NEW 2014 Fish Community Templates

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Date Station ID
Bioclassification
BIG HORSE CR
I SR 1350
110/09/131
KF1
I Good
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude
Longitude AU Number
Level IV Ecoregion
ASHE 2
1 05050001 1 36.48734821
-81.5001094 10-2-21-(7)
New River Plateau
Stream Classification
Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m)
Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;Tr,ORW 1
56.2 1 2633
1 13
0.4 1 No
Forested/Wetland Rural Residential Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 20 1 5 75 0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Qw, MGD)
None I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 9.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 10.5
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 63
pH (s.u.) 6.0
Water Clarity I Clear
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
5
12
8
5
6
4
4
5
2
3
54
Substrate lCobble, gravel, sand, silt, boulders
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Ratinq
10/09/13
2013-66
17
56
Good
05/20/08
2008-43
15
48
Good
06/29/98
98-57
13
48
Good
Most Abundant Species, 2013
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Data Analysis
Rosyside Dace (90, 27%)
Mountain Redbelly Dace (2), Saffron Shiner (33),
Exotic Species Brown Trout (3), Rock Bass (3), and Smallmouth
Bass (1).
Gained -- Greenside Darter (1), first collection ever; Rosyside Dace (1), Saffron Shiner (33), New River Shiner
(23), and Kanawha Rosyface Shiner (30). Lost -- Tonguetied Minnow (34), Longnose Dace (10), and White
Sucker (1).
-- drains northwest Ashe County; the small town of Lansing is located — 1.5 miles upstream; the town's WWTP (NC0066028, Qw = 0.05 MGD) is
located — 1.2 miles upstream; tributary to the North Fork New River. Landuse 2006 (from USGS, http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html,
only landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 81 % forest and 13% cultivation; since 1992 forested land has decreased from 93% to 81 % and cultivated land
has increased from 7% to 13%. Habitat -- lower quality habitats, Total Habitat Score has ranged from 54-64 since 1998; runs with silty edges; infrequent
riffles; shallow pools; narrow riparian zones providing minimal shading over the stream; Podostemum common in some of the riffles; embedded substrate.
Water Quality -- specific conductance slightly elevated, has ranged from 43 pS/cm-63 pS/cm since 1998. 2013 -- number of fish declined by 48% between
2008 and 2013 (652 vs. 339); 2nd highest NCIBI score of any site in the basin; 8 point increase in the NCIBI score but no change in the rating class was due
to increases in total species diversity, diversities of darters and cyprinids, and an increase in the percentage of Insectivores (58%); stream is managed by the
NCWRC as Delayed Harvest Waters, 3 of the 7 Brown Trout collected were wild but none of the Brook Trout (1) or the Rainbow Trout (4) were wild. 1998-
2013 -- 21 species known from the site including 8 intolerant species, 5 nonindigenous species, 6 endemic species (Tonguetied Minnow, Bigmouth Chub,
New River Shiner, Kanawha Rosyface Shiner, Kanawha Minnow, and Kanawha Darter); and 4 imperiled species (Tonguetied Minnow, Kanawha Rosyface
Shiner, and Kanawha Darter, all Significantly Rare, and Kanawha Minnow, Special Concern); consistently low percentage of tolerant fish; dominant species
are Fantail Darter (29%) and Bluehead Chub (25%); Bigmouth Chub has not been collected since 1998, it might have been a temporary migrant in 1998 from
the North Fork New River; site has consistently rated Good, but the NCIBI score has increased 8 points since 2008 with increases in total species diversity
and diversity of darters, all indicative of slightly improving water quality; no reproducing populations of trout have been documented at this site even though it
is supplementally classified as Tr; stream was supplementally reclassified as ORW on 12/01/2010. Recommendation -- the available data suggest there
has been a slight improvement in the water quality in the Big Horse Creek watershed; continue monitoring this site in 2018 to document potential impacts
any changing landuse practices.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Date Station ID Bioclassification
BIG LAUREL CR NC 88 110/09/131 KF22 I Good
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude AU Number Level IV Ecoregion
ASHE 1 05050001 1 6,4432501-81.6137311 10-2-14 Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.
Stream Classification Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m) Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;Tr, ORW 1 29.0 1 2810 1 10 0.5 Yes
Forested/Wetland Rural Residential Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 50 1 15 35 0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Qw, MGD)
None I --- I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) R6.5
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
pH (s.u.)
Water Clarity IClear
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
5
16
10
10
8
5
4
7
5
4
74
Substrate Cobble, gravel, silts, boulders
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Ratinq
10/09/13
2013-67
17
52
Good
03/24/09
2009-03
20
50
Good
05/20/08
2008-44
19
52
Good
Most Abundant Species, 2013 Mountain Redbelly Dace (110, 29%) Exotic Species Mountain Redbelly Dace (110), Brown Trout (3),
and Rock Bass (1).
Species Change Since Last Cycle Gained -- Mottled Sculpin (1), first collection ever. Lost -- Silver Shiner (9), Longnose Dace (4), Greenside
Darter (2), and Appalachia Darter (3).
Data Analysis
-- drains northwestern Alleghany County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers within the watershed; tributary to the North Fork New River,
site is - 0.1 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Landuse 2006 (from USGS,
http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, only landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 82% forest and 13% cultivation; since 1992
forested land has decreased from 92% to 82% and cultivated land has increased from 8% to 13%. Habitat -- lower quality habitats for a mountain stream,
Total Habitat Scores have ranged from 63-74 since 1998; moderately embedded substrate; primarily runs with some snags and infrequent riffles; shrubs
lining both banks providing only partial canopy over the stream; lots of silt along the edges as noted in previous cycles; Podostemum in the riffles. Water
Quality -- specific conductance stable (ranging from 42 pS/cm-49 pS/cm since 1998). 2013 -- number of fish declined by 73% between 2008 and 2013
(1408 vs. 377); not the extreme number of fish collected as there were in 2008; an abundance of Omnivores+Herbivores (48%, Mountain Redbelly Dace
(29%), Bigmouth Chub (15%), Central Stoneroller (3%), and White Sucker (1 %)) was indicative of some nonpoint nutrient enrichment; one Mottled Sculpin,
indicative of cool -cold water and clean substrates, was collected, the first collection of this wide -spread species at this site, its' rarity at this site is
unexplainable; stream is managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, although all the Brown Trout collected were wild. 2008-2013 --
22 species known from the site, including 3 nonindigenous species, the fewest nonindigenous species of any site in the basin (along with the site on the
North Fork New River), 8 intolerant species, 7 endemic species (Tonguetied Minnow, Bigmouth Chub, New River Shiner, Kanawha Rosyface Shiner,
Kanawha Minnow, Kanawha Darter, and Appalachia Darter), and 4 imperiled species (Tonguetied Minnow, Kanawha Rosyface Shiner, and Kanawha
Darter, all Significantly Rare, and Kanawha Minnow, Special Concern); dominant species is Mountain Redbelly Dace (42%); site has consistently rated
Good since 2008; a reproducing population of Brown Trout was documented at this site in 2008 and 2009, but not in 2013, the stream is supplementally
classified as Tr; stream was supplementally reclassified as ORW on 12/01/2010. Recommendation -- the available data suggest there has been no
change in the water quality in the Big Laurel Creek watershed; continue monitoring this regional reference site in 2018 to document impacts from any
changing landuse practices.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Date Station ID Bioclassification
BRUSH CR SR 1433 109/09/131 KF17 I Good
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude AU Number Level IV Ecoregion
ALLEGHANY 3 05050001 36,4857592-81.004966 10-9-10 New River Plateau
Stream Classification Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m) Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;Tr 1 19.0 1 2529 1 0.4 1 0.4 No
Forested/Wetland Urban Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 0 0 100 0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Qw, MGD)
None I --- I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 18.3
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 9.3
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 31
pH (s.u.) 6.1
Water Clarity IClear
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
14
Bottom Substrate (15)
6?
,. J
Riffle Habitat (16)
10
Pool Variety (10)
6
�-
Erosion (7)
3
Bank Vegetation (7)
3�i
Light Penetration (10)
2
�21 7'.
Left Riparian Score (5)
2
—'
Right Riparian Score (5)
2
Total Habitat Score (100)
53
Substrate lCobble, gravel, sand, silt
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
09/09/13
2013-55
18
52
Good
05/05/08
2008-27
19
52
Good
Mountain Redbelly Dace (48), Highback Chub
Most Abundant Species, 2013 Redlip Shiner (62, 23%) Exotic Species (2), Redlip Shiner (62), Brown Trout (1), Rock
Bass (2), and Tessellated Darter (2)
Species Change Since Last Cycle Gained -- Silver Shiner (1) and Rock Bass (2), first collections ever. Lost -- Kanawha Minnow (23), Creek
Chub (61), and Rainbow Trout (1).
