u 



to 

 at 



25 



20 



complexity and chronic low flows. Following the initial surveys, we screened the upper 

 diversion, enhanced stream flows by 3-5 cfs and improved habitat in the survey reach by 

 adding LWD to the channel. We also implemented some grazing changes and developed 

 off-stream livestock water. 



In 2004, we 

 continued to monitor 

 fisheries at mile 2.2. 

 (Figure 28). Both 

 WSCT and brook 

 trout (> 4.0") have 

 responded to the 

 project compare to the 

 pre-project (1999) 

 condition. Less 



encouraging is an 

 increase in brook 

 trout at the 



monitoring site. 



+ 15 



o 

 o 



c 

 » 

 O 



10 



.<^ 





.# 



V V V 



^*\#" 



# 



f V 



,#\#^ 



-v^ 



Figure 28. Densities offish > 4.0" in McCabe Creek at 

 mile 2.2. 1999-2004. 



Monture Creek 



Restoration 



objectives: Restore habitat for spawning and rearing bull trout and WSCT; improve 

 recruitment of bull trout and WSCT to the Blackfoot River; improve staging areas and 

 thermal refiigia for fluvial bull trout. 



Project Summary 



Monture Creek, a large tributary to the middle Blackfoot River, is a primary 

 spawning and rearing tributary for fluvial bull trout and fluvial WSCT. Monture Creek 

 also serves as thermal refiagia for fluvial bull trout during periods of Blackfoot River 

 warming. Reproduction of WSCT and bull trout occurs primarily in the mid-to-upper 

 basin. Fluvial rainbow trout and brown trout inhabit the lower portions of the drainage. 

 Brook trout are found throughout the drainage. 



Riparian areas in the mid-to-lower reaches of Monture Creek have a long history 

 of riparian timber harvest and improper grazing practices, with resulting adverse impacts 

 to native fish habitats. All lower tributaries of Monture Creek fi-om Dunham Creek 

 downstream likewise were identified as fisheries-impaired. Many identified problems 

 were corrected through a decade of cooperative restoration activities (Pierce et al. 1997; 

 Pierce et al. 2001), which contributed to improving the health of Monture Creek. 

 Excessive livestock access to Monture Creek however, continues to adversely influence 



Monture Creek at multiple locations. 



."* ' , . - ■ . .' 



Fish Populations and other monitoring 



Monitoring for 2004 and 2005 period included: 1) bull trout redd counts; 2) 

 assessments of juvenile trout abundance at long-term monitoring stations; 3) water 

 temperature monitoring; 4) continued whirling disease studies; 5) geomorphic and 

 spawning site assessments; and 6) radio telemetry study involving rainbow trout. 



4a 



