STATEWIDE FISHERIES INVESTIGATIONS
 SURVEY OF AQUATIC RESOURCES
FEDERAL AID PROJECT F-7-M-43

NUTRIOSO CREEK FISH MANAGEMENT REPORT 2001

TECHNICAL REPORT 01-01

Michael A. Lopez, Regional Fisheries Specialist
James R. Novy, Regional Fish Program Manager
Richard J. Dreyer, Regional Fisheries Specialist
Gilbert R. Gonzales, Regional Wildlife Technician

CIVIL RIGHTS NOTIFICATION

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD's programs or activities, including its employment practices, the individual may file a complaint alleging discrimination directly with the AGFD Deputy Director, 2221 W. Greenway Rd., Phx., AZ 85023, (602) 789-3290 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr., Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. If you require this document in an alternative format, please contact the AGFD Deputy Director as listed above or by calling TTY at 1-800-367-8939.

PROJECT FUNDING

Funding for this project was provided through fishing license revenues and the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, a program administered by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Federal Aid.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Map of Lower Nutrioso Creek with reach boundaries and survey locations.................. 8
Figure 2. Map of Upper Nutrioso Creek with reach boundaries and survey locations .................. 9

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF APPENDIXES

INTRODUCTION

Nutrioso Creek, located in southern Apache County, Arizona, is a 42.5 kilometer (28.1 mile) northerly flowing tributary of the Little Colorado River. Drainage area of the Nutrioso Creek system is approximately 411.1 square kilometers (158.7 square miles). Nutrioso Creek ranges in elevation from 2105 meters (6907 feet) at the confluence with the Little Colorado River in Springerville (T9N R29E Sec. 29 SE4NW4NE4) to a maximum of 2560 meters (8400 feet) at its origin, descending 10.7 meters/kilometer (53.1 feet/mile) over its stream course. The Strahler stream order (Strahler, 1957) of Nutrioso Creek is 6th-order, as defined by cell-based modeling (Douglas, 1986; Jenson and Dominque, 1988; Tarboton et al., 1991), or 5th-order, as defined by the conventional topographic map method (McMahon et al., 1996; Platts et al., 1983; USFS, 1985). Nutrioso Creek originates from spring flow on the southwest side of Escudilla Mountain (T6N R30E Sec. 22 NE4NE4) and flows 21.5 kilometers (13.4 miles) through the town of Nutrioso and into Nelson Reservoir. Downstream of Nelson Reservoir, Nutrioso Creek extends for another 21.0 kilometers (13.0 miles), eventually reaching the town of Springerville and its confluence with the Little Colorado River. Land ownership along Nutrioso Creek consists of private (48.6%), Apache- Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNF)(45.2%), State Trust (3.5%), and Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD)(2.7%). The stream's watershed consists of ponderosa pine and mixed-conifer forests in the headwaters and midelevations, and pinion juniper in lower elevations.

Nutrioso Creek's historic native fish population, prior to the introduction of exotic species and habitat disruption associated with man-related activity, consisted of speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus), bluehead sucker (Pantosteus discobolus), Little Colorado (LC) spinedace (Lepidomeda vittata), and potentially Little Colorado sucker (Catostomus sp.). Apache trout (Oncorhynchus apache) likely occurred within the headwater portions of Nutrioso Creek and its tributaries. Museum records from the Arizona State University Vertebrate Museum include specimens of speckled dace (ASU 12003), bluehead sucker (ASU 12001), and LC spinedace (ASU 12002) collected in Nutrioso Creek near the point of confluence with Auger Creek in 1988. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were also caught during that 1988 survey (Marsh and Young 1988). Later surveys in 1990-1995 by AGFD have revealed LC spinedace, bluehead sucker, speckled dace, rainbow trout, fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), and brown trout (Salmo trutta)(Dorum and Young 1995). The surveys reported in this document recorded the presence of LC spinedace, bluehead sucker, speckled dace, LC sucker, fathead minnow, green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout. The LC spinedace is federally listed as threatened and approximately 5 miles of Nutrioso Creek on ASNF land downstream of Nelson Reservoir dam is designated critical habitat (USFWS 1987; USFWS 1998).

Historical stocking records of the AGFD indicate that rainbow trout were stocked directly into Nutrioso Creek only in 1937, in a headwater location. However, nonnative fish have also had access into Nutrioso Creek from stockings (legal and illegal) made into Nelson Reservoir and private ponds in Nutrioso. Rainbow trout were first stocked into Nelson Reservoir by the AGFD in 1958, channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in 1975, brook trout in 1977, brown trout in 1978, and cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki) in 1987. A total of 20,000 catchable sized rainbow trout are currently stocked each year into Nelson Reservoir to support an intensive-use sportfishery. Angler use at Nelson Reservoir is high, supporting an estimated 17,059 anglers and 34,380 angler hours in 1999. Angler use throughout all of Nutrioso Creek is unknown, but it is presumed to be very low. Creel surveys on public lands immediately downstream and upstream of Nelson Reservoir from 1998-2000 documented only 4 anglers in 260 surveys, indicating little angler use (Novy et al. 2001). Nutrioso Creek is currently managed as a wild-fish water (AGFD 1995).

