.1
0.0
2001
82.7
4.2
0.2
9.1
2.9
0.1
0.2
0.2
2006
82.7
4.2
0.2
9.1
3.5
0.1
0.2
0.2
Water Quality Parameters
2004
2009
2014
Temperature (°C)
18.1
13.4
17.4
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
8.5
9.1
8.7
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
24
23
24
pH (s.u.)
5.8
5.8
6.1
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
14
Bottom Substrate (15)
6
Pool Variety (10)
10
Riffle Habitat (16)
7
Bank Erosion (7)
4
Bank Vegetation (7)
3
Light Penetration (10)
4
Left Riparian Score (5)
3
Right Riparian Score (5)
1
Total Habitat Score (100)
57
Water Clarity IVery slightly turbid
Site Photograph
9' env
a
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/17/14
2014-49
21
56
Good
04/30/09
2009-24
19
58
Excellent
05/17/04
2004-44
16
56
Good
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains southern Macon County and a small portion of northern Rabun County, GA; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed;
tributary to the Little Tennessee River, site is - 1.1 miles upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- low quality instream and riparian
habitats; cobble, gravel, boulder, bedrock, sand, and silt substrates; riffles, runs, artificial trout pool; narrow riparian zones with a house and lawn along the
right bank. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable and low for a watershed that is - 10% in agriculture. 2014 -- the number of fish collected declined
by 46% between 2009 and 2014 (823 vs. 443, especially for Mottled Sculpin, Central Stoneroller, Warpaint Shiner, Tennessee Shiner, and Yellowfin Shiner);
most speciose community in terms of cyprinid diversity (n=11) of any site in the basin in 2014; 2nd greatest (along with Coweeta Creek) NCIBI Score and
NCIBI Rating of any site in the basin in 2014; a very small 2 point decline in the NCIBI Score and 1 NCIBI Rating Class decline due to a decrease in the
Percentage of Species with Multiple Age Groups (from 68% in 2009 to 57% in 2014 and indicative of a loss of cohorts); although the trout fishery is not
managed by the NCWRC, one stocked Rainbow Trout (400 mm TL) was shocked and released, the other 10 Rainbow Trout and 1 Brown Trout were wild.
2004-2014 -- 24 species known from the site including 12 species of cyprinids, 4 Intolerant Species (Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, Greenfin Darter, and Gilt
Darter), but just 2 species of darters; dominant species is the cold -cool water indicator Mottled Sculpin; a very diverse, abundant, and trophically balanced
community whose NCIBI Scores and NCIBI Ratings have not substantially changed in 10 years; a reproducing population of Rainbow Trout was documented
in 2014 at this site which is supplementally classified as Trout waters Jr); the only imperiled species known from this site is the Smoky Dace (Special
Concern, 2004, 2009, 2014). Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, there has been no change in the water quality or the biological integrity
of the fish community since 2004; continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing landuse in the
watershed.
Yellowfin Shiner (8),
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (143, Non -indigenous Rainbow Trout (10), Brown Imperiled Special Concern -- Smoky Dace (13)
Species 32 /o) Species Trout (1), Redbreast Sunfish Species
(3)

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
RABBIT CR
SR 1504
GF22
06/18/14
Good -Fair
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
MACON
106010202
1 35.208152
-83.352375
2030
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mi)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth
Broad Basins
8.8
7
0.4 !S]
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
77.5
0.0
no data
22.5
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
69.3
5.7
0.3
20.7
3.5
0.0
0.0
0.1
2006
69.3
5.7
0.3
20.7
4.3
0.0
0.0
0.1
Water Quality Parameters
---
2004
2014
Temperature (°C)
---
17.5
22.4
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
---
8.2
8.0
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
---
41
47
pH (s.u.)
6.0
7.0
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
14
Bottom Substrate (15)
6
Pool Variety (10)
4
Riffle Habitat (16)
14
Bank Erosion (7)
4
Bank Vegetation (7)
4
Light Penetration (10)
8
Left Riparian Score (5)
1
Right Riparian Score (5)
1
Total Habitat Score (100)
61
Site Photograph
Water Clarity ITurbid, becoming extremely turbid due to heavy thunderstorms in the upper watershed.