Data Analysis
-- drains the southeastern corner of Alleghany County; no municipalities within its watershed; one small NPDES discharger (NC0084832, Qw =
0.025 MGD) located in the creek's headwaters; large tributary to the Little River. Landuse 2006 (from USGS,
http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, only landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 59% forest, 24% cultivation, and 14% developed;
since 1992 forested land has decreased from 74% to 59% and developed land has increased from 1 % to 14%. Habitat -- moderate quality habitats had
declined in 2013 due to the persistent and extreme high flows, Total Habitat Score was 75 in 2008; primarily runs, some deep snag (side) pools present,
but without any fish; eroded banks and blowouts from persistently high flows along the right bank, especially at the end of the reach; embedded cobble
substrate; narrow riparian zones providing minimal shading over the stream. Water Quality -- lowest specific conductance at any fish community site in
the basin; was 29 pS/cm in 2008. 2013 -- number of fish declined by 82% between 2008 and 2013 (1490 vs. 274) and the very low percentage of species
with multiple age classes (39%) were indicative of the effects from the extremely high and persistent flows; 9 of the 18 species were represented by only 1
or 2 fish/species; stream is managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, although the Brown Trout collected was wild. 2008 & 2013 --
21 species known from the site including 7 nonindigenous species, 3 endemic species (Kanawha Minnow, Kanawha Darter, and Appalachia Darter), and
imperiled species (Kanawha Darter, Significantly Rare, and Kanawha Minnow, Special Concern); dominant species is the Mountain Redbelly Dace (23%);
no reproducing populations of trout have been documented at this site even though it is supplementally classified as Tr. Recommendation -- the
available data suggest there has been no change in the water quality in the Brush Creek watershed; continue monitoring this site in 2018 to document
impacts from any changing landuse practices.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Date Station ID Bioclassification
BUFFALO CR NC 88/194 106/27/131 KF21 I Good -Fair
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude AU Number Level IV Ecoregion
ASHE 1 05050001 36,433146 81.511071 10-2-20 Amphibolite Mountains
Stream Classification Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m) Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;Tr, ORW 1 12.6 1 2776 8 0.4 No
Forested/Wetland Rural Residential Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 1 60 1 0 1 0 F 40 (Industrial + road)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Qw, MGD)
None I --- I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 17.2
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 9.0
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 64
pH (s.u.) 7.1
Water Clarity IClear
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
16
Bottom Substrate (15)
12
-
Riffle Habitat (16)
16
Pool Variety (10)
8
Erosion (7)
6
Bank Vegetation (7)
6
Light Penetration (10)
8
Left Riparian Score (5)
3
Right Riparian Score (5)
4
Total Habitat Score (100)
84
Substrate lCobble, rip/rap, boulder, gravel, silt
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
06/27/13
2013-46
14
44
Good -Fair
05/19/08
2008-42
15
40
Good -Fair
Most Abundant Species, 2013 Mottled Sculpin (264, 51 %) Exotic Species Mountain Redbelly Dace, Rainbow Trout (7), and
Brown Trout (10).
Species Change Since Last Cycle Gained -- Kanawha Minnow (1) and White Sucker (1), first collections ever. Lost -- Saffron Shiner (25), Rock
Bass (1), and Bluegill (1).
ua[a Anmysis
Watershed -- drains central Ashe County; no municipalities in the watershed; one NPDES discharger located in the creek's headwaters, - 3 miles
upstream, (NC0030325, Qw = 0.01 MGD); tributary to the North Fork New River; site is located - 3.6 miles upstream from the creek's confluence with the
river. Landuse 2006 (from USGS, http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, only landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 86% forest
and 8% cultivation; since 1992 forested land has decreased from 95% to 86% and cultivated land has increased from 5% to 8%. Habitat -- 2nd greatest
Total Habitat Score of any fish community site in the basin (83 in 2008); swift runs and frequent riffles; evidence of previous and persistent high flows;
rip/rap boulders along the left bank for road stabilization. Water Quality -- specific conductance slightly elevated (62 pS/cm in 2008). 2013 -- number of
fish declined by 45% between 2008 and 2013 (942 vs. 521); lower than expected total species diversity, diversities of darters, cyprinids, and intolerant
species; a 4 point increase in the NCIBI score (due to a more balanced trophic structure), however this did not change the rating; stream is managed by
the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, although all the Brown Trout and 7 of the 8 Rainbow Trout collected were wild. 2008 & 2013 -- only 17
species known from the site including 6 nonindigenous species. 2 endemic species (Kanawha Minnow and Kanawha Darter), and 2 imperiled species
(Kanawha Darter, Significantly Rare, and Kanawha Minnow, Special Concern); consistently low percentage of tolerant fish; dominant species is Fantail
Darter (48%); reproducing populations of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout were documented at this site in 2013 which is supplementally classified as Tr.
Recommendation -- the available data suggest there has been no substantial change in the water quality in the Buffalo Creek watershed; continue
monitoring this site in 2018 to document impacts any changes in landuse practices in its watershed.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Date Station ID Bioclassification
CRAB CR NC 18 109/09/131 KF18 I Good -Fair
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude AU Number Level IV Ecoregion
ALLEGHANY 3 05050001 36,5495584-81.0023167 10-9-12 New River Plateau
Stream Classification Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m) Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;Tr 1 11.2 1 2407 1 8 1 0.4 No
Forested/Wetland Urban Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 50 0 50 0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Qw, MGD)
None I --- I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 18.5
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 9.2
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 54
pH (s.u.) 6.7
Water Clarity IClear
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
5
14
10
12
10
6
4
3
2
4
70
Site Photograph
w
`w++
a, .:aa;
�
_4 - �
► moo.•
'F _
Substrate Cobble, bedrock, boulder, gravel
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
09/09/13 2013-54 18 44 Good -Fair
05/05/08 2008-26 14 38 Fair
Mountain Redbelly Dace (16), Whitetail Shiner
Most Abundant Species, 2013 Central Stoneroller (278, 49%) Exotic Species (2), Redlip Shiner (16), Tennessee Shiner (3),
Saffron Shiner (14), Margined Madtom (3), Rock
Bass (8), and Tessellated Darter (5).
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Data Analysis
Gained -- Whitetail Shiner (2), White Shiner (2), Tennessee Shiner (3), Silver Shiner (1), Kanawha Rosyface
Shiner (1), Margined Madtom 3), and Rock Bass (8), first collections ever. Lost -- Rosyside Dace (32),
Rainbow Trout (2), and Appalachia Darter (10).
Watershed -- drains the northeastern corner of Alleghany County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers within the watershed; site is — 1.5 miles
upstream from the creek's confluence with the Little River. Landuse 2006 (from USGS, http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, only
landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 47% forest (the lowest percentage of forest of any fish community watershed in the basin), 43% cultivation (the
greatest percentage of cultivated land of any fish community watershed in the basin), and 7% developed; since 1992 forested land has decreased from
60% to 47% and developed land has increased from < 1 % to 7%. Habitat -- moderate quality habitats, Total Habitat Scores have been 70 and 77 since
2008; narrow riparian zones providing only partial canopy over the stream; silty and sandy pools and runs; slick substrate; right slope along road logged in
late 2008 or early 2009. Water Quality -- specific conductance slightly elevated, was 50 pS/cm in 2008. 2013 -- number of fish declined by 76% between
2008 and 2013 (2368 vs. 569); 6 point increase in the NCIBI score and a one class rating improvement were due to a greater total species diversity and
diversity of cyprinids in 2013 than in 2008 and not the extreme number offish were collected as they were in 2008; skewed trophic structure
(Omnivores+Herbivores = 77%, Central Stoneroller and Bluehead Chub) continues to indicate nonpoint nutrient runoff. 2008 & 2013 -- a diverse
community for the size of the stream, 21 species are known from the site including 9 nonindigenous species, 3 endemic species (Kanawha Rosyface
Shiner, Kanawha Darter, and Appalachia Darter), and 2 imperiled species (Kanawha Rosyface Shiner and Kanawha Darter, both Significantly Rare);
consistently low percentage of tolerant fish; dominant species are the herbivorous Central Stoneroller (29%) and Mountain Redbelly Dace (25%); the
widely distributed and common Mottled Sculpin, indicative of cool -cold water and clean substrates, has yet to be collected at this site, its' absence at this
site is unexplainable; no reproducing populations of trout have been documented at this site even though it is supplementally classified as Tr.
Recommendation -- the available data suggest there has been a slight improvement in the water quality in the Crab Creek watershed, but there continues
to be evidence of nonpoint nutrient enrichment (slightly elevated specific conductance and skewed trophic structure); continue monitoring this site in 2018
to document impacts from any changing landuse practices.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Date Station ID Bioclassification
CRANBERRY CR SR 1600 109/11/131 KF2 I Good
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude AU Number Level IV Ecoregion
ASHE 1 05050001 1 6,4693635-81.3265379 10-1-37 New River Plateau
Stream Classification Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m) Average Depth (m) Reference Site
B;Tr:+ 1 36.8 1 2560 1 12 1 0.5 No
Forested/Wetland Rural Residential Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 25 1 50 25 0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Qw, MGD)
None I --- I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) R6.6
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
pH (s.u.)
Water Clarity IClear
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
3
14
4
7
6
2
3
1
2
2
44
Substrate Cobble, sand
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Ratinq
09/11 /13
2013-61
16
52
Good
05/08/08
2008-33
22
56
Good
06/30/98
98-59
20
60
Excellent
Most Abundant Species, 2013 Bluehead Chub (143, 38%) Exotic Species Warpaint Shiner (21), Redlip Shiner (77), Brown
Trout (1), and Rock Bass (2).
Species Change Since Last Cycle Gained -- Brown Trout (1). Lost -- Mountain Redbelly Dace (1), Tennessee Shiner (2), Saffron Shiner (1),
Longnose Dace (1), Smallmouth Bass (7), and Appalachia Darter (14).
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains southeastern Ashe County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers within the watershed; tributary to South Fork New River, site is —
1 mile upstream of the creek's confluence with the river. Landuse 2006 (from USGS, http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.htmi, only
landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 60% forest, 30% cultivation, and 6% developed; since 1992 forested land has decreased from 79% to 60%,
cultivated land has increased from 21 % to 30%, and developed land from < 1 % to 6%. Habitat -- Total Habitat Score consistently one of the lowest of any
fish community site in the basin (ranging from 44-53 since 2008); wide and shallow channel; narrow riparian zones providing almost no canopy over the
stream; severely eroded banks; embedded substrate; primarily runs; Podostemum common. Water Quality -- specific conductance low and stable, has
ranged from 35 pS/cm-42 pS/cm since 1998. 2013 -- number of fish declined by 65% between 2008 and 2013 (1075 vs. 380); most intolerant species (7)
of any site in the basin; a 4 point decline in the NCIBI score, but the rating remained unchanged from 2008, was the result of a loss of the intolerant
Appalachia Darter and a slightly skewed trophic structure (42% Omnivores+Herbivores, with the abundance of Bluehead Chub and Central Stoneroller);
stream is managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, although the Brown Trout and none of Rainbow Trout collected were wild. 1998.