Initial comprehensive surveys (permanent sites) of 14.88 kilometers (9.25 miles) of Nutrioso Creek were conducted by AGFD personnel on public lands (ASNF) located downstream of Nelson Reservoir and upstream of the town of Nutrioso in June-August 1994. After the ASNF acquired two tracts of land between Nelson Reservoir and the town of Nutrioso in 1997, another 6.90 kilometers (4.29 miles) of stream were comprehensively surveyed in September 1997 and May 1998. Another 2.04 kilometers (1.27 miles) of private land (Crosswhite Property) were comprehensively surveyed in October 1999. Several additional sites on private, State Trust, and AGFD lands were spot surveyed for fish only from May 1997 through July 2000.

In 1995, a formal Section 7 Endangered Species Act (ESA) Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over the stocking of rainbow trout into Nelson Reservoir resulted in a May Effect determination on the threatened LC spinedace, which occurs both upstream and downstream of Nelson Reservoir. Trout stocking and the AGFD's management of Nelson Reservoir were modified in 1996 as a result of the consultation to minimize the potential for adverse effects to LC spinedace in Nutrioso Creek. Modifications dictated by the consultation included the following:

1. Adjust stocking schedule as necessary to avoid stocking until water level is below spillway level and expected to remain so until the end of the stocking season. Unexpected spills may interrupt prescheduled stockings.
2. Stock only hatchery reared catchable size rainbow trout that have been tagged with coded wire tags.
3. Stock trout to coincide with the summer fishing season, the approximate period being Memorial Day to Labor Day.
4. Conduct stream surveys in Nutrioso Creek, upstream and downstream of the reservoir in the spring and in the fall, to determine whether tagged rainbow trout are moving to the connecting stream. If tagged trout are collected from areas occupied by spinedace, stomachs are to be taken and attempts made to determine if spinedace are being consumed by the tagged trout. Surveys of the reservoir fish population to determine survival and carryover of stocked trout is encouraged.
5. Provide the Arizona Ecological Services Office with results of monitoring activities listed in number 4 annually.

A regulation change was made at Nelson Reservoir and Nutrioso Creek in 1998 to attempt to further minimize adverse effects to LC spinedace resulting from the Nelson Reservoir stocking program. Unlimited rainbow and brown trout harvest was allowed from September 1 to May 1 in Nutrioso Creek from its confluence with the Little Colorado River upstream to Highway 180 in the Town of Nutrioso, including Nelson Reservoir.

Monitoring surveys in Nutrioso Creek were initiated in the fall of 1996. All surveys conducted from that time forward were used to satisfy the monitoring requirements in Nutrioso Creek as outlined in the consultation. Some of these surveys were comprehensive surveys which established new permanent stations, while most were return visits to already established stations and sampled for fish only to monitor for spinedace populations and trout escapement from Nelson Reservoir. This report summarizes the results of the comprehensive surveys of the stream's fish population, aquatic habitat condition, riparian habitat, benthic macroinvertebrate community, and water quality, as well as the monitoring results and makes recommendations for the future management of Nutrioso Creek.

SURVEY METHODS AND RESULTS

WATER ANALYSIS

Comprehensive water quality sampling was conducted in Nutrioso Creek on three occasions in 1994 and 1995 at two locations, Correjo Crossing and the confluence of Paddy Creek. These samples were analyzed for a number of parameters using standard methods (APHA, 1989; EPA, 1979). Basic water quality parameters were also measured on the Crosswhite property (Reach 3C) at two locations (stations 1 and 3) on October 6, 1999. Alkalinity and dissolved oxygen were measured with a Hach model AL-36DT Ecology Combination Test Kit. Turbidity was measured with a Hach model 2100AN Turbidimeter, and pH measured with an Orion Research model 407A Ionalyzer. Results were averaged for each site and are presented in Table 1.

Analysis characterized Nutrioso Creek as a moderately clean water stream. Moderate to moderately high levels of hardness were found, which increased from the upstream comprehensive site to the downstream comprehensive site. Alkalinity and hardness averaged 114 mg/1 and 101 mg/1, respectively, at the Paddy Creek confluence site (upstream), and 173 mg/1 and 139 mg/l, respectively, at the Correjo Crossing site (downstream) (Table 1). Conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids averaged 238 pmhos/cm and 159 mg/l, respectively, at the upsteam site and 347 pmhos/cm and 233 mg/l, respectively, at the downstream site. Hydrogen-ion (pH) concentrations were above neutral, averaging 8.0 at Paddy Creek and 8.3 at CorrejoCrossing. Concentrations of major nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) were relatively low with total phosphorus averaging 0.121 at Paddy Creek and 0.174 at Correjo Crossing, and ammonia-nitrogen and nitrate-nitrogen falling below analytical limits of 0.05 mg/1 on all dates sampled at both sites. Dissolved oxygen concentrations averaged 7.6 mg/1 at Paddy Creek and 8.7 mg/1 at Correjo Crossing. Turbidity measurements averaged 12 N.T.U. at the upstream site and increased to an average of 30 N.T.U. at the downstream site. These average turbidity levels exceed the standard set for aquatic and wildlife cold-water streams, which is currently