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/18/14
2014-54
17
44
Good -Fair
05/20/04
2004-52
15
44
Good -Fair
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains northeast Macon County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to Lake Emory (Little Tennessee River),
site is - 1.2 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the reservoir. Landuse -- 2nd greatest percentage of its watershed in cultivation than any other
fish community site sampled in 2014. Habitat -- low quality instream and riparian habitats; sand, cobble, boulder, and bedrock substrates; riffles, runs, and
overhanging alder trees. Water Quality -- the specific conductance was the greatest of any fish community site in the basin in 2014 and indicative of the
nonpoint source runoff; although stable since 2004, it is within the range for a watershed that is - 25% in agriculture. 2014 -- no difference in the number of
fish collected between 2004 and 2014 (635 vs. 649); 1 of only 2 sites in the basin from which no darters were collected (the other being Ellijay Creek); fewest
Intolerant Species (n=1, along with Caler Fork Creek) of any site in the basin; 16% of all the fish collected were non -indigenous species; for its size stream
the community is diverse, abundant, and trophically balanced. 2004 & 2014 -- 19 species are known from the site including 11 species of cyprinids, but just
1 Intolerant Species (Rock Bass), and no species of darters; dominant species is the cold -cool water indicator Mottled Sculpin; neither the NCIBI Score nor
NCIBI Rating has changed in past 10 years; reproducing populations of trout have not been documented by NCDWR staff at this site which is supplementally
classified as Trout waters Jr); the only imperiled species known from this site is the Smoky Dace, Special Concern, collected in 2014. Recommendation --
based upon all the data collected, there has been no change in the water quality or the biological integrity of the fish community since 2004; continued
basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing landuse in the watershed.
Golden Shiner (1), Yellowfin
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (346, Non -indigenous Shiner (91), Redbreast Imperiled
Species 53%) Species Sunfish (3), Green Sunfish Species Special Concern Smoky Dace (1)
(6)

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
SAVANNAH CR
NC 116
GF23
06/03/14
Good
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
JACKSON
06010203
35.337530
-83.236980
2025
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (miZ)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth
Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.
36.5
10
0.5
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
97.7
0.7
no data
1.6
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
89.1
5.2
0.5
3.6
1.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
2006
89.1
5.2
0.5
3.6
2.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
2004
2009
2014
Temperature (°C)
14.7
12.1
14.2
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
9.8
10.2
9.6
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
28
29
29
pH (s.u.)
6.0
5.4
6.4
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
16
Bottom Substrate (15)
8
Pool Variety (10)
8
Riffie Habitat (16)
16
Bank Erosion (7)
6
Bank Vegetation (7)
3
Light Penetration (10)
2
Left Riparian Score (5)
2
Right Riparian Score (5)
2
Total Habitat Score (100)
68
Water Clarity ITurbid (dingy)
Site Photograph
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/03/14
2014-29
16
48
Good
04/28/09
2009-18
18
58
Excellent
06/02/04
2004-64
15
50
Good
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains northwestern Jackson County, paralleling much of the NC 116 and US 23/441 corridor all the way upstream to the creek's headwaters;
no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Tuckasegee River, site is - 1.1 miles upstream from the creek's confluence with the
river. Habitat -- cobble, bedrock, and boulder substrates; swift chutes at bend; rip/rap along both banks; swift flow; riffles, plunges, and fast, deep main
channel; rocks covered with silt. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable since 2004 and within the range for a watershed that is - 90% forested. 2014 -
- the number of fish collected declined by 48% between 2009 and 2014 (622 vs 323, especially for Mottled Sculpin, Central Stoneroller, River Chub,
Blacknose Dace, and Northern Hog Sucker); a 10 point decline in the NCIBI Score and an one NCIBI Rating class decrease due to a slightly skewed trophic
structure (only 11% Omnivores+Herbivores and 88% Insectivores) and the very low Percentage of Species with Multiple Age Classes (44% , the lowest of
any site in the basin in 2014 and reflecting a loss of cohorts and often indicative of past persistent high flows), 6 of the 16 species were represented by only 1