2013 -- 26 species known from the site (the most of any site in the basin along with the sites on Naked Creek and South Fork New River) including 16
species of cyprinids, 9 intolerant species, 4 species of darter, 6 endemic species (Tonguetied Minnow, New River Shiner, Kanawha Rosyface Shiner,
Kanawha Minnow, Kanawha Darter, and Appalachia Darter), 4 imperiled species (Tonguetied Minnow, Kanawha Rosyface Shiner, and Kanawha Darter, all
Significantly Rare, and Kanawha Minnow, Special Concern), and 8 nonindigenous species; dominant species are Bluehead Chub (26%) and Mottled
Sculpin (23%); Western Blacknose Dace, White Sucker, and Greenside Darter have not been collected since 1998; a reproducing population of trout has
never been documented at this site even though the stream it is supplementally classified as Tr. Recommendation -- the available data suggest a slight
decline in the water quality since 1998 in the Cranberry Creek watershed; continue monitoring this site in 2018 to document impacts from any changing
landuse practices.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Date Station ID
Bioclassification
ELK CR
I SR 1341
109/11/131
KF3
I Excellent
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude
Longitude AU Number
Level IV Ecoregion
ALLEGHANY 1
3 1 05050001 1 36.55786141
-81.2166973 10-6-(2)
New River Plateau
Stream Classification
Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m)
Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;+
1 17.4 1 2449
1 9 1
0.5 Yes
Forested/Wetland Rural Residential Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 75 1 25 0 0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Q„ MGD)
None I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 17.0
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 9.8
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 59
pH (s.u.) 6.3
Water Clarity I Clear
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
5
17
8
16
10
3
6
8
5
5
83
Substrate lBedrock, boulder, cobble, silts
Sample Date SamDle ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Ratinq
09/11/13
2013-59
20
58
Excellent
05/07/08
2008-31
20
48
Good
06/30/98
98-60
17
48
Good
Mountain Redbelly Dace (32), Whitetail Shiner
Most Abundant Species, 2013 Saffron Shiner (257, 33%) Exotic Species (16), Tennessee Shiner (3), Saffron Shiner (257),
Rock Bass (10), Redbreast Sunfish (1), and
Smallmouth Bass (5).
Species Change Since Last Cycle Gained -- Tennessee Shiner (3) and New River Shiner (5), first collections ever. Lost -- Kanawha Minnow (2)
and Appalachia Darter (1).
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains northwestern Alleghany County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers within the watershed; tributary to the New River; site is — 3.8
miles upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Landuse 2006 (from USGS, http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, only
landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 53% forest, 39% cultivation, and 5% developed; since 1992 forested land has decreased from 68% to 53%,
cultivated land has increased from 32% to 39%, and developed land has increased from < 1 % to 5%. Habitat -- moderately high quality habitats, Total
Habitat Score has ranged from 83-87 since 1998; evidence of persistently high flows within the sample reach; frequent riffles; embedded substrate; silty
rocks in the bedrock pools; severe erosion along both banks at the bends as noted in previous cycles. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable, has
ranged from 45 pS/cm-59 pS/cm since 1998. 2013 -- number of fish declined by 49% between 2008 and 2013 (1495 vs. 768); most diverse site in the basin
(along with Naked Creek); highest NCIBI score and rating of any site (along with North Fork New River) in the basin; 10 point increase in the NCIBI score
and a rating class improvement were the result of a more balanced trophic structure (61 % Insectivores and 37% Omnivores+Herbivores) and a reduction in
the number of fish collected in 2013. 1998-2013 -- 22 species known from the site including 8 intolerant species, 7 nonindigenous species, 5 endemic
species (New River Shiner, Kanawha Rosyface Shiner, Kanawha Minnow, Kanawha Darter, and Appalachia Darter), and 3 imperiled species (Kanawha
Rosyface Shiner and Kanawha Darter, both Significantly Rare, and Kanawha Minnow, Special Concern); dominant species are Central Stoneroller (34%) and
Saffron Shiner (26%); the widely distributed and frequently abundant Mottled Sculpin, indicative of cool -cold water and clean substrates, has not been
collected at this site since 1998 and then only 1 specimen was collected, its' rarity at this site is unexplainable. Recommendation -- qualifies as a new
regional fish community reference site because of habitat, watershed, and landuse characteristics; the available data suggest there has been an
improvement in the water quality in the Elk Creek watershed; continue monitoring this regional reference site in 2018 to document impacts from any changing
landuse practices.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Date
Station ID
Bioclassification
GLADE CR
I SR 1422
109/10/131
KF4
I Good -Fair
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude
Longitude
AU Number
Level IV Ecoregion
ALLEGHANY 1 3
1 05050001 36.49991
-81.0361837
10-9-9
New River Plateau
Stream Classification
Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m)
Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;Tr 1
12.9 1 2494
1 10
1
0.4 No
Forested/Wetland Urban Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 50 0 50 0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Q„ MGD)
None I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 16.1
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 8.9
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 46
pH (s.u.) 5.9
Water Clarity I Slightly turbid
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
5
10
3
7
6
5
5
7
5
4
57
Substrate I Primarily sand with some bedrock, gravel, cobble
Sample Date SamDle ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Ratinq
09/10/13
2013-56
14
40
Good -Fair
05/06/08
2008-30
20
52
Good
07/01 /98
98-62
19
50
Good
Most Abundant Species, 2013
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Data Analysis
Bluehead Chub (51, 36%)
Mountain Redbelly Dace (8), Redlip Shiner (25),
Exotic Species Tennessee Shiner (2), Brown Trout (5), and
Tessellated Darter (8).
Gained -- Kanawha Rosyface Shiner (1). Lost -- Tonguetied Minnow (4), Highback Chub (2), Kanawha Minnow
(2), Western Blacknose Dace (45), White Sucker (23), Black Crappie (1), and Appalachia Darter(3).
Watershed --- drains east central Alleghany County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers within the watershed; tributary to the Little River, site is — 0.3
miles upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Landuse 2006 (from USGS, http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.htm], only
landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 53% forest, 36% cultivation, and 7% developed; since 1992 forested land has decreased from 62% to 53% and
developed land has increased from 1 % to 7%. Habitat -- lower quality habitats, Total Habitat Score has been declining from 70 in 1998 to 57 in 213;
evidence of persistently high flows; bedrock plunge shelves and runs; silty/sandy bottomed pools and runs; infrequent riffles. Water Quality -- specific
conductance low and stable, has ranged from 32 pS/cm-46 pS/cm since 1998. 2013 -- number of fish declined by 92% between 2008 and 2013 (1862 vs.
141); fewest fish and greatest percent decline at any site in the basin; 8 point NCIBI score and one rating class decline were the result of fewer total species,
fewer fish, fewer intolerant species, and a slightly skewed trophic structure (44% Omnivores+Herbivores and 52% Insectivores) in 2013 versus in 2008;
stream is managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, although all the Brown Trout collected were wild. 1998-2013 -- 23 species known
from the site including 8 nonindigenous species, 6 endemic species (Tonguetied Minnow, Bigmouth Chub, Kanawha Rosyface Shiner, Kanawha Minnow,
Kanawha Darter, and Appalachia Darter), and 4 imperiled species (Tonguetied Minnow, Kanawha Rosyface Shiner, and Kanawha Darter, all Significantly
Rare, and Kanawha Minnow, Special Concern); dominant species are Redlip Shiner (28%) and Mountain Redbelly Dace (23%); Bigmouth Chub and Rock
Bass have not been collected since 1998; the widely distributed and common Mottled Sculpin, indicative of cool -cold water and clean substrates, has yet to
be collected at this site, its' absence at this site is unexplainable; a reproducing population of Brown Trout has been documented at this site which is
supplementally classified as Tr. Recommendation -- previously considered a regional fish community reference site, but Total Habitat Score is now less
than the cut-off (65); the available data suggest there has been a decline in the water quality in the Glade Creek watershed, but this decline may have been
the result of the high flows in 2013; continue monitoring this site in 2018 to document if the declines in habitat characteristics and water quality are persistent
and to determine impacts from any changing landuse practices.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Date Station ID Bioclassification
GRASSY CR SR 1549 109/12/131 KF16 I Good -Fair
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude AU Number Level IV Ecoregion
ASHE 1 05050001 36,5522927 81.355517 10-3 New River Plateau
Stream Classification Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m) Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;Tr,+ 1 10.6 1 2476 8 0.4 No
Forested/Wetland Rural Residential Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 1 95 1 5 1 0 0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Qw, MGD)
None I --- I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 17.1
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 8.9
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 95
pH (s.u.) 7.1
Water Clarity I Clear, easily silted
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
5
18
12
16
8
7
7
10
5
5
93
Substrate Bedrock, boulder, cobble
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
09/12/13
1
2013-63 1
15
1
46
1 Good -Fair
05/08/08
2008-35
18
40
1 Good -Fair
Mountain Redbelly Dace (8), Warpaint Shiner
Most Abundant Species, 2013
Bluehead Chub (130, 32%)
Exotic Species
(40), Saffron Shiner (30), Rock Bass (10), Green
Sunfish (4), and Smallmouth Bass (4).
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Data Analysis
Gained -- Spotfin Shiner (4), Warpaint Shiner (40), and Kanawha Minnow (2), first collections ever. Lost --
Western Blacknose Dace (2), Redlip Shiner (8), Creek Chub (4), White Sucker (8), and Piedmont Darter (4).