Table 1.    LIMNOLOGICAL DATA SUMMARY
Water: Nutrioso Creek
Reference # 614.12
Station: Correjo Crossing

Table 1.
Water: Nutrioso Creek
Reference #614.12
Station: Confluence with Paddy Creek

Table 1.
Water Nutrioso Creek - Reach 3C
Reference # 614.12
Date: October 6, 1999

set at 10 N.T.U. All individual turbidity measurements except one exceed this standard. That one exception was recorded high in the watershed during low flow. Other parameters also increased from the upstream site at Paddy Creek confluence to the downstream site at Correjo Crossing as expected, including calcium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.

The Reach 3C water quality sampling site is located between the Paddy Creek confluence and Correjo Crossing sampling sites. As expected, several of the parameters fell between the averages for the two main sites. Conductivity averaged 265 pmhos/cm and turbidity averaged 24.5 N.T.U. Alkalinity (211 mg/1) was slightly higher than at both of the main sampling sites, while dissolved oxygen was slightly lower (7.4 mg/1). Water flows averaged 0.052 cubic meters per second (0.184 cubic feet per second).

HABITAT

Surveys of aquatic habitat conditions on Nutrioso Creek were conducted during the comprehensive surveys in June-August 1994 (Reaches 1-3 and 4-6), September 1997 (Reach 3B), May 1998 (Reach 3A), and October 1999 (Reach 3C). Methods used to inventory aquatic habitats were those of the General Aquatic Wildlife Survey (GAWS) element of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Wildlife and Fish Habitat Relationship System (WFHRS) as described in USFS (1985). The USFS Region 3 Riparian Scorecard and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Proper Functioning Condition checklist were used to assess associated riparian conditions (BLM 1995; USFS 1989a).

The public lands (ASNF) surveyed on Nutrioso Creek were divided into eight discrete reaches for sampling purposes (Figures 1 & 2). Reaches were established on the basis of similarities in gradient, valley shape, vegetation type, substrate, and channel type, similar to the approach used by Rosgen (1994). Fourty-two representative GAWS sampling stations were established on National Forest lands to describe aquatic habitat and riparian conditions. Reaches were measured with a hip chain and GAWS stations permanently located by measuring the distance from each station to a notable landmark (Table 2). Rebar stakes and coded metal tags were left at each station to identify photo points and for future monitoring purposes.

The private land of Jim Crosswhite was identified as a separate reach (Reach 3C) for monitoring purposes (Figure 2). Three representative GAWS sampling stations were established on his private land, with his cooperation, to describe aquatic habitat and riparian conditions. Fence post stakes were left at each station to identify photo points and for future monitoring purposes.

At each 50-meter station, numerous habitat variables were measured using the GAWS transect method with five perpendicular-to-flow transects spaced equally at 10 meter increments. From the data collected, the GAWS computer program was employed to calculate a number of habitat ratings for various stream characteristics, including a Habitat Condition Index (HCI), which is a multivariate rating of existing trout habitat. Standards and guidelines in the Apache- Sitgreaves National Forests Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) call for managing for at least 60% of potential

Figure 2. Upper Nutrioso Creek with reach boundaries and survey locations

habitat capability (60% HCI) on trout streams (USFS 1989b). A detailed explanation of GAWS data output and terminology can be found in Appendix A. Appendix B summarizes the data collected at each station and presents a mean for each reach weighted by sample station areas or station lengths, and a stream average weighted by corresponding reach areas or lengths as appropriate (linear or area) for the data collected.

Table 2. Nutrioso- Creek, permanent GAWS station locations.

Nutrioso Creek provides approximately 4.37 hectares (10.79 acres) of stream habitat over the 23.82 kilometer (14.80 mile) stream course surveyed with the GAWS methodology (Table 3). It was a small sized stream with an overall mean water width of 1.8 meters (5.9 feet), a mean depth of 0.14 meters (0.45 feet), and an overall width to depth ratio of 13. Stream gradient was moderate, averaging 2.7%. Nutrioso Creek supports a riparian area that was estimated to be 62.35 hectares (154.07 acres) in size over the nine reaches surveyed, and had an overall rating of 6.1 on the riparian scorecard which is unsatisfactory (Table 3).