or 2 fish. 2004-2014 -- 19 species known from the site including 8 species of cyprinids, 4 Intolerant Species (Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, Greenfin Darter,
and Gilt Darter), and 3 species of darters; a very intolerant community, only one tolerant fish (a White Sucker in 2009) out of 1414 fish has ever been
collected at the site; dominant species is the cold -cool water indicator Mottled Sculpin; no evidence of reproducing populations of trout have been
documented by NCDW R staff at this site which is supplementally classified as Trout waters jr), however, the stream is a popular fishing creek as the trout
fishery in much of the middle and upper mainstem reaches of the creek is managed as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters; no imperiled species are known
from this site. Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, there has been no substantial change in the water quality (as evidence by the stable
specific conductance measurements) although the biological integrity of the fish community has declined since 2009 (most likely due to the prolonged high
water in 2013 and 2014); continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing Ianduse in the watershed
and to determine if the decline is persistent.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (165, Non -indigenous Rainbow Trout (1), Brown Imperiled None
Species 51 %) Species Trout (1) Species

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
SKEENAH CR
off US 441
GF78
06/18/14
Good
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
MACON
06010202
1 35.111930
-83.391365
2035
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mi)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Broad Basins
6.6
5
0.4
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
Landuse (%)
Forest
Developed
Impervious
Cultivation
Grass/Herb/Shrub
Wetland
Water
Barren
1992
88.0
0.3
no data
11.7
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
74.6
5.8
0.4
14.9
3.4
0.1
0.0
0.0
2006
74.5
6.0
0.4
14.9
4.5
0.1
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
---
---
2014
Temperature (°C)
---
---
18.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
---
---
8.9
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
---
---
42
pH (s.u.)
--
--
6.5
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
10
Bottom Substrate (15)
3
Pool Variety (10)
6
Riffle Habitat (16)
7
Bank Erosion (7)
5
Bank Vegetation (7)
5
Light Penetration (10)
4
Left Riparian Score (5)
4
Right Riparian Score (5)
2
Total Habitat Score (100)
51
Water Clarity I Slightly turbid, but became extremely turbid
Site Photograph
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/18/14
2014-53
20
48
Good
Data Analysis
This is the first fish community sample collected from this stream. Watershed -- drains west -central Macon County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers
in the watershed; tributary to the Little Tennessee River, site is — 0.8 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- lowest scoring of
instream and riparian habitats of any fish community site in the basin; sand and gravel substrate; sandy runs; coarse woody debris; side snags and
undercuts; entrenched; sewer right-of-way along the right bank. Water Quality -- specific conductance elevated, but within the range for a mountain
watershed that is — 15% in agriculture. 2014 -- greatest percentage of Tolerant Fish (21 %) of any site in the basin; 18% of all the fish collected were non -
indigenous species; diverse fish community for the size of the stream (related to proximity to the river with such species as Golden Redhorse, White Sucker,
Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Golden Shiner, and Snail Bullhead), 20 species present, including 8 species of cyprinids,6 non -indigenous species, 3 Intolerant
Species (Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, and Greenfin Darter), but just 1 species of darter; proximity to the river may inflate the diversity metrics and overall
rating of the community; no imperiled species are known from this site. Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, the stream is supporting its
intended uses, despite the low quality instream habitats; continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from
chanqinq landuse in the watershed.
Golden Shiner (1), Yellowfin
Most Abundant Non -indigenous Shiner 12), Snail Bullhead Imperiled
Species Mottled Sculpin (63) Species (1), Rainbow Trout (1), Species None
Redbreast Sunfish (24),
Green Sunfish (5)

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
�_SWEETWATER CR
SR 1214
GF36
06/04/14
Good
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
GRAHAM
06010204
35.324966
-83.793350
1995
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mil)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Southern Metasedimentary Mtns.