Watershed -- drains southern Grayson County, VA and the northeast corner of Ashe County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers within the
watershed; tributary to the New River, site is - 50 ft. upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Landuse 2006 (from USGS,
http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, only landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 57% forest, 36% cultivation, and 5% developed;
since 1992 forested land has decreased from 61 % to 57%, cultivated land has decreased from 39% to 36%, and developed land has increased from < 1 %
to 5%. Habitat -- Total Habitat Score was the greatest of any fish community site in the basin, was 95 in 2008, but reach is atypical for the stream whose
watershed is predominantly open -canopied with the stream flowing through pastureland; sample reach is gorge -like with high gradient plunges, shelves,
and riffles; lots of silt atop the substrate, but there was minimal bank erosion; wide riparian zones providing good canopy cover over the stream;
Podostemum common in the sun -lit areas. Water Quality -- elevated specific conductance for a mountain stream, was 84 pS/cm in 2008. 2013 -- number
of fish declined by 68% between 2008 and 2013 (1266 vs. 410); abundance of Bluehead Chub and Central Stoneroller continued to skew the trophic
structure of the community (56% Omnivores+Herbivores); the 6 point increase in the NCIBI score was the result of fewer total fish being collected, a
greater percentage of Insectivores, and a greater percentage of species with multiple age classes in 2013 than in 2008; however, these factors did not
result in a rating change. 2008 & 2013 -- proximity to the river is likely responsible for the high species diversity and abundance of the community; 21
species known from the site including 8 nonindigenous species, 2 endemic species (Kanawha Minnow and Appalachia Darter), and 1 imperiled species
(Kanawha Minnow, Special Concern); dominant species are the omnivorous Bluehead Chub (37%) and the herbivorous Central Stoneroller (32%), both
indicative of abundant periphyton and nonpoint source nutrients; no reproducing populations of trout have been documented at this site even though it is
supplementally classified as Tr. Recommendation -- the available data suggest there has been no change in the water quality in the Grassy Creek
watershed; continue monitoring this site in 2018 to document impacts from any changing landuse practices.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Date
Station ID
Bioclassification
HELTON CR
I SR 1536
109/12/131
KF5
I Good
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude
Longitude
AU Number
Level IV Ecoregion
ASHE 2
1 05050001 1 36.53480121
-81.4212555
10-2-27
New River Plateau
Stream Classification
Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m)
Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;Tr, ORW 1
43.9 1 2574
1 11
1
0.4 Yes
Forested/Wetland Rural Residential Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 60 1 10 30 0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Q„ MGD)
None I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 17.0
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 8.5
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 72
pH (s.u.) 6.7
Water Clarity I Slightly turbid
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
5
14
8
7
6
5
5
7
5
3
65
Substrate lCobble, gravel, sand
Sample Date SamDle ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Ratinq
09/12/13
2013-62
16
50
Good
03/24/09
2009-04
16
44
Good -Fair
05/08/08
2008-34
15
38
Fair
06/30/98
98-58
15
52
Good
Most Abundant Species, 2013 Saffron Shiner (190, 27%) Exotic Species Mountain Redbelly Dace (120), Saffron Shiner
(190), Rainbow Trout (2), and Brown Trout (2).
Species Change Since Last Cycle Gained -- Brown Trout (2), first collection ever; Rainbow Trout (2). Lost -- White Sucker (2), and Greenside
Darter (2).
Data Analysis
no
North Fork New River, site is — 2 miles upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Landuse 2006 (from USGS,
http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, only landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 76% forest and 17% cultivation; since 1992
forested land has decreased from 89% to 76% and cultivated land has increased from 11 % to 17%. Habitat -- Total Habitat Scores have been gradually
declining from 88 in 1998 to 65 in 2013; narrow riparian zone along the right bank (and along much of the right bank in the lower part of the watershed); fairly
uniform depth instream habitats; evidence of persistently high flows; Podostemum rare. Water Quality -- specific conductance elevated for a mountain
stream, has ranged from 54 pS/cm-72 VS/cm since 1998. 2013 -- number of fish declined by 65% between 2009 and 2013 (2016 vs. 698); 6 point increase
in the NCIBI score and a rating class improvement were the result of a reduction in the total number of fish collected in 2013 versus in 2008, a more
balanced trophic structure, and the collection of two species of wild trout; abundance of Omnivores+Herbivores (40%, Central Stoneroller, Mountain Redbelly
Dace, Bluehead Chub) continues to indicate nonpoint source nutrient enrichment; stream is managed by the NCWRC as Delayed Harvest Waters, although
2 of the 4 Brown Trout and 2 of the 8 Rainbow Trout collected were wild. 1998-2013 -- 20 species known from the site including 5 nonindigenous species, 2
endemic species (Kanawha Minnow and Kanawha Darter); and 2 imperiled species (Kanawha Darter, Significantly Rare, and Kanawha Minnow, Special
Concern); dominant species are Mountain Redbelly Dace (26%) and Saffron Shiner (20%); Bluntnose Minnow and Rock Bass have not been collected since
1998, Rock Bass's rarity/absence may be due to the management practices for the trout fishery; no reproducing populations of trout have been documented
at this site even though it is supplementally classified as Tr; stream was supplementally reclassified as ORW on 12/01/2010. Recommendation -- the
available data suggest there has been an improvement in the water quality in the Helton Creek watershed since 2008 and the stream once again is rated
Good as it was in 1998; continue monitoring this site in 2018 to document impacts from any changing landuse practices.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Date Station ID Bioclassification
HOWARD CR SR 1306 106/26/131 KF6 I Good -Fair
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude AU Number Level IV Ecoregion
WATAUGA 1 05050001 36,2419347 81.6611335 10-1-9-(6) Amphibolite Mountains
Stream Classification Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m) Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;Tr,HQW 1 9.1 1 3150 7 0.4 No
Forested/Wetland Urban Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 25 50 0 25 (school)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Qw, MGD)
None I --- I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 15.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 9.0
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 49
pH (s.u.) 6.3
Water Clarity I Clear -slightly turbid
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
5
16
8
16
8
5
6
10
4
4
82
Substrate Cobble, bedrock, sand, gravel
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Ratinq
06/26/13
2013-41
17
44
Good -Fair
05/21 /08
2008-48
17
46
Good -Fair
06/08/98
98-52
12
38
Fair
Most Abundant Species, 2013
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Data Analysis
Mottled Sculpin, Fantail Darter, and Rainbow Trout (16), Brown Trout (12), Rock
Central Stoneroller (17%-19%) Exotic Species Bass (2), Redbreast Sunfish (1), Green Sunfish
(5), and Bluegill (4).
Gained -- Kanawha Darter (1), first collection ever, and Creek Chub (2). Lost -- Tonguetied Minnow (1) and
Appalachia Darter (1).
-- drains east central Watauga County; no NPDES dischargers or municipalities in its watershed; borders the Southern Crystalline Ridges &
Mtns. Level IV ecoregion; tributary to South Fork New River. Landuse 2006 (from USGS, http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, only
landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 83% forest, 9% cultivation, and 5% developed; since 1992 forested land has decreased from 96% to 83% and
developed land has increased from < 1 % to 5%. Habitat -- high quality habitats have resulted in scores ranging from 82 to 91 since 1998; left bank at the
bend stabilized with extensive placement of gabions; flat bedrock runs and riffles; erosion along both banks from the high flows in 2012 and 2013,
especially at the bend of the reach on along the right bank. Water Quality -- specific conductance stable, has ranged from 35 pS/cm-49 pS/cm since
1998. 2013 -- 2" d fewest fish at any site in the basin (n=151), number of fish declined by 37% between 2008 and 2013 (242 vs. 151); decline in the number
of fish collected resulted in a 2 point decrease in the NCIBI score but not the rating; moderately high percentage of tolerant fish (Creek Chub, White
Sucker, Redbreast Sunfish, and Green Sunfish), few intolerant and darter species, and low percentage of species with multiple age classes; lower reach of
the stream is managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, although all the Brown Trout and 16 of the 17 Rainbow Trout collected were
wild. 1998-2013 -- 19 species known from the site including 6 nonindigenous species, 3 endemic species (Tonguetied Minnow, Kanawha Darter, and
Appalachia Darter), and 2 imperiled species (Tonguetied Minnow and Kanawha Darter, both Significantly Rare); moderately high percentage of tolerant
fish (3%-8%); dominant species are Mottled Sculpin (24%) and Central Stoneroller (19%); reproducing populations of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout
have been documented at this site which is supplementally classified as Tr. Recommendation -- the available data suggests there has been no change
in the water quality in the Howard Creek watershed since 2008; continue monitoring this site in 2018 to document any impacts from the increasing
urbanization of its watershed .

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Date Station ID Bioclassification
LITTLER SR 1128 109/10/131 KF7 I Good
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude AU Number Level IV Ecoregion
ALLEGHANY 3 05050001 36,4679101-81.1325886 10-9-(1)a New River Plateau
Stream Classification Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m) Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;Tr 1 14.1 1 2872 1 11 1 0.4 Yes
Forested/Wetland Urban Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 90 0 0 10 (rifle range)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Qw, MGD)
None I --- I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) R6.2
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
Specific Conductance (pS/cm)
pH (s.u.)
Water Clarity IClear
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
5
18
10
14
8
6
6
8
5
3
83
Site Photograph
owl
tYx �
1
t
[, r
r },
ter. --ar- .
Substrate lCobble, boulder, bedrock, gravel
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
09/10/13
2013-57
14
48
Good
05/06/08
2008-28
16
48
Good
07/01 /98
98-61
15
44
Good -Fair
Most Abundant Species, 2013
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Rosyside Dace (95, 25%)
Mountain Redbelly Dace (30), Western
Exotic Species Blacknose Dace (88), Brown Trout (4), and
Tessellated Darter (10).
Gained -- Tonguetied Minnow (2). Lost -- Highback Chub (4), Longnose Dace (4), and Redbreast Sunfish (9).
uata Anmysis
Watershed -- drains south central Alleghany County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers within the watershed. Landuse 2006 (from USGS,
http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.htmi, only landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 65% forest, 24% cultivation, and 5% developed;
since 1992 forested land has decreased from 85% to 65%, cultivated land has increased from 15% to 24%, and developed land has increased from < 1 %
to 5%. Habitat -- moderately high quality habitats, Total Habitat Scores have ranged from 76-85 since 1998; frequent riffles, runs, bedrock shelves; stream
not very shaded; Rhododendron snags; Podostemum absent; narrow riparian zone on the right alongside the road. Water Quality -- specific conductance
low and stable, has ranged from 33 pS/cm-40 pS/cm since 1998. 2013 -- number of fish declined by 73% between 2008 and 2013 (1444 vs. 386); lower
than expected metric scores (3) for diversities of Rockbass+SmalImouth Bass+Trout, species of cyprinids, and intolerant species; stream is managed by
the NCWRC as Delayed Harvest Waters, although 4 of the 6 Brown Trout collected were wild. 1998-2013 --18 species known from the site including 7
nonindigenous species, 3 endemic species (Tonguetied Minnow, Kanawha Darter, and Appalachia Darter), and 2 imperiled species (Tonguetied Minnow
and Kanawha Darter, both Significantly Rare); consistently moderate percentage of tolerant fish; dominant species are Rosyside Dace (20%) and Redlip
Shiner (19%); for unknown reasons, the widely distributed and frequently abundant Central Stoneroller and Mottled Sculpin have never been collected at
this site; a reproducing population of Brown Trout was documented at this site in 1998 and 2008, but not in 2013, the site is supplementally classified as
Tr. Recommendation -- the available data suggest there has been no change in the water quality in the Little River watershed; continue monitoring this
regional reference site in 2018 to document impacts from any changing landuse practices.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Date Station ID Bioclassification
M FK S FK NEW R SR 1522 105/31/131 KF8 I Good
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude AU Number Level IV Ecoregion
WATAUGA 1 05050001 36,2014164 81.6496746 10-1-2-(15) Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.