Reach 1 is a shallow canyon reach, beginning at the lowermost ASNF boundary on Nutrioso Creek and extending upstream for 4536 meters, providing 0.54 hectares (1.34 acres) of stream habitat. Stream gradient was moderate, averaging 3.2%. Aquatic habitat consisted of a preponderance of pool habitat, resulting in a poor pool-to-riffle ratio (pool measure 34.8%), a high Potential Rearing Area (PRA) rating (71.5%), and a low riffle rating (17.4%). Bank cover, bank soil and bank vegetation stabilities rated fair, 53.3%, 48.3%, and 54.6%, respectively. The preponderance of fair ratings resulted in a fair Habitat Condition Index (HCI) of 45.4%. Water widths averaged 1.2 meters and water depths averaged 0.05 meters, with a width-to-depth ratio of 24. Stream bottom substrates were dominated by rubble (45%) and sand/silt (36%), resulting in a fair embeddedness rating of 44.7%, but also contained boulder (11%) and gravel (8%). Canopy density averaged 14%, with grasses, sedges, willow, wild rose, and currant vegetating the stream banks. Juniper was abundant on the uplands. Reach 1 supported a total of 5.44 hectares (13.44 acres) of riparian habitat that was rated unsatisfactory (Table 3). The low aquatic habitat scores for Reach 1 were largely a result of one totally dry station and two that were partially dry during the comprehensive surveys in June 1994. Reach 1 was found to be entirely dry during fish monitoring surveys in the fall of 1997 and fall of 1998, and partially dry during the fall of 1996.

Reach 2 is an intermediate canyon and narrow meadow reach that begins at the end of Reach 1 and extends upstream for 4166 meters, providing 1.25 hectares (3.08 acres) of stream habitat. Stream gradient was low, averaging 1%. Aquatic habitat consisted of a preponderance of pool habitat, resulting in a poor pool measure (24.5%), high PRA (85.1%), a very low Potential Spawning Area (PSA)(5.2%), and low riffle rating (21.1 %). However, the quality of those pools was high, giving pool structure a good rating of 94.6%. Bank cover rated a little higher than Reach 1 at 64.2%, because of the higher abundance of willows on the banks in Reach 2, but was still a fair rating. The HCI rated fair at 50.8%. Water widths averaged 3.0 meters and water depths averaged 0.14 meters, with a width-to-depth ratio of 21. Subtrates consisted of a preponderance of sand/sih (81%), resulting in poor (high) embeddedness (76.6%) and gravel bottom (22.2%) ratings. The remainder of the substrates consisted of rubble (12%), gravel (5%), and boulder (2%). The stream course in Reach 2 was downcut approximately 2 meters, and even more in the upper end of the reach. Canopy density averaged 4%, with grasses, sedges, wild rose, willow and currant vegetating the streambanks. Juniper was abundant on the uplands. Reach 2 supported a total of 7.50 hectares (18.53 acres) of riparian habitat that was rated unsatisfactory (Table 3).

Reach 3 is an intermediate meadow reach that begins at the end of Reach 2 and extends upstream for 2117 meters to the bottom of the Nelson Reservoir dam, providing 0.53 hectares (1.31acres) of stream habitat. Stream gradient was moderate, averaging 3.0%. Aquatic habitat consisted of an even greater preponderance of pool habitat, resulting in a very poor pool measure (8.3%), a very low PSA (2.9%), low riffle rating (4.1%), and a very high PRA (96.2%). The quality of the pools was again high, giving pool structure a good rating of 83.3%. Gravel bottom rated very poor (5.1%) and embeddedness rated poor (70.0%) because of the preponderance of sand/silt substrates (93%) in Reach 3. Gravel (3%), rubble (3%), and boulder (1%) composed a minor portion of the streambottom substrates. The HCI rated on the low end of fair (42.4%) due largely to the very low gravel bottom and pool measure ratings. Water widths averaged 2.5 meters and water depths averaged 0.17 meters, with a width-to-depth ratio of 15. The stream course in Reach 3 was downcut approximately 2 meters, and even greater in some portions. Riparian plants consisted primarily of grasses, sedges, wild rose, willow, and currant, while juniper was abundant on the uplands. Reach 3 supported a total of 3.60 hectares (8.90 acres) of riparian habitat that was rated unsatisfactory (Table 3).

Reach 3A is a wide meadow reach that begins at the upper end of Nelson Reservoir and extends upstream for 2884 meters to the ASNF boundary, providing 0.46 hectares (1.13 acres) of stream habitat. Stream gradient was low, averaging 1.6% and sinuosity was fairly high. Aquatic habitats consisted of near equal quantities of pool and riffle throughout the reach (riffle 53%, PRA 50.9%), however, pool measure averaged only 54.5%, primarily due to one station with a 0% pool measure. Pool quality was high, with pool structure rating 83.3%. Stream bottom substrates consisted of a preponderance of sand/silt (82%), resulting in a poor emebeddedness and poor gravel bottom. Gravel (15%), rubble (2%), and boulder (I%) composed the remainder of the substrates. The HCI rated fair at 53.9%. Water widths averaged 1.6 meters and water depths averaged 0.15 meters, with a good width-to-depth ratio of 11. The upper two thirds of the stream course in Reach 3A was downcut, up to 2.5 meters deep at the upper end. Canopy density dropped to 0%, with grasses, sedges, forbs, and rabbit brush predominate streamside plants. Reach 3A supported a total of 21.34 hectares (52.73 acres) of riparian habitat that was rated unsatisfactory (Table 3).