13.6
7
10.4
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
95.9
0.1
no data
4.1
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
91.0
4.6
0.3
3.9
0.2
0.2
0.0
0.0
2006
90.8
4.6
0.3
3.9
0.5
0.2
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
---
2009
2014
Temperature (°C)
---
13.4
15.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
---
10.0
9.4
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
---
32
38
pH (s.u.)
5.8
6.4
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)
6
Bank Vegetation (7)
5
Light Penetration (10)
10
Left Riparian Score (5)
5
Right Riparian Score (5)
5
Total Habitat Score (100)
86
Site Photograph
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/04/14
2014-32
12
48
Good
04/29/09
2009-21
13
52
Good
Data Analvsis
Watershed -- drains east -central Graham County; NC 143 parallels much of the creek; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributaryto
the Cheoah River, site is - 0.6 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- greatest scoring of instream and riparian habitats of any
fish community site in the basin in 2014; bedrock cobble, and boulder substrates; plunge pools and swift chutes; riffles; bedrock ledges and shelves;
Podostemum (River Weed) growing in the riffles; an abundance of silts atop the rocks. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable since 2009, slightly
elevated for a watershed that is - 90% forested. 2014 -- no appreciable difference in the number of fish collected between 2009 and 2014 (646 vs. 615); a
slight 4 point decrease in the NCIBI Score, but not the NCIBI Rating, due to the loss of the intolerant Greenfin Darter (n = 5 in 2009); overall, a trophically
balanced community but with slightly fewer total species than expected. 2009 & 2014 -- low species diversity, only 14 species known from the site including
just 7 species of cyprinids, 3 Intolerant Species (Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, and Greenfin Darter), and 2 species of darters; dominant species is the cold -cool
water indicator Mottled Sculpin; no appreciable changed in the NCIBI Score or NCIBI Rating; reproducing population of Rainbow Trout has been documented
at this site which is supplementally classified as Trout waters Jr); no imperiled species are known from this site. Recommendation -- based upon all the
data collected, there has been no change in the water quality or the biological integrity of the fish community since 2009; stream is supporting its
supplemental designation as Tr; continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing Ianduse in the
watershed.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (183, Non -indigenous Imperiled
Species 30%) Species Rainbow Trout (46) Species None

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
TELLICO CR
SR 1367
GF27
06/05/14
Good
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
MACON
106010202
1 35.281977
-83.507337
1960
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mil)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Southern Metasedimentary Mtns.
111.4
8
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
99.5
0.0
no data
0.5
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
94.9
1.9
0.1
1.1
1.7
0.0
0.0
0.0
2006
94.9
1.9
0.1
1.1
2.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
---
2004
2014
Temperature (°C)
---
14.8
16.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
---
8.8
9.2
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
---
17
17
pH (s.u.)
