Cold Water Habitat Evaluation Gilbert Creek & Elk Creek June – August 2005 Matthew D. Rasmussen Applied Science Undergraduate UW-Stout Menomonie, WI 54751

Methods  Biological Information collected using Hobart H-10 Multimeter pH, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and salinity  Continuous Onset TidBit Temperature Loggers Collected water temperature every 30 minutes  Nitrogen & Phosphorus concentrations utilizing HACH Kit Compare results to USEPA standards  E.coli & Coliform testing Compare results to Wisconsin code NR  Water velocity using Global Waters FP-101 Flow Probe  Chlorophyll content in algae ASTM D Study to analyze phosphorus trend in Elk Creek

Gilbert Creek

Findings - E.coli and Coliform levels are high - Levels are not to exceed 4 per mL - Correlate to rain fall

-Self-Sustaining buffer! -Presence of salinity buffers pH -May influence microbial species -Excellent environment to sustain brook trout

Macroinvertabrate quality increases as quality of habitat increases. This is easily seen by the Biotic Index South branch = scuds Middle branch = scuds North branch = mayflies, caddis flies The North branch water quality & habitat is clearly the ideal habitat for brook trout in Gilbert Creek **Data was obtained by Bio-135 Students, end of Sept. 2005** Branch of CreekSimpson's Index of diversity(1-D) WAV Biotic Index South (poor) Middle (fair) North (good)

Sediment Characteristics Site Sediment DepthDescription (meters) GC-A< 1Silt GC-B0.20Silt GC-C (2003)0.13Sand/Silt GC-D (2004)0.38Pebbles/Sand GC-E0.53Sand GC-F0.81Silt Sediment depth lowest in restoration sites. Spawning habitat more abundant in sites C and D Sediment Quality correlated to biotic index Restoration provides results!

Elk Creek

-E. coli and Coliform levels are high -Levels are not to exceed 4 per mL -Correlate to rain fall

-No salinity = No buffer -Ground water infiltration creates an increase in pH over time -Rain fall has greater effect on water

Sediment Characteristics Quality of habitat increases down stream Restoration done above site G in 1999 Sediment Quality relates to biotic index Site Sediment DepthDescription (meters) EC-G0.46Silty Muck EC-H0.43Sand/Pebbles EC-I0.66Sand EC-J0.18 Rocks/pebbles (Ideal!!)

Water quality increases downstream, thus biotic index increases EC-G contains muddy sediment & slow moving water. Mainly scuds & tubifex EC-J is fast moving with riffles and pools. Contains a rocky sediment and habitat for trout. Mainly caddisflies and stoneflies Site Location Simpson's Index of diversity(1-D ) WAV Biotic Index EC-G (poor) EC-H (fair) EC-I (fair) EC-J (good)

Nitrogen (mg/L) DateECGECHECIECJ 21-Jun Jun Jul Jul Jul Jul Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Phosphorus (mg/L) DateECGECHECIECJ 21-Jun Jun Jul Jul Jul Jul Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug N & P Concentrations in Elk Creek

Chlorophyll Concentration by Site N & P Trend Upstream to Downstream -Data averaged over course of summer -Decrease in Phosphorus downstream -Possible Chlorophyll explanation? -Nitrogen loading between EC-G & EC-H? -Standard Practices for Measurement of Chlorophyll Content in Algae in Surface Waters (ASTM D ) -Algal Cells not responsible -Some other mechanism, periphyton?

Conclusions Gilbert Creek  Data shows improvement in spawning habitat and invertebrate diversity in restored areas  E.coli and Coliform levels being introduced to the creek are high. This is detrimental to the success of this trout stream.

Conclusions Elk creek  Invertebrate diversity represents water quality and aquatic habitat quality. (Site J-most downstream)  N and P issues of concern  E.coli and Coliform levels are exceedingly high. Especially during rainfall events

Acknowledgments Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Ojibleau Chapter Trout Unlimited University of Wisconsin-Stout Biology City of Menomonie, Waste-Water Treatment Facility Biology 135 Students, Fall 2005 Steve Nold, Department of Biology Martin Ondrist, Department of Chemistry