Stream Classification Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m) Average Depth (m) Reference Site
WS-IV;CA, + 1 12 1 3100 8 0.5 1 No
Forested/Wetland Urban Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 0 50 0 50 (park & golf course)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Qw, MGD)
None I --- I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 14.6
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 9.4
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 86
pH (s.u.) 6.0
Water Clarity IClear
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
5
14
10
14
8
4
4
7
1
2
69
Substrate Cobble, gravel, sand
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Ratinq
05/31 /13
2013-38
14
48
Good
05/22/08
2008-50
14
38
Fair
06/09/98
98-53
16
58
Excellent
Most Abundant Species, 2013 Mottled Sculpin (n=244, 41 %) Exotic Species Rainbow Trout (n=6), Brown Trout (n=21), Rock
Bass (n=1), and Green Sunfish (n=8).
Species Change Since Last Cycle Gained -- Rock Bass (1). Lost -- Bluegill (2).
Data Analysis
Watershed -- drains southeastern Watauga County, including portions of the municipalities of Blowing Rock and Boone; four NPDES dischargers located
upstream (NC0027286, NC0032158, NC0032131, and NC0039608, Total Qw = 0.988 MGD) but further than within one mile of the site; tributary to South
Fork New River. Landuse 2006 (from USGS, http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, only landuse categories > 5% are reported) --
65% forest, 10% cultivation, and 24% developed; since 1992 forested land has decreased from 81 % to 64% and developed land from 7% to 24%; this site
is adjacent to a golf course. Habitat -- even though it is a mountain urban stream there are moderate quality habitats present, Total Habitat Score has
ranged from 69-75 since 1998; swift flow in the riffles and runs; narrow riparian zones providing only a partial canopy over the stream; rip/rap along the
banks. Water Quality -- even though it is an mountain urban stream, the specific conductance was not substantially elevated and has ranged from 67
pS/cm-92 pS/cm since 1998. 2013 -- increase in NCIBI score and rating were due to a more balanced trophic structure, the addition of an intolerant
species (Rock Bass), and more species with multiple age classes; lower than expected total species diversity, diversities of darters, cyprinids, and
intolerant species, and higher than expected percentage of tolerant fish (3%); stream is managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters,
although all the Brown Trout and 6 of the 7 Rainbow Trout collected were wild. 1998-2013 -- a diverse and abundant community with 20 species known
from the sites including 4 endemic species (Tonguetied Minnow, New River Shiner, Kanawha Minnow, and Kanawha Darter), 3 imperiled species
(Tonguetied Minnow and Kanawha Darter, both Significantly Rare, and Kanawha Minnow, Special Concern), and 5 nonindigenous species; dominant
species is Mottled Sculpin (52%); 5 species (Greenside Darter, Kanawha Darter, New River Shiner, Kanawha Minnow, and Longnose Dace) have yet to
recolonize the stream following the spill of 3,000 gallons of sodium hydroxide in 2003 from an upstream water treatment plant; reproducing populations of
Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout have been documented at this site even though it is not supplementally classified as Tr. Recommendation -- the
available data suggests there has been an improvement in the water quality in the Middle Fork South Fork New River watershed; continue monitoring this
site in 2018 to document long-term recovery of the community and any impacts from the increasing urbanization of its watershed and the WWTP effluents.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Date Station ID
Bioclassification
N FK NEW R
I SR 1119
106/27/131
KF10
I Excellent
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude
Longitude AU Number
Level IV Ecoregion
ASHE 2
1 05050001 1 36.40726961
-81.6808475 10-2-(1)
Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.
Stream Classification
Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m)
Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C,Tr,ORW 1
23.9 1 3020
1 10
0.5 1 No
Forested/Wetland Rural Residential Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 35 1 5 50 10 (road)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Q„ MGD)
None I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 15.5
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 9.0
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 64
pH (s.u.) 6.7
Water Clarity Slightly turbid, easily silted
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
5
14
8
16
8
4
3
2
1
3
64
Substrate JCobble, rip/rap, gravel
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Ratinq
06/27/13
2013-44
17
58
Excellent
05/21 /08
2008-46
15
48
Good
06/29/98
98-56
14
48
Good
Most Abundant Species, 2013
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Data Analysis
Western Blacknose Dace (297, 43%) Exotic Species Rainbow Trout (5), Brown Trout (7), and
Mountain Redbelly Dace (102).
Gained -- Kanawha Minnow (1), Creek Chub (8), and Rainbow Trout (5), first collections ever. Lost -- Bluehead
Chub (1).
Watershed -- drains western Ashe County; no NPDES dischargers or municipalities in the watershed; site is located in the river's headwaters. Landuse
2006 (from USGS, http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, only landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 80% forest and 14% cultivation;
since 1992 forested land has decreased from 92% to 80% and cultivated land has increased from 8% to 14%. Habitat -- lower quality habitats for a
mountain stream, Total Habitat Score has ranged from 64-71 since 1998; narrow riparian zones vegetated by shrubs and grasses providing only partial
canopy over the stream; rip/rap along the right bank for bank and road stabilization; frequent swift riffles and runs; moderately embedded substrate. Water
Quality -- specific conductance slightly elevated, but stable, has ranged from 55 pS/cm-64 pS/cm since 1998. 2013 -- number of fish collected declined by
49% between 2008 and 2013 (1368 vs. 694); increase in score and rating due to an increase in total species diversity, diversity of intolerant species, and the
collection of wild Rainbow Trout; highest NCIBI score and rating of any site (along with Elk Creek) in the basin; stream is managed by the NCWRC as
Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, although all the Brown Trout and 5 of the 7 Rainbow Trout collected were wild. 1998-2013 -- 19 species known from the
site, including just 3 nonindigenous species, the fewest nonindigenous species of any site in the basin (along with the site on the Big Laurel Creek); 12
cyprinid species; 6 endemic species (Tonguetied Minnow, Bigmouth Chub, New River Shiner, Kanawha Rosyface Shiner, Kanawha Minnow, and Kanawha
Darter); and 4 imperiled species (Tonguetied Minnow, Kanawha Rosyface Shiner, and Kanawha Darter, all Significantly Rare, and Kanawha Minnow, Special
Concern); total species diversity and diversity of cyprinids gradually increasing since 1998; dominant species is the Western Blacknose Dace (37%);
reproducing populations of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout have been documented at this site which is supplementally classified as Tr; stream was
supplementally reclassified as ORW on 12/01/2010. Recommendation -- the available data suggest there has been an improvement in the water quality in
the upper North Fork New River watershed; continue monitoring this site in 2018 to document impacts from any changing Ianduse practices.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Date Station ID
Bioclassification
NAKED CR
off SR 1589
06/26/13 KF14
Good -Fair
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude AU Number
Level IV Ecoregion
ASHE
1 05050001 1 36.4130271 -81.4070488 10-1-32b
New River Plateau
Stream Classification
Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.)
Stream Width (m)
Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;+
12.4 2650
8
0.4 1 No
Forested/Wetland Residential
Visible Landuse (%) 0 25
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)
Agriculture Other (describe)
0 75 (golf course)
NPDES Number Volume (Qw, MGD)
None
---
---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 21.6
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 8.7
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 109
pH (s.u.) 7.4
Water Clarity Slightly turbid, easily silted
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
12`€+
Bottom Substrate (15)
6
r
Riffle Habitat (16)
10
Pool Variety (10)
6
y e
�f% • ,�- ' C..
Erosion (7)
4
Bank Vegetation (7)
3
f.
Light Penetration (10)
3
Left Riparian Score (5)
1
Right Riparian Score (5)
1
Total Habitat Score (100)
51
Substrate lCobble, gravel, sand
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
06/26/13
2013-43
20
40
Good -Fair
05/09/08
2008-36
19
34
Fair
Saffron Shiner (2), Warpaint Shiner (145), Brown
Trout (2), Brown Bullhead (7), Rock Bass (30),
Most Abundant Species, 2013 Central Stoneroller (796, 68%) Exotic Species Redbreast Sunfish (44), Green Sunfish (4),
Pumpkinseed (3), Bluegill (4), Smallmouth Bass
(17), and Largemouth Bass (4).
Species Change Since Last Cycle
uata
Gained -- Tonguetied Minnow (1), Saffron Shiner (2), New River Shiner (4), Kanawha Minnow (1), Bluntnose
Minnow (1), Green Sunfish (4), and Bluegill (4). Lost -- Mountain Redbelly Dace (2), Rosyside Dace (2), Spotfin
Shiner (8), Kanawha Rosyface Shiner (20), White Sucker (30), and Mottled Sculpin (14).
town's W WTP (NC0021709, Qw = 0.6 MGD) discharges — 2.2 miles upstream; tributary to the South Fork New River, site is — 0.1 mile upstream from the
creek's confluence with the river. Landuse 2006 (from USGS, http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, only landuse categories >_ 5% are
reported) -- 51 % forest, 33% cultivation, and 13% developed; since 1992 forested land has decreased from 57% to 51 % and developed land has increased
from 8% to 13%. Habitat -- 2Id lowest Total Habitat Score of any fish community site in the basin (50 in 2008); slick periphyton-covered cobble riffles and
gravel pools; embedded substrate; open canopy in the upper part of the reach within the golf course; eroding banks. Water Quality -- the water temperature
was greater than at any other fish community site in the basin indicative of the open canopy throughout much of its watershed; 2"d greatest specific
conductance at any fish community site in the basin (104 pS/cm in 2008). 2013 -- most diverse site in the basin (along with Elk Creek), but 55% of the
species were nonindigenous; an extreme number of fish collected for the size stream, the most abundant site in the basin in terms of fish abundance
(n=1173); lower than expected diversity of darters, very skewed trophic structure (77% Omnivores+Herbivores and only 19% Insectivores), and lower than
expected percentage of species with multiple age classes; 2nd lowest NCIBI score and rating of any site in the basin; increase in NCIBI score and rating due
to the collection of the intolerant New River Shiner and Kanawha Minnow and a slightly lower percentage of tolerant fish in 2013 than in 2008 (5% vs. 11 %).