--
5.2
6.0
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
18
Bottom Substrate (15)
12
Pool Variety (10)
6
Riffle Habitat (16)
16
Bank Erosion (7)
7
Bank Vegetation (7)
5
Light Penetration (10)
8
Left Riparian Score (5)
4
Right Riparian Score (5)
3
Total Habitat Score (100)
84
Water Clarity JClear
Site Photograph
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/05/14
2014-38
15
48
Good
05/21/04
2004-55
16
50
Good
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains northwest Macon County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; - 1.8 miles downstream from the Tellico Trout
Farm (NCG530071); tributary to the Little Tennessee River, site is - 1.2 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Landuse -- 2nd greatest
percentage of its watershed in forest than any other fish community site sampled in the basin in 2014. Habitat -- 2nd greatest scoring of instream and riparian
habitats of any fish community site in the basin in 2014; cobble, boulder, and bedrock substrate; same instream and riparian habitats as in 2004, primarily
bedrock and boulder plunges, riffles, and runs; Fissidens (River Moss) in the riffles. Water Quality -- despite being downstream from the Tellico Trout Farm,
the specific conductance was the lowest of any of the fish community sites in the basin in 2014, no change during the past 10 years, low, and typical of a
watershed that is - 95% forested. 2014 -- the number of fish collected increased by 150% between 2004 and 2014 (276 vs. 415, especially for Gilt Darter);
neither the NCIBI Score nor the NCIBI Rating has substantially changed during the past 10 years; the community is slightly trophically unbalanced due to the
abundance of Insectivores (89%, primarily Gilt Darter). 2004 & 2014 -- 17 species known from the site including 9 species of cyprinids, 5 Intolerant Species
(Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Greenfin Darter, and Gilt Darter), but just 2 species of darters; dominant species is the Gilt Darter; a
reproducing population of Rainbow Trout were documented in 2014 at this site which is supplementally classified as Trout waters Jr); the only imperiled
species known from this site is the Smoky Dace (Special Concern, 2004 and 2014). Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, there has been
no change in the water quality or biological integrity of the fish community since 2004; continued basinwide assessment of this site in 2019 to document any
potential impacts from changing Ianduse in the watershed or from the upstream trout farm discharge.
Most Abundant Gilt Darter (245, 59%) Non -indigenous Rainbow Trout (2), Green Imperiled Special Concern -- Smoky Dace (2)
Species ISpecies Sunfish (2) Species

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
�__TESSENTEE CR
SR 1636
GF28
06/17/14
Good
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
MACON
106010202
1 35.065461
-83.377723
2040
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (mi)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.
114.8
8
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
97.2
0.0
no data
2.8
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
90.7
2.7
0.1
3.1
2.8
0.0
0.0
0.2
2006
90.7
2.7
0.1
3.1
3.3
0.0
0.0
0.2
Water Quality Parameters
2004
2009
2014
Temperature (°C)
16.4
13.5
17.2
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
8.9
9.4
9.2
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
17
18
20
pH (s.u.)
5.9
6.1
6.1
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)
10
Bank Erosion (7)
5
Bank Vegetation (7)
4
Light Penetration (10)
7
Left Riparian Score (5)
5
Right Riparian Score (5)
1
Total Habitat Score (100)
69
Water Clarity IVery slightly turbid, but became very easily silted
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/17/14
2014-50
17
48
Good
04/30/09
2009-25
19
52
Good
05/18/04
2004-46
16
52
Good
05/03/95
95-38
16
56
Good
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains southern Macon County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Little Tennessee River, site is - 0.6
mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Habitat -- cobble, gravel, sand, and silt substrates; riffles, runs, silty areas; right bank stabilized
with root wads and dead trees placed into the creek; bank erosion on the upstream right. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable since 1995 (13 µS/cm
in 1995), low, and within the range for a watershed that is - 90% forested. 2014 -- the number of fish collected declined by 70% between 2009 and 2014
(1476 vs. 445, especially for Mottled Sculpin, Mountain Brook Lamprey, Warpaint Shiner, River Chub, Tennessee Shiner, Yellowfin Shiner, and Gilt Darter); a
4 point decline in the NCIBI Score but not the NCIBI Rating Class which was due to the loss of the intolerant Greenfin Darter. 1995-2014 -- 24 species known
from the site including 12 species of cyprinids, 4 Intolerant Species (Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, Greenfin Darter, and Gilt Darter), but just 2 species of
darters; dominant species is the cold -cool water indicator Mottled Sculpin; an abundant, diverse, and intolerant community; although the NCIBI Score has
decreased by 8 points since 1995, the NCIBI Rating has been consistently Good with slight fluctuations in the Number of Intolerant Species present;
reproducing populations of trout have not been documented by NCDW R staff at this site which is supplementally classified as Trout waters Jr); the only
imperiled species known from this site is the Smoky Dace (Special Concern, 1995, 2004, 2009, and 2014). Recommendation -- based upon all the data
collected, there has been no change in the water quality or biological integrity of the fish community since 1995; continued basinwide assessment of this site
in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing landuse in the watershed.