Reach 3B is a wide meadow reach that begins at an ASNF boundary and extends upstream for 4017 meters to an upper ASNF boundary not far downstream from the Town of Nutrioso, providing 0.52 hectares (1.28 acres) of stream habitat. Stream gradient was low, averaging 1.1%, and stream sinuosity was fairly high Aquatic habitats consisted of a slight preponderance of pools, resulting in a poor rating for pool measure (35.1%) and a low rating for riffle (37.6%). The pools were of moderate quality, with a pool structure rating of 50.0%. The entire stream course in Reach 3B was downcut historically, up to 3 meters in spots, however, has shown recovery within the bottom of the downcut. Bank soil stability improved to a fair rating of 75.4% and bank vegetation stability improved to a good rating of 83.8%. Streambottom substrates consisted of a preponderance of sand/silt (92%), resulting in poor ratings of emeddedness (80.9%) and gravel bottom (5.7%). Gravel (7%) and rubble (1%) were a minor component of the streambottom. The HCl rating was fair, at 49.9%. This low rating was due largely to the low gravel bottom rating, plus the low pool measure. One station was dry and another partially dry during these comprehensive surveys in the fall of 1997, which contributed to the low ratings in some categories. Water widths averaged 1.3 meters and water depths averaged 0.10 meters, with a good width-to-depth ratio of 13. Canopy density was again 0%, with grasses, sedges, forbs, and rabbitbrush comprising the streamside vegetation. Reach 3B supported a total of 19.28 hectares (47.64 acres) of riparian habitat that was rated unsatisfactory (Table 3).

Reach 3C is a wide meadow reach located entirely on the private property of Jim Crosswhite, providing 0.63 hectares (1.56 acres) of stream habitat over the 2038 meters surveyed. Stream gradient was low, averaging 0.8%, and sinuosity was fairly high. Aquatic habitats consisted of a preponderance of pool, resulting in a high PRA rating (65.3%) and a poor pool measure (34.2%). Pool quality was high, with a pool structure rating of 100%. The entire stream channel is downcut 2-3 meters below the surrounding valley bottom. This downcut is old and appears to be recovering, with vegetation established on the lower banks. Bank soil and bank vegetation stabilities were fair, rating 74.2% and 77.5%, respectively. Water widths averaged 3.1 meters and water depths averaged 0.26 meters, with a good width-to-depth ratio of 12. Stream bottom substrates consisted of a preponderance of sand/silt (87%), resulting in poor ratings for embeddedness (64.4%) and gravel bottom (10.8%). The HCI rating fell just short of the 60% standard, at 59.2%. Canopy density averaged 14%, with alder (in the upper portions of the property), willow, grasses, sedges and Russian olive vegetating the streambanks within the old downcut. The Crosswhite Property (Reach 3C) supported a total of 1.83 hectares (4.52 acres) of riparian habitat that was rated unsatisfactory (Table 3), and a functional rating of functional-at risk, with an upward trend (BLM 1993).

Reach 4 is a canyon reach in ponderosa pine forest that begins at the ASNF boundary immediately upstream of the Town of Nutrioso and extends upstream for 1420 meters, providing 0.11 hectares (0.27 acres) of aquatic habitat. Stream gradient was moderately high, averaging 5.7%. Aquatic habitats consisted of a preponderance of riffle habitat, resulting in a poor pool measure of 23.2%. Pool quality was also poor, rating 33.3% for pool structure. Bank cover and canopy density increased dramatically to 70.8% and 85%, respectively, due to the thick growth of alder along the streambanks. Bank soil and vegetation stabilities rated fair at 69.2% and 70.0%, respectively. The HCI rated low at 53.5%, largely due to the poor pool ratings. One station that was entirely dry also contributed to the low ratings. Stream bottom substrates were also drastically different from previous reaches, consisting of a preponderance of rubble (65%) and gravel (18%), with boulder (8%) and sand/silt (6%) comprising the remainder. These substrates resulted in a good embeddedness rating (24.6%) and a fair gravel bottom rating (54.3%). Water widths averaged 0.8 meters and water depths averaged 0.02 meters, with a poor width-to-depth ratio of 40. Reach 4 supported a total of 0.99 hectares (2.44 acres) of riparian habitat that was rated unsatisfactory (Table 3).

Reach 5 is a combination canyon and meadow reach in ponderosa pine forest that begins at the end of Reach 4 and extends upstream for 1720 meters, providing 0.26 hectares ((0.64 acres) of aquatic habitat. Stream gradient was high, averaging 7.5%. Aquatic habitats consisted of a preponderance of riffle habitat, resulting in a poor rating for pool measure (14.3%) and a high rating for riffle (81.6%). Pool quality was also poor, with pool structure rating 16.7%. Bank cover and canopy density were again high, 75.4% and 86%, respectively, due to the thick growth of alder on the streambanks. Bank soil and vegetation stability were also high, rating 73.8% and 78.3%, respectively. The HCI rated fair at 55.8%, largely due to the low pool ratings. Stream bottom substrates were composed of a mix of rubble (44%), gravel (29%), sand/silt (21%), and boulder (3%), resulting in a good gravel bottom rating of 76.2%. Water widths averaged 1.5 meters and water depths averaged 0.05 meters, with a poor width-to-depth ratio of 30. Reach 5 supported a total of 1.89 hectares (4.67 acres) of riparian habitat that averaged the highest of all reaches (10.2), but was still unsatisfactory (Table 3).