2008 & 2013 -- proximity to the river is largely responsible for the high species diversity; 26 species known from the site (the most of any site in the basin
along with the sites on Cranberry Creek and South Fork New River) including 12 species of cyprinids, 2 species of darter, 7 species of centrarchids, 12
nonindigenous species (the greatest number and percentage (46%) of non-native species at any site in the basin), 4 endemic species (Tonguetied Minnow,
New River Shiner, Kanawha Rosyface Shiner, and Kanawha Minnow), and 3 imperiled species (Tonguetied Minnow and Kanawha Rosyface Shiner, both
Significantly Rare, and Kanawha Minnow, Special Concern); dominant species is the herbivorous Central Stoneroller (56%). Recommendation -- based
upon all the data collected, the water quality of the Naked Creek watershed improved very slightly, perhaps due to the high flows diluting the treated W WTP
effluent, but the creek still shows signs of degradation (i.e., specific conductance, abundance of fish, percentage of nonindigenous species, skewed trophic
structure, and low quality instream and riparian habitats); continue monitoring this site in 2018 to document impacts from the increasing urbanization of its
watershed and the WWTP effluent.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Date Station ID
Bioclassification
OBIDS CR
I SR 1192
110/08/131
KF13
I Good
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude
Longitude AU Number
Level IV Ecoregion
ASHE
1 1 05050001 1 36.34560041
-81.4041503 10-1-27-(2)
New River Plateau
Stream Classification
Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m)
Average Depth (m) Reference Site
W S-IV;Tr:+
8.3 1 2710
1 8
0.4 1 No
Forested/Wetland Urban Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 15 0 85 0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Q„ MGD)
None I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 11.5
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 10.5
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 40
pH (s.u.) 6.0
Water Clarity I Clear
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
5
14
12
16
8
4
3
4
1
3
70
Substrate lCobble, bedrock, bedrock shelves
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
10/08/13
2013-64
14
48
Good
05/09/08
2008-37
17
50
Good
Warpaint Shiner (22), Saffron Shiner (1), White
Most Abundant Species, 2013
Mottled Sculpin (218, 40%)
Exotic Species
Catfish (1), Brown Trout (2), Rock Bass (10), and
Redbreast Sunfish (2).
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Data Analysis
Gained -- Saffron Shiner (1), Kanawha Rosyface Shiner (1), and White Catfish (1), first collections ever. Lost --
Mountain Redbelly Dace (2), Rosyside Dace (20), Longnose Dace (18), Northern Hog Sucker (6), Smallmouth
Bass (26), and Appalachia Darter (10).
Watershed -- drains southeastern Ashe County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers within the watershed; tributary to South Fork New River, site is —
600 ft. upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Landuse 2006 (from USGS, http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.htmi, only
landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 60% forest, 26% cultivation, and 7% developed; since 1992 forested land has decreased from 80% to 60%,
cultivated land has increased from 20% to 26%, and developed land has increased from < 1 % to 7%. Habitat -- moderately high quality habitats have
declined slightly in 2013 due to the persistent and extreme high flows, Total Habitat Score was 84 in 2008; narrow riparian zones providing minimal canopy
over the stream; eroded banks; extensive riffles and runs; bedrock shelves, chutes, and plunges; livestock with unfettered access to the creek. Water
Quality -- specific conductance low, was 37 pS/cm in 2008. 2013 -- number of fish declined by 58% between 2008 and 2013 (1294 vs. 545); slight decline
in the NCIBI score but not the rating was the result of a decrease in the total species diversity, the percentage of species with multiple age classes, and an
abundance of Omnivores+Herbivores (Central Stoneroller and Bluehead Chub) which was off -set by an increase in the percentage of Insectivores (55%) and
not the extreme number of fish collected as there were in 2008. 1998-2013 -- proximity to the river is responsible for the high species diversity and
abundance of the community; 20 species known from the site including 8 nonindigenous species, 3 endemic species (Kanawha Rosyface Shiner, Kanawha
Darter, and Appalachia Darter); and 2 imperiled species (Kanawha Rosyface Shiner and Kanawha Darter, both Significantly Rare); dominant species are
Mottled Sculpin (32%) and Central Stoneroller (27%); a reproducing population of Brown Trout was documented at this site in 2008 but not in 2013, the
stream is supplementally classified as Tr. Recommendation -- the available data suggests there has been no change in the water quality in the Obids
Creek watershed, however the influence of the river's proximity maybe be masking any water quality affects; continue monitoring this site in 2018 to
document impacts from any changing landuse practices.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Date Station ID Bioclassification
PINE SWAMP CR SR 1128 109/10/131 KF19 I Good
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude AU Number Level IV Ecoregion
ALLEGHANY 3 1 05050001 1 36.475586011 -81.1166408 10-9-5 New River Plateau
Stream Classification Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m) Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;Tr 1 5.3 1 2795 1 6 1 0.4 1 No
Forested/Wetland Rural Residential Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 1 60 1 30 0 10 (road)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Qw, MGD)
None I --- I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 17.0
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 9.2
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 37
pH (s.u.) 6.1
Water Clarity I Slightly turbid
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
5
Instream Habitat (20)
14
f =:
Bottom Substrate (15)
10
wgir.
Riffle Habitat (16)
14
Pool Variety (10)
8
Erosion (7)
3
Bank Vegetation (7)
5
+rc
Light Penetration (10)
8
Left Riparian Score (5)
4
t ; •; ••r'*
Right Riparian Score (5)
4
Total Habitat Score (100)
75
Substrate lCobble, boulder, bedrock
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
09/10/13
2013-58
15
48
Good
05/06/08
2008-29
16
50
Good
Mountain Redbelly Dace (30), Highback Chub
Most Abundant Species, 2013 Redlip Shiner (76, 24%) Exotic Species (3), Redlip Shiner (76), Brown Trout (7), and
Tessellated Darter (9).
Species Change Since Last Cycle Gained -- Appalachia Darter (1), first collection ever. Lost -- Rock Bass (1) and Redbreast Sunfish (1).
Data Analysis
Watershed -- -- drains southeastern Alleghany County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers within the watershed; tributary to the Little River, site is -
60 ft. upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Landuse 2006 (from USGS, http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, only
landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 56% forest, 35% cultivation, and 5% developed; since 1992 forested land has decreased from 72% to 56%,
cultivated land has increased from 27% to 35%, and developed land has increased from < 1 % to 5%. Habitat -- high quality habitats had declined slightly
in 2013 due to the persistent and extreme high flows, Total Habitat Score was 91 in 2008; slick bedrock chutes and riffles; small cobble riffles and runs;
two moderate quality pools at the end of the reach; plunge pools; substantial erosion along the upper right bank. Water Quality -- 2"d lowest specific
conductance at any fish community site in the basin; was 29 pS/cm in 2008. 2013 -- number offish declined by 52% between 2008 and 2013 (673 vs.
323); decline in total species and Rock Bass+Smallmouth Bass+Trout diversities were offset by a lower percentage of tolerant fish in 2013 than in 2008;
stream is managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, although all the Brown Trout and none of the Brook Trout collected were wild.
1998-2013 -- very diverse stream for its size with 17 species known from the site including 7 nonindigenous species, 2 endemic species (Kanawha Darter
and Appalachia Darter); and 1 imperiled species (Kanawha Darter, Significantly Rare); dominant species are Mountain Redbelly Dace and Rosyside Dace
(19% each); stable trophic metrics (31 %-36% Omnivores+Herbivores and 62%-67% Insectivores); the widely distributed and frequently abundant Mottled
Sculpin, indicative of cool -cold water and clean substrates, has yet to be collected at this site, its' absence at this site is unexplainable; a reproducing
populations of Brown Trout has been documented at this site which is supplementally classified as Tr. Recommendation -- the available data suggest
there has been no change in the water quality in the Pine Swamp Creek watershed; continue monitoring this site in 2018 to document impacts from any
changing landuse practices.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Date Station ID
Bioclassification
PINE SWAMP CR
off SR 1179
09/09/14
KF29
Good -Fair
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude AU Number
Level IV Ecoregion
ASHE 1 05050001 1
36.3124981
-81.4643084 10-1-24
Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.
Stream Classification Drainage Area (mil)
Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m)
Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;+ 10.5
1 2823
8 1
0.4 No
Forested/Wetland Urban Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 10 0 90 0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Q„ MGD)
None I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 13.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 9.7
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 38
pH (s.u.) 6.2
Water Clarity I Clear
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
Sample Date
5
14
10
14
6
2
3
3
2
2
61
Sample ID
Substrate lCobble, bedrock shelves, boulders
Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
09/09/14
1 2014-70
1 14
1 44
Good -Fair
10/08/13
2013-65
14
34
Fair (Not Rated)
09/28/09
2009-103
14
Not Rated
Most Abundant Species, 2013 Bluehead Chub (102, 29%) Exotic Species Warpaint Shiner (16), Brown Trout (18), Green
Sunfish (2), and Bluegill (1).