Most Abundant Mottled Sculpin (255, Non -indigenous Yellowfin Shiner (52), Imperiled
Species 56%) Species Redbreast Sunfish (2), Species Special Concern -- Smoky Dace (1)
Green Sunfish (1)

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Station ID
Date
Bioclassification
TULULA CR
SR 1260
GF29
06/04/14
Good -Fair
County
8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation (ft)
Reference Site
GRAHAM
06010204
35.307261
-83.794273
2035
No
Level IV Ecoregion
Drainage Area (miZ)
Stream Width (m)
Stream Depth (m)
Southern Metasedimentary Mtns.
27.4
1 12
1 0.4
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
Landuse (%)
Forest
Developed
Impervious
Cultivation
Grass/Herb/Shrub
Wetland
Water
Barren
1992
97.3
0.1
no data
2.6
no data
0.0
0.0
0.0
2001
91.6
4.9
0.4
2.6
0.4
0.4
0.0
0.0
2006
91.4
4.9
0.4
2.6
0.8
0.4
0.0
0.0
Water Quality Parameters
2004
2009
2014
Temperature (°C)
16.2
14.5
16.4
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
8.8
10.1
9.3
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
29
25
31
pH (s.u.)
5.8
5.6
6.5
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)
2014
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
16
Bottom Substrate (15)
10
Pool Variety (10)
6
Riffle Habitat (16)
16
Bank Erosion (7)
5
Bank Vegetation (7)
6
Light Penetration (10)
7
Left Riparian Score (5)
4
Right Riparian Score (5)
2
Total Habitat Score (100)
77
Water Clarity IClear
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score
NCIBI Rating
06/04/14
2014-33
13
44
Good -Fair
04/29/09
2009-22
15
48
Good
06/04/04
2004-69
14
46
Good -Fair
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains the southeastern corner of Graham County; US 129 and the railroad parallel the creek throughout its length to its headwaters; no
municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the Cheoah River, site is - 1.8 miles upstream from the creek's confluence with the river.
Habitat -- cobble, boulder, and bedrock substrates; chutes, riffles, and plunges; house with lawn on the right at the end of the reach in an open, sun -lit area;
Podostemum in the riffles; stream bank stabilization needed at upper end along the right bank. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable and within the
range for a watershed that is - 90% forested. 2014 -- slightly more fish collected in 2014 than in 2009 (659 vs. 785); most fish collected at any site in the
basin in 2014; a 4 point decline in the NCIBI Score and a one NCIBI Rating class decrease due to the skewed trophic structure (70% Omnivores+Herbivores
and 29% Insectivores) resulting from the dominance by Central Stoneroller, an indicator of nonpoint nutrient runoff and an abundance of periphyton in the sun-
lit areas of the creek; a slightly lower than expected score for the total species, darter diversity and cyprinid diversity metrics; the trout fishery is managed by
the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters and two stocked Brown Trout (242 and 244 mm TL) were shocked and released, all Rainbow Trout were
wild. 2004-2014 -- 17 species known from the site including 7 species of cyprinids, 4 Intolerant Species (Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, Greenfin Darter, and
Tangerine Darter), and 3 species of darters; dominant species is the herbivorous Central Stoneroller which continues to indicate possible upstream point or
nonpoint source nutrient contributions; overall, an abundant and generally intolerant community; NCIBI Rating has fluctuated between Good -Fair and Good; a
reproducing population of Rainbow Trout has been documented at this site which is supplementally classified as Trout waters jr); no imperiled species are
known from this site. Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, there has been no substantial change in the water quality or the biological
integrity of the fish community since 2004; stream is supporting its supplemental classification as Trout waters; continued basinwide assessment of this site
in 2019 to document any potential impacts from changing landuse in the watershed.
Most Abundant Central Stoneroller (438, Non -indigenous Rainbow Trout (48), Imperiled None
Species 56%) Species Redbreast Sunfish (1) Species