Reach 6 is a canyon reach in ponderosa pine forest that begins at the end of Reach 5 and extends upstream for 924 meters to the ASNF boundary, providing 0.06 hectares (0.13 acres) of aquatic habitat. Stream gradient was high, averaging 7.8%. Aquatic habitats consisted of a slight preponderance of riffle habitat, resulting in a fair rating for pool measure (51.5%) and a high rating for riffle (69.1 %). Pool quality is very poor, rating 0%. Bank cover, bank soil stability, and bank vegetation stability all rated good, 81.7%, 80.8%, and 81.7%, respectively, and canopy density was high (70%) due to the thick growth of alder on the streambanks. Embeddedness and gravel bottom returned to poor ratings of 68.4% and 10.6%, respectively, because of the preponderance of sand/sih substrates (78%). Gravel (10%) and rubble comprised the remainder of stream bottom substates. The HCI rated 51.5%, due largely to the poor pool quality and gravel bottom. Water widths averaged 0.6 meters and water widths averaged 0.03 meters, with a width-to-depth ratio of 20. Reach 6 supported a total of 0.46 hectares (1.14 acres) of riparian habitat that was unsatisfactory (Table 3).

The following reaches, each with only one station, were not surveyed with the GAWS methodology and no habitat variables were measured. A basic description of each station was all that was recorded.

Reach A is located on Arizona Game and Fish land known as Springerville Marsh, just east of the Town of Springerville (Figure 1). It is characterized by a wide meadow dominated by grasses and

Table 3. A Summary of GAWS Habitat Conditions in Nutrioso Creek.

Table 3. Continued

(>11 Satisfactory   <11 Unsatisfactory)

low brush. The stream course was downcut approximately 2-5 meters throughout the entire property. During the August 1997 survey of this reach, one long isolated pool approximately 250 meters in length existed above a beaver dam, and the remainder of the stream course was dry. Willows were numerous in some spots within the downcut channel. A return visit in December 2000 revealed the entire stream course on the property was completely dry. Numerous old beaver dams still existed.

Reach B is located on State Trust land around the Highway 60 crossing east of Springerville. It is a canyon bound reach that was found to be completely dry in July 2000 and again when visited in December 2000. Willows were numerous throughout the valley bottom, with juniper on the slopes.

Reach 3D did not have well defined boundaries, but was located on private land between the Colter Creek confluence and the Town of Nutrioso. Station 3D-1 was specifically located at the Nutrioso Cemetery Road crossing. The stream course is perennial here, with the stream approximately 2 meters wide. Aquatic habitats were estimated to be composed of 95% run habitat and 5% riffle. Stream bottom substrates consisted of a preponderance of sand/silt, estimated at 95% coverage, with the rest being cobble. Riparian vegetation consisted of grasses, sedges, and willow.

FISH POPULATION

Fish population surveys were conducted at each GAWS sampling station on Nutrioso Creek in 19941999 (Table 4). Blocking seines with 1/8-inch mesh were used at both ends of the sample area to limit the escape of fish. Three upstream depletion passes through each 50-meter GAWS station were then made with a Coffelt BP-4 or Smith-Root model 12-POW battery powered backpack electrofisher. Fish were identified to species, enumerated, and a subsample of each species measured and weighed. Relative abundance, catch per unit effort, and size range are presented in Table 5.

Population size of each species was then estimated using the maximum likelihood method of VanDeventer and Platts (1989). Population estimates are expressed as the number of fish per square meter (#/m2) and grams (biomass) per square meter (g/m) to allow comparisons amongst different sized habitats (Table 6). Codes for fish species used in Tables 5-7 and 9 are identified in Appendix C.

Fish surveys were also conducted in Reaches A, B, and 3D on Nutrioso Creek in 1997-2000. One non-permanent station within each reach was surveyed. A minimum of 200 meters in each station was sampled with a single pass using a 4'x15'xl/8" seine or Coffelt electrofisher (Table 4). Fish were identified to species, enumerated, and a subsample of each species measured and weighed.

