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Long‐Term Responses of Trout and Macrohabitats to Habitat Management in a Wyoming Headwater Stream
Author(s) -
Binns N. Allen
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
north american journal of fisheries management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1548-8675
pISSN - 0275-5947
DOI - 10.1577/1548-8675(1994)014<0087:ltrota>2.3.co;2
Subject(s) - trout , salvelinus , digging , streams , habitat , acre , population , fontinalis , hydrology (agriculture) , fishery , beaver , environmental science , geography , ecology , fish <actinopterygii> , biology , geology , archaeology , geotechnical engineering , agroforestry , demography , sociology , computer science , computer network
After 111 habitat improvement devices and 2,150 ft of riprap were installed (1973–1977) in Beaver Creek, northeast Wyoming, the stream developed a narrower channel with deep pools that helped brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis survive low flows. After 7 years, brook trout 6 in and longer had increased 1,814%, brook trout less than 6 inches had increased 1,462%, and the total population density had reached 2,074/mi (268 lb/acre). By 1990, after extended drought during the 1980s, the brook trout population had dropped to 222/mi (41 lb/acre), but this level was 90% better than before habitat development. Over 90% ofthe devices remained fully functional 18 years after installation, even though some of them were esthetically displeasing due to exposure of logs and planks. Wooden plunges were comparatively easy to install and dug good pools. Deflectors worked better directing currents than digging pools. Wood bank overhangs and overpour (Hewitt) ramps provided variable results. were hard to install, were apt to be damaged by floods, and are not recommended for Wyoming streams.