Species Change Since Last Cycle N/A
Data Analysis
First time sampled as a basinwide site; previously evaluated as part of a broader basinwide Trout Waters reclassification study (Biological Assessment
Branch Memorandum BAB 20110718); community was not assigned a rating because the sampling effort was only qualitative, focusing more on the
presence/absence of trout rather than the structure of the entire community. Watershed -- drains southeastern Ashe County; no municipalities in the
watershed; one small NPDES discharger (NC0088170, Qw = 0.008 MGD) located in the creek's headwaters more than one mile upstream; tributary to the
South Fork New River; site is located — 0.1 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Landuse 2006 (from USGS,
http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, only landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 73% forest and 19% cultivation; since 1992
forested land has decreased from 87% to 73% and cultivated land has increased from 13% to 19%. Habitat -- lower quality habitats; stream flows through
an agricultural and pasture valley with minimal shading; narrow riparian zones providing minimal canopy cover to the stream; severely eroded banks;
frequent riffles; cattle with access to the stream above the reach. Water Quality -- specific conductance low, was 39 pS/cm in 2009. 2013 -- lower than
expected scores for total species diversity, diversities of darters, Rock Bass+Smallmouth Bass+Trout, cyprinids, and intolerant species; skewed trophic
structure (47% Omnivores+Herbivores (Central Stoneroller, Bluehead Chub, and White Sucker) and 48% Insectivores), and a lower than expected
percentage of species with multiple age classes (43%, 8 of the 14 species were represented by only 1 or 2 fish/species); lowest NCIBI score and rating of
any site in the basin; dominant species is the omnivorous Bluehead Chub, indicative of nonpoint nutrient inputs and abundant periphyton; stream was
previously managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, but no longer due to the size, abundance, and reproduction by the naturalized
Brown Trout. 2009 & 2013 -- 19 species known from the site including 9 nonindigenous species, 2 endemic species (Kanawha Rosyface Shiner and
Kanawha Darter), and 2 imperiled species (Kanawha Rosyface Shiner and Kanawha Darter, both Significantly Rare); fewest intolerant species (2) of any site
in the basin; a reproducing population of Brown Trout has been documented at this site in 2009 and 2013 even though it is not supplementally classified as
Tr. Recommendation -- consider re -sampling in 2014 under more stable long-term flow conditions to verify its 2013 rating and possibly prevent its
placement on the impaired stream's list; until verified, community should be considered Not Rated in 2013. Note: the site was re -sampled in 2014 and was
rated Good -Fair; two new species were collected (Blacknose Dace and Silver Shiner); abundance and dominance by Central Stoneroller and Bluehead Chub
continued to indicate nonpoint nutrient inputs, abundant periphyton, and a sun -lit stream channel.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Date Station ID
Bioclassification
PINE SWAMP CR
off SR 1179
110/08/131
KF29
I Fair (Not Rated)
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude AU Number
Level IV Ecoregion
ASHE 1 05050001 1
36.3124981
-81.4643084 10-1-24
Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.
Stream Classification Drainage Area (mil)
Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m)
Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;+ 10.5
1 2823
8 1
0.4 No
Forested/Wetland Urban Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 10 0 90 0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Q„ MGD)
None I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 13.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 9.7
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 38
pH (s.u.) 6.2
Water Clarity I Clear
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
Sample Date
- -
-
—'
Substrate lCobble, bedrock shelves, boulders
Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
5i
14
10
14
6
2
3
3
2
2
61
Sample ID
10/08/13
1 2013-65
1 14
1 34
1 Fair (Not Rated)
09/28/09
1 2009-103
1 14
1 ---
I Not Rated
Most Abundant Species, 2013 Bluehead Chub (102, 29%) Exotic Species Warpaint Shiner (16), Brown Trout (18), Green
Sunfish (2), and Bluegill (1).
Species Change Since Last Cycle N/A
Data Analysis
First time sampled as a basinwide site; previously evaluated as part of a broader basinwide Trout waters reclassification study (Biological Assessment
Branch Memorandum BAB 20110718); community was not assigned a rating because the sampling effort was only qualitative focusing more on the
presence/absence of trout rather than the structure of the entire community. Watershed -- drains southeastern Ashe County; no municipalities in the
watershed; one small NPDES discharger (NC0088170, Qw = 0.008 MGD) located in the creek's headwaters more than one mile upstream; tributary to the
South Fork New River; site is located — 0.1 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Landuse 2006 (from USGS,
http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, only landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 73% forest and 19% cultivation; since 1992
forested land has decreased from 87% to 73% and cultivated land has increased from 13% to 19%. Habitat -- lower quality habitats; stream flows through
an agricultural and pasture valley with minimal shading; narrow riparian zones providing minimal canopy cover to the stream; severely eroded banks;
frequent riffles; cattle with access to the stream above the reach. Water Quality -- specific conductance low, was 39 pS/cm in 2009. 2013 -- lower than
expected scores for total species diversity, diversities of darters, Rock Bass+Smallmouth Bass+Trout, cyprinids, and intolerant species; skewed trophic
structure (47% Omnivores+Herbivores (Central Stoneroller, Bluehead Chub, and White Sucker) and 48% Insectivores), and a lower than expected
percentage of species with multiple age classes (43%, 8 of the 14 species were represented by only 1 or 2 fish/species); lowest NCIBI score and rating of
any site in the basin; dominant species is the omnivorous Bluehead Chub, indicative of nonpoint nutrient inputs and abundant periphyton; stream is managed
by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, although all the Brown Trout collected were wild. 2009 & 2013 -- 19 species known from the site
including 9 nonindigenous species, 2 endemic species (Kanawha Rosyface Shiner and Kanawha Darter), and 2 imperiled species (Kanawha Rosyface
Shiner and Kanawha Darter, both Significantly Rare); fewest intolerant species (2) of any site in the basin; a reproducing population of Brown Trout has been
documented at this site in 2209 and 2013 even though it is not supplementally classified as Tr. Recommendation -- consider re -sampling in 2014 under
more stable long-term flow conditions to verify its 2013 rating and possibly prevent its placement on the impaired stream's list; until verified, community
should be considered Not Rated in 2013.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Date
Station ID
Bioclassification
PRATHERS CR
off SR 1302
109/11/131
KF15
I Good -Fair
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC
Latitude
Longitude
AU Number
Level IV Ecoregion
ALLEGHANY 1 1 1 05050001 1
36.49675111
-81.3205856
10-1-38
New River Plateau
Stream Classification Drainage Area (mil)
Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m)
Average Depth (m) Reference Site
B;Tr 1 13.7
1 2517
1 7
1
0.4 No
ForestedtWetland Rural Residential Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 40 1 40 20 0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Q„ MGD)
None I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 17.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 10.4
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 57
pH (s.u.) 6.8
Water Clarity I Clear
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
5
16
12
16
6
5
3
7
3
3
76
Substrate JCobble, boulder, bedrock
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
09/11/13
2013-60
14
44
Good -Fair
05/07/08
2008-32
19
46
Good -Fair
Warpaint Shiner (41), Redlip Shiner 91), Rainbow
Most Abundant Species, 2013
(central Stoneroller (206, 44%)
Exotic Species
Trout (1), Brown Trout (1), Rock Bass (4), and
Smallmouth Bass (1).
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Data Analysis
Gained -- Kanawha Minnow (1), Rainbow Trout (1), and Sunfish hybrid (1), first collections ever. Lost --
Mountain Redbelly Dace (23), Rosyside Dace (10), Tennessee Shiner (1), Silver Shiner (1), Saffron Shiner (34),
White Sucker (3), and Kanawha Darter (32).
Watershed -- drains west central Alleghany County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers within the watershed; much of the land adjacent to the stream
has been converted to livestock pasture with very narrow riparian zones and an open canopy; tributary to South Fork New River, site is — 750 ft. upstream
from the creek's confluence with the river. Landuse 2006 (from USGS, http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, only landuse categories >_
5% are reported) -- 58% forest, 33% cultivation, and 6% developed; since 1992 forested land has decreased from 76% to 58%, cultivated land has increased
from 24% to 33%, and developed land has increased from < 1 % to 6%. Habitat -- moderate quality habitats, Total Habitat Scores have been 75 and 76 in
2008 and 2013; frequent high gradient riffles and plunges; partial canopy; narrow shrubby riparian providing partial canopy over the stream which had been
eroded from persistent high flows during 2013; Podostemum rare. Water Quality -- specific conductance slightly elevated in 2013 (42 pS/cm in 2008).
2013 -- number of fish declined by 75% between 2008 and 2013 (1925 vs. 473); still with a very skewed trophic structure (55% Omnivores+Herbivores) due
to the abundance of Central Stoneroller and Bluehead Chub; slight decline in the NCIBI score but not the rating was due to fewer total species, fewer species
of cyprinids, and fewer species with multiple age classes in 2013 than in 2008; stream is managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters,
although the Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout collected were wild. 2008 & 2013 -- 21 species are known from the site including 9 nonindigenous species, 3
endemic species (Kanawha Rosyface Shiner, Kanawha Minnow, and Kanawha Darter), and 3 imperiled species (Kanawha Rosyface Shiner, and Kanawha
Darter, both Significantly Rare, and Kanawha Minnow, Special Concern); consistently low percentage of tolerant fish; dominant species is the herbivorous
Central Stoneroller (54%) which is indicative of abundant periphyton, open canopy, and nonpoint nutrient runoff; no reproducing populations of trout have
been documented at this site even though it is supplementally classified as Tr. Recommendation -- based upon all the data collected, there has been no
change in the water quality in the Prather Creek watershed; continue monitoring this site in 2018 to document possible impacts from any changing landuse
practices.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Date Station ID
Bioclassification
ROAN CR
I SR 1588
106/28/131
KF20
I Good -Fair
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude
Longitude AU Number
Level IV Ecoregion
ASHE
1 1 05050001 1 36.40791041
-81.401555 10-1-31-(2)
New River Plateau
Stream Classification
Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m)
Average Depth (m) Reference Site
WS-IV;Tr, CA,+
6.7 1 2658
1 6
0.4 1 No
Forested/Wetland Urban Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 10 0 90 0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Q„ MGD)
None I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 16.0
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 8.8
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 41
pH (s.u.) 6.0
Water Clarity I Clear, easily silted
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
4
16
10
16
6
6
6
9
1
2
76
Substrate lCobble, boulder, gravel
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
06/28/13
2013-47
14
44
Good -Fair
05/19/08
2008-41
14
46
Good -Fair
Warpaint Shiner (271), Rainbow Trout (3), Brown
Most Abundant Species, 2013
Central Stoneroller (381, 34%)
Exotic Species
Trout (1), Rock Bass (15), Redbreast Sunfish (3),
and Smallmouth Bass (2).
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Data Analysis
Gained -- Warpaint Shiner (271), Rainbow Trout (3), Redbreast Sunfish, and Greenside Darter (1), first
collections ever. Lost -- Mountain Redbelly Dace (53), Western Blacknose Dace (19), Creek Chub (2), and
Appalachia Darter (2).