A total of 10,050 fish were sampled in the initial surveys of Nutrioso Creek, representing eight species, three native and five non-native (Table 5). Non-native fathead minnow accounted for the majority of fish collected, comprising 56.1 % of the total fish sampled. However, most of these fathead minnows (89.2%) were collected at station A-1, where they were very abundant when surveyed in 1997. Native bluehead sucker (27.5%), speckled dace (10.0%), and LC spinedace (5.4%) were the next most abundant species sampled. Rainbow trout (0.9%), brook trout (0.1%), cutthroat trout (0.03%), and green sunfish (0.01%) accounted for the remainder of fish collected in Nutrioso Creek. Little Colorado spinedace averaged 62 mm (2.4 inches) in total length, 3 grams (0.01 lb.) in weight, and had a condition factor of 0.892 (Table 6). Rainbow trout averaged 104 mm (4.1 inches) in total length, 22 grams (0.05 lb.) in weight, and had a condition factor of 1.054. Cutthroat trout averaged 186 mm (7.3 inches) in total length, 48 grams (0.11 lb.) in weight, and had a condition factor of 0.741. Brook trout averaged 231 mm (9.1 inches) in total length, 127 grams (0.28 lb.), and had a condition factor of 0.921. Green sunfish averaged 172 mm (6.8 inches) in total length, 111 grams (0.24 lb.) in weight, and had a condition factor of 2.181.

Table 4: Summary of initial fisheries surveys conducted in Nutrioso Creek

Table 5. Number, relative abundance, relative biomass and catch per unit effort of fish sampled during initial electrofishing surveys of each reach of Nutrioso surveys of each reach of Nutrioso Creek from 1994-2000

Overall fish biomass in Nutrioso Creek (comprehensively surveyed reaches only) was moderately high, averaging 8.263 grams per square meter (g/m) of aquatic habitat (Table 6). Most of that biomass was of bluehead sucker, which averaged 6.308 g/m2. LC spinedace biomass averaged 0.463 g/mZ, while total trout biomass averaged 0.515 g/m2. The 3.64 hectares (8.99 acres) of instream habitat in the reaches comprehensively surveyed (3 pass depletions) in Nutrioso Creek supported a fish population that was estimated at approximately 17,078 LC spinedace, 63,081 bluehead sucker, 31,774 speckled dace, 602 rainbow trout, 21 cutthroat trout, 55 brook trout, 5 green sunfish, and 8158 fathead minnow. Of the trout sampled in Nutrioso Creek, 12.8% exceeded 180 mm (7 inches) in length, which is generally considered the minimum acceptable size for angler harvest (Table 7). All but one trout sampled downstream of Nelson Reservoir (Reaches 1-3) were of catchable size. These trout in Reaches 1-3 were all collected in the 1994 surveys and most likely came from Nelson Reservoir when water was spilling over the dam, and the reservoir was under put-and-grow management. Most of these trout were removed in 1996 with the onset of Section 7 monitoring (Robinson et al. 2000).

Station A-1 in Reach A was sampled exclusively with a seine in August 1997 because the water was turbid and deep. The entire 250 meter pool was sampled. Non-native fathead minnow were found to be very abundant, comprising 99.8% of the total catch (5030 of 5041 total fish). Native speckled dace (0.2%) and bluehead sucker (0.04%) were also caught. No fish were collected during the December 2000 visit since the stream course within the reach was entirely dry.

No fish were collected at Station B-1 in Reach B in July or December 2000, because the reach was entirely dry on both occasions.

Native fishes were most abundant (99.8%) of the fishes collected in Reach 1 at the time it was surveyed with the 3 pass depletion method in June 1994. Speckled dace was the most abundant species (89.1 %), and LC spinedace (5.5%) and bluehead sucker (5.2%) were also caught (Table 5). A single non-native fathead minnow was collected within Reach l. The total fish biomass within Reach 1 was low, averaging 1.786 g/m2, of which 0.121 g/m2 was LC spinedace (Table 6). Calculated population estimates indicate that the 0.54 hectares (1.35 acres) of aquatic habitat in Reach 1 supported a fish population of 267 LC spinedace, 256 bluehead sucker, 4790 speckled dace, and 16 fathead minnow at the date of the survey.

Six species were collected within Reach 2. Native fishes again dominated the catch (98.2%) at the time it was surveyed with the 3 pass depletion method in July 1994. Bluehead sucker was the most abundant species (66.2%), with speckled dace (20.6%) and LC spinedace (11.4%) common. Nonnative fathead minnow increased in abundance (1.8%), and one each of rainbow trout and brook trout were collected in Reach 2. The total fish biomass within Reach 2 (20.536 g/m) was very high. Most of this biomass was of bluehead sucker (17.192 g/m). LC spinedace total biomass was estimated to be 0.999 g/rri , compared to 0.557 g/mz of trout biomass in Reach 2. Calculated population estimates indicate that the 1.25 hectares (3.09 acres) of aquatic habitat in Reach 2 supported a fish population of 14,610 LC spinedace, 53,966 bluehead sucker, 25,571 speckled dace, 937 fathead minnow, 12 rainbow trout, and 12 brook trout at the date of the survey.

