In 2003, landowners approached FWP requesting an evaluation of Elk Creek, and 

 the development of a restoration plan. In order to begin the process of developing a 

 restoration project, we resurveyed long-term fish population survey sections, and 

 collected water temperatures at three sites. We also enlisted the assistance of: 1) a range 

 conservationist to evaluate current and alternative riparian grazing strategies, and 2) 

 David Rosgen (hydrologist) to help assess channel stability and methods of correcting 

 channel incision. 



Although lower Elk Creek tested negative for whirling disease between 1999 and 

 2002, samples that are more recent indicate a rapid escalation as infection levels were 

 detected at a mean grade of 2.86 in 2003. (Results Part IV). 



Catch/100' 



Elk Creek Monitoring 



To assess the current condition of habitat and its fish population, we collected 

 water temperature data at three long-term monitoring sites and conducted fish population 

 surveys at four long-term monitoring locations. Dave Rosgen performed geomorphic 

 assessments at two locations on lower Elk Creek. 



Elevated water temperatures on lower Elk Creek are also considered a primary 

 limiting factor adversely affecting fish populations. Our assessments show a large (-14.0 

 ° F) temperature increase between 

 stream mile 5.6 and 1.0 where 

 ma.\imum summer water 

 temperatures approached 80° F in 

 2003. Water temperatures at mile 

 5.6 are well within the thermal 

 tolerances for trout. Conversely, 

 water temperatures near 1.0 are 

 above the stress (> 73° F) levels 

 for salmonids (Appendix I). The 

 incremental loss of shrubs and 

 shade, over-widened stream 

 banks, and the exposure of the 

 channel to direct sunlight are 

 likely contributors to elevated 

 water temperatures. Figure 24. CPUE for salmonids captured at four 



locations of lower Elk Creek. 1991, 1996, 2000 and 2003 



MlUO.i 



Milt 1.-I 



Fish populations 



Fish population data collected in 2003 show similar trends to early surveys at 

 long-term monitoring locations on lower Elk Creek, including significant reduction in 

 trout densities in the lower Elk Creek, compared with upstream monitoring sites. Fish 

 populations are also showing a declining trend in densities over the last decade on 

 portions of lower Elk Creek (Figure 24). Our 2003 surveys marked the fu-st time trout 

 were not collected from a long-term fish population monitoring section at mile 1.1. 

 Photo monitoring shows the incremental loss of riparian shrubs at this site. Dave 

 Rosgen's evaluations also indicated channel incision currently occurring in the immediate 

 area of our fisheries sample location. An initial review with Dave Rosgen indicates 



39 