Watershed -- drains southeastern Ashe County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers located in the watershed; tributary to the South Fork New River,
site is 0.3 mile upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Landuse 2006 (from USGS, http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.htmi,
only landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 62% forest, 25% cultivation, and 7% developed; since 1992 forested land has decreased from 80% to 62%,
cultivated land has increased from 20% to 25%, and developed land has increased from < 1 % to 7%. Habitat -- moderate quality habitats, Total Habitat
Score was 77 in 2008; cobble riffles, chutes, and plunges; open canopy at the new bridge and above the 600 ft. reach where there were eroding banks and
breaks in the right bank riparian zone; cattle with access to the stream; cattle exclusion barrier perpendicular to the channel; narrow riparian zones. Water
Quality -- specific conductance low, was 38 pS/cm in 2008. 2013 -- 2nd most abundant fish site in the basin (n=1138); fewest species of cyprinids (4) of any
site in the basin; large schools of Warpaint Shiner had temporarily migrated from the river into the creek's pools and runs, none had been collected in 2008
perhaps due to lower water levels in the creek's pools; lower than expected total species diversity, diversities of cyprinids, and intolerant species; skewed
trophic structure due to an abundance of herbivorous Central Stonerollers and omnivorous Bluehead Chub (49% of all the fish collected) resulted in a 2 point
decline in the NCIBI score but not the rating; stream is managed by the NCWRC as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, although the Brown Trout and 3 of
the 4 Rainbow Trout collected were wild. 2008 & 2013 -- an extremely abundant fish community (n=1273 and 1138 in 2008 and 2013, respectively) for this
size stream; 18 species known from the site including 7 nonindigenous species, 2 endemic species (Kanawha Darter and Appalachia Darter), and 1 imperiled
species (Kanawha Darter, Significantly Rare); consistently low percentage of tolerant fish; dominant species is Mottled Sculpin (37%); proximity to the river
influences the community's abundance and diversity; a reproducing populations of Rainbow Trout has been documented at this site which is supplementally
classified as Tr. Recommendation -- site is no longer considered as a reference site because of cattle having access to the stream and the narrow riparian
zones; based upon all the data collected, there has likely been no change in the water quality in the Roan Creek watershed; continue monitoring this site in
2018 to document impacts from any changing landuse practices.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody
Location
Date Station ID
Bioclassification
S FK NEW R
I US 421
106/26/131
KF12
I Good -Fair
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude
Longitude AU Number
Level IV Ecoregion
WATAUGA 1 1
1 05050001 1 36.22067541
-81.6396323 10-1-(3.5)b
Southern Crystalline Ridges & Mtns.
Stream Classification
Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m)
Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;+
34.2 1 3076
1 14
0.5 1 No
Forested/Wetland Urban Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 15 25 50 10 (road)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Qw, MGD)
City of Boone's WWTP NCO020621 4.82
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 16.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 8.9
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 137
pH (s.u.) 6.7
Water Clarity I Clear, easily silted
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
4
12
6
7
6
6
4
2
3
2
52
Substrate lGravel, cobble, sand
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Ratinq
06/26/13
2013-42
19
44
Good -Fair
05/22/08
2008-49
22
56
Good
06/08/98
98-51
20
52
Good
Most Abundant Species, 2013
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Data Analysis
Central Stoneroller (189, 32%) and Warpaint Shiner (9), Brown Trout (3), Rock Bass
Bluehead Chub (169, 29%) Exotic Species (11), and Green Sunfish (11).
Gained -- Warpaint Shiner (9), Kanawha Rosyface Shiner (1), and Green Sunfish (11), first collections ever.
Lost -- Longnose Dace (2), Creek Chub (2), White Sucker (4), Rainbow Trout (6), Kanawha Darter (6), and
Appalachia Darter (2).
Watershed -- drains southeastern Watauga County, including the municipalities of Blowing Rock and Boone; five NPDES dischargers located upstream
(NC0020621, NC0027286, NC0032158, NC0032131, and NC0039608, Total Qw = 5.808 MGD), site is — 1 mile downstream from NC0020621. Landuse
2006 (from USGS, http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north carolina.html, only landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 61 % forest, 11 % cultivation, and
26% developed (the greatest percentage of developed land of any fish community watershed in the basin); since 1992 forested land has decreased from
75% to 61 %, cultivated land has decreased from 15% to 11 %, and developed land has increased from 10% to 26%. Habitat -- lower quality habitats, Total
Habitat Score has been declining from 68 in 1998 to 52 in 2013; evidence of scour from persistent high flows in 2013; embedded gravel and cobble
substrate; lesser amounts of Elodea than in previous years; primarily runs; rip/rap along the left bank to stabilize the road; minimal canopy over the stream
provided by the narrow riparian zones. Water Quality -- greatest specific conductance at any fish community site in the basin; has ranged from 102 µS/cm-
137 µS/cm since 1998. 2013 -- 72% decline in the number of fish collected between 2008 and 2013 (2058 vs 585); most species of cyprinids (12) of any site
in the basin; decline in NCIBI score and rating were due to an abundance of Omnivores+Herbivores (67%), the loss of two species of darters, and a slightly
higher than expected percentage of tolerant fish (3%, Green Sunfish and Bluntnose Minnow). 1998-2013 -- 26 species known from the site (the most of any
site in the basin along with the sites on Cranberry and Naked creeks) including 14 species of cyprinids, 9 intolerant species, 4 species of darters, 6
nonindigenous species, 7 endemic species (Tonguetied Minnow, Bigmouth Chub, New River Shiner, Kanawha Rosyface Shiner, Kanawha Minnow,
Kanawha Darter, and Appalachia Darter), and 4 imperiled species (Tonguetied Minnow, Kanawha Rosyface Shiner, and Kanawha Darter, all Significantly
Rare and Kanawha Minnow, Special Concern); dominant species are Central Stoneroller (26%) and Western Blacknose Dace (22%); a reproducing
population of Brown Trout has been documented at this site even though it is not supplementally classified as Tr. Recommendation -- based upon all the
data collected, the fish community data suggests there has been a decline in the water quality in the South Fork New River watershed; continue monitoring
this site in 2018 to document impacts from the increasing urbanization of its watershed and the WWTP effluents.

FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Date Station ID Bioclassification
THREE TOP CR SR 1123 106/27/131 KF23 I Not Rated
County Subbasin 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude AU Number Level IV Ecoregion
ASHE 2 05050001 36,4207697-81.6216132 10-2-13 Amphibolite Mountains
Stream Classification Drainage Area (mil) Elevation (ft.) Stream Width (m) Average Depth (m) Reference Site
C;Tr, ORW 1 23.1 1 2880 1 12 1 0.5 Yes
Forested/Wetland Rural Residential Agriculture Other (describe)
Visible Landuse (%) 1 30 1 25 1 25 20 (road and lumber mill)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (>_ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile) NPDES Number Volume (Qw, MGD)
None I --- I ---
Water Quality Parameters
Temperature (°C) 16.0
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 8.9
Specific Conductance (pS/cm) 41
pH (s.u.) 6.8
Water Clarity I Slightly turbid
Habitat Assessment Scores (max)
Channel Modification (5)
Instream Habitat (20)
Bottom Substrate (15)
Riffle Habitat (16)
Pool Variety (10)
Erosion (7)
Bank Vegetation (7)
Light Penetration (10)
Left Riparian Score (5)
Right Riparian Score (5)
Total Habitat Score (100)
5
16
12
16
6
3
5
8
1
1
73
Substrate lCobble, boulder, bedrock
Sample Date
Sample ID
Species Total
NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
06/27/13
2013-45
15
Not Rated
05/20/08
T
2008-45
I 15
Not Rated
Most Abundant Species, 2013
Fantail Darter (90, 39%)
Exotic Species
Mountain Redbelly Dace (1), Rainbow Trout (1),
Brown Trout (4), and Rock Bass (3).
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Gained -- Rainbow Trout (1), first collection ever. Lost -- Appalachia Darter (3).
Data Analysis
-- drains west central Ashe County; no municipalities or NPDES dischargers in the watershed; tributary to the North Fork New River; site is —
0.8 miles upstream from the creek's confluence with the river. Landuse 2006 (from USGS, http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/north_carolina.html, onl}
landuse categories >_ 5% are reported) -- 92% forest (the greatest percentage of forest of any fish community watershed in the basin); cultivated land (4%)
and developed land (1 %) were the lowest percentages of these landuse type of any fish community site in the basin; since 1992 forested land has
decreased from 99% to 92%. Habitat -- moderate quality habitats, Total Habitat Scores were 73 in 2013 and 85 in 2008; very narrow riparian zones
because stream flows parallel to two roads; swift and high flow from persistent high discharge during 2013; swift and deep chutes and riffles; boulder
snags of rip/rap along the left bank for road stabilization; eroding banks. Water Quality -- specific conductance low, was 38 pS/cm in 2008. 2013 --
number of fish declined by 46% between 2008 and 2013 (420 vs. 228); lower than expected scores for total number of fish, total species diversity,
diversities of darters, cyprinids, and intolerant species and percentage of species with multiple age classes; stream is managed by the NCWRC as
Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, although all the Brown Trout and 1 of the 2 Rainbow Trout collected were wild. 2008 & 2013 -- 16 species known from
the site, the fewest from any site in the basin which is common in oligotrophic high gradient mountain streams, including 4 nonindigenous species, only 5
intolerant species, 4 endemic species (Tonguetied Minnow, Bigmouth Chub, Kanawha Darter, and Appalachia Darter), and 2 imperiled species
(Tonguetied Minnow and Kanawha Darter, both species Significantly Rare); dominant species are Fantail Darter (37) and Mottled Sculpin (30%); very low
percentage of Omnivores+Herbivores (7%) and a high percentage of Insectivores (91%); a reproducing population of Brown Trout has been documented
at this site which is supplementally classified as Tr; stream was supplementally reclassified as ORW on 12/01/2010. Recommendation -- this site was
difficult to sample at high flow conditions which were experienced in 2013 and as a fish community regional reference site, the community was not
accurately rated with the NCIBI. The site should be discontinued as a basinwide site until metrics can be developed for streams such as Three Top Creek
that are of moderate elevation, but large trout -type streams.