Eight species were collected in Reach 3. Native fishes again dominated the catch (82.9%) at the time it was surveyed in July 1994 with the 3 pass depletion method, however, non-natives again increased in abundance and number of species from Reaches 1 and 2. Bluehead sucker was again the most abundant species (64.8%), with non-native fathead minnow (16.2%) and native LC spinedace (11.0%) the next most abundant. Speckled dace decreased in abundance (7.1%), while cutthroat trout (0.3%), brook trout (0.3%), rainbow trout (0.2%), and green sunfish (0.1%) were rare. The total fish biomass in Reach 3 was high (10.452 g/mZ), but a decrease from Reach 2. Most of that biomass was of bluehead sucker (8.095 g/m). Total trout biomass increased to 1.242 g/m2, compared to 0.469 g/m2 of LC spinedace biomass. Calculated population estimates indicate that the 0.53 hectares (1.31 acres) of aquatic habitat in Reach 3 supported a fish population of 831 LC spinedace, 5208 bluehead sucker, 503 speckled dace, 1371 fathead minnow, 21 rainbow trout, 21 cutthroat trout, 37 brook trout, and 5 green sunfish at the date of the survey.

Reach 3A had relatively few fish when surveyed with the 3 pass depletion method in May 1998, compared with adjacent and nearby reaches. A total of 55 fish were collected over 6 stations, representing four species. Non-native fathead minnow was the most abundant species (40.0%), closely followed by native bluehead sucker (36.4%), then by speckled dace (18.2%). LC spinedace were uncommon, with only three individuals collected within the 6 stations. The total fish biomass was very low (0.437 g/m), with bluehead sucker (0.211 g/mz) and fathead minnow (0.127 g/m) comprising most of that biomass. LC spinedace biomass within Reach 3A was estimated to be 0.044 g/m2. Calculated population estimates indicate that the 0.46 hectares (1.14 acres) of aquatic habitat in Reach 3A supported a fish population of 28 LC spinedace, 194 bluehead sucker, 194 speckled dace, and 314 fathead minnow at the date of the survey.

Reach 3B consisted of the same four species as Reach 3A. Although numbers collected and estimated biomass were higher than in Reach 3A, they were still fairly low when surveyed with the 3 pass depletion method in September 1997. Native fishes dominated (68.5%), but the one nonnative species was common. Bluehead sucker was the most abundant species (51.9%), followed by fathead minnow (31.5%) and LC spinedace (13.4%). The total fish biomass was 2.803 g/m2, with most of that coming from bluehead sucker (1.850 g/m). LC spinedace biomass within Reach 3B was estimated to be 0.418 g/m2. Calculated population estimates indicate that the 0.52 hectares (1.29 acres) of aquatic habitat in Reach 3B supported a fish population of 723 LC spinedace, 3097 bluehead sucker, 183 speckled dace, and 1906 fathead minnow at the date of the survey.

Reach 3C also consisted of the same four species as Reaches 3A and 313, although abundance of each species was quite different from previous reaches. Non-native fathead minnow were numerous and dominated the catch at 65.9% when surveyed with the 3 pass depletion method in October 1999. LC spinedace was the most abundant native species (14.3%), then followed closely by speckled dace (12.5%) and bluehead sucker (7.3%). The total fish biomass was fairly low (2.124 g/m), but consistent with nearby Reach 3B. Fathead minnow (0.826 g/m2) and bluehead sucker (0.811 g/m) were almost identical in estimated biomass, while LC spinedace was estimated at 0.350 g/m2. Calculated population estimates indicate that the 0.63 hectares (1.56 acres) of aquatic habitat in Reach 3C supported a fish population of 619 LC spinedace, 360 bluehead sucker, 505 speckled dace, and 3614 fathead minnow at the date of the survey.

The one station within Reach 3D also contained the same four species when surveyed with the one pass method in May 1997. Fathead minnow was the most abundant species, at 51.0% of the total catch. Bluehead sucker (36.7%) and speckled dace (10.2%) were the next most abundant. Only 2 LC spinedace were collected (2.0%), however, this was the furthest upstream site where spinedace were collected during these surveys.

No fish were collected within the three stations surveyed in Reach 4 with the 3 pass depletion method in July 1994. One site was dry.

Three species were collected in Reach 5 when surveyed with the 3 pass depletion method in July 1994. Rainbow trout was the most abundant, dominating the catch at 95.7%, and ranging in size from 37 mm to 215 mm, indicating that they are naturally reproducing within this reach. Speckled dace (3.2%) and brook trout (1.1 %) were uncommon. Total fish biomass was moderately low, averaging 3.463 g/m~, with most of the biomass coming from rainbow trout (3.187 g/m2). Calculated population estimates indicate that the 0.26 hectares (0.64 acres) of aquatic habitat in Reach 5 supported a fish population of 562 rainbow trout, 28 speckled dace, and 5 brook trout at the date of the survey.

One fish, a rainbow trout, was collected within Reach 6 when surveyed with the 3 pass depletion method in August 1994. Total fish biomass was very low, averaging 0.095 g/m'. Calculated population estimates indicate that the 0.06 hectares (0.14 acres) of aquatic habitat in Reach 6 supported a fish population of 6 rainbow trout at the date of the survey.

Table 6. Number, size, condition, and population estimates of fish sampled during the initial electrofishing surveys of each station and reach of Nutrioso Creek from 1994-2000. Population estimates are expressed as number of fish per square meter of stream (#/m) and grams of fish (biomass) per square meter (g/m).