American River Bull Trout Population - Revision history

ATaylor: /* Summary of Primary Limiting Factors */

2025-04-10T21:26:59Z

Summary of Primary Limiting Factors

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	== Summary of Primary Limiting Factors ==		== Summary of Primary Limiting Factors ==

	With a geometric mean of <50 redds annually ''(and <30 in recent years)'' low abundance is identified as a threat but this population is not considered a candidate for supplementation due to a stable population trend. ~~Other threats~~ that are likely significant are angling, prey base, recreation, and brook trout. The American River, Union Creek, and Kettle Creek spawning reaches are closed to fishing but rearing and FMO areas downstream are currently open. Illegal and/or incidental catch of bull trout can cause direct mortality of adults and reduce overall population productivity. There are dispersed and developed campsites as well as trails and trailheads along the spawning and rearing reaches on the American River and Union Creek. These may affect the bull trout population via habitat degradation and direct harassment. Introduced brook trout are present within the spawning area, but no hybrids have been documented.		With a geometric mean of <50 redds annually ''(and <30 in recent years)'' low abundance is identified as a threat but this population is not considered a candidate for supplementation due to a stable population trend and lack of understanding about which limiting factors have the highest priority to correct. Threats that are likely significant are angling, prey base, recreation, and brook trout. The American River, Union Creek, and Kettle Creek spawning reaches are closed to fishing but rearing and FMO areas downstream are currently open. Illegal and/or incidental catch of bull trout can cause direct mortality of adults and reduce overall population productivity. There are dispersed and developed campsites as well as trails and trailheads along the spawning and rearing reaches on the American River and Union Creek. These may affect the bull trout population via habitat degradation and direct harassment. Introduced brook trout are present within the spawning area, but no hybrids have been documented.

	Altered flows, development, transportation, and forest management issues are present within the population area (spawning and rearing or FMO) but are not considered significant threats. The following threats are absent: agriculture, dewatering, entrainment, grazing, limited extent of habitat, mining, and passage barriers.		Altered flows, development, transportation, and forest management issues are present within the population area (spawning and rearing or FMO) but are not considered significant threats. The following threats are absent: agriculture, dewatering, entrainment, grazing, limited extent of habitat, mining, and passage barriers.

ATaylor: /* Fisheries Management/Monitoring (Research) */

2025-04-10T21:25:41Z

Fisheries Management/Monitoring (Research)

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	''Threat Severity: Insignificant''		''Threat Severity: Insignificant''

	''Aside from annual redd surveys in the American River, there is no ongoing or special research that may impact bull trout.''		''Aside from annual redd surveys in the American River, there is no ongoing or special research that may impact bull trout. The WDFW Ecological Interactions Team visits a large number of sites in the Naches watershed each year. Their goal is to understand anadromous productivity throughout the Yakima River Basin. Their target species is O. Mykiss but they do encounter around 10 juvenile - subadult bull trout per year in their sampling efforts, primarily in the Naches headwaters (American River, Crow and Rattlesnake creeks) (Gabe Temple, personal comm.). Non-O.Mykiss species are usually not netted and the crew will move to a different part of the stream as to not disturb them. They do not collect biodata on bull trout, aside from a few years around 2015 where USFWS was directing the team to PIT tag any bull trout.''

	=== Other Threats ===		=== Other Threats ===

ATaylor: /* Current and modeled future temperature conditions */

2025-04-10T21:23:47Z

Current and modeled future temperature conditions

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	''Threat Severity: Likely significant''		''Threat Severity: Likely significant''
	[[File:American Temp Plot.png\|thumb\|Figure 3. Daily maximum water temperature in the American River at three sites. Add union and kettle??]]		[[File:American Temp Plot.png\|thumb\|Figure 3. Daily maximum water temperature in the American River at three sites. Add union and kettle??]]
	''The NorWest stream temperature model predicts mean August temperatures in the mainstem American River to rise to 12-14°C by 2080, with FMO habitat in the Naches and Bumping rivers reaching 20-30°C. One season of temperature monitoring in 2024, ~~a drought year~~, showed maximum daily temperatures consistently above 12°C from July through early September (Figure 3).''		''The NorWest stream temperature model predicts mean August temperatures in the mainstem American River to rise to 12-14°C by 2080, with FMO habitat in the upper Naches and Bumping rivers reaching 18-20°C. In the vicinity of the Naches River and Yakima River confluence the mainstem Naches is predicted to reach 20-30°C. One season of temperature monitoring in 2024, upstream of the Bumping River Confluence, showed maximum daily temperatures consistently above 12°C from July through early September (Figure 3). It is important to note that 2024 was a drought year.''
	==== Other changes in hydrology ====		==== Other changes in hydrology ====
	''Threat Severity: unknown, likely significant''		''Threat Severity: unknown, likely significant''

ATaylor: /* Other */

2025-04-10T18:23:50Z

Other

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	''Threat Severity'': ''Unknown''		''Threat Severity'': ''Unknown''

	''Instances of disease have not been reported in the American River.''		''Instances of disease have not been reported in the American River.''

	~~==== Other ====~~

	=== Water Quantity and Quality ===		=== Water Quantity and Quality ===

ATaylor: /* Field Habitat Surveys */

2025-04-07T21:38:21Z

Field Habitat Surveys

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	==== Field Habitat Surveys ====		==== Field Habitat Surveys ====
	The Forest Service completed habitat surveys on the American River in 1992 (22.4 miles) and again in 2001 (9.8 miles) using the Forest Service Region Six Stream Survey Protocol '''('''Moore et al. 2002<ref>Moore, Kelly, et al. ''Methods for Stream Habitat Surveys Aquatic Inventories Project''. ODFW, 2002.</ref>''')'''. ''The 2001 data were used in a thesis project evaluating long term effectiveness of in-stream, road, and riparian restoration actions in the Little Naches River (Muir 2003''<ref>Muir, Mark. ''Evaluation of Restoration Projects and Channel Changes in the Little Naches Basin, with a Comparison to the American River Basin, WA''. 2003. University of Washington, <nowiki>https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/muir_thesis_2003.pdf</nowiki>.</ref>''). Muir used the American River as a reference stream with "natural conditions and processes." Muir stated "the American River exhibited a more complex and diverse array of habitat for both juvenile and adult salmonids. Pool habitat, side channel habitat and LWD were all more abundant in the American River. Pools also had more total cover and deeper residual depths. The more dynamic and unconfined nature of the American river was illustrated by a high percentage of pool habitat associated with meander bends, floodplain connectivity and gravel bar dynamics."'' Kettle Creek (1.5 miles) was surveyed in 1993 ~~(USFS 2003c)~~. In all of these surveys, data were collected on pool/riffle frequency, riparian and channel condition, substrate, LWD, and temperature.		The Forest Service completed habitat surveys on the American River in 1992 (22.4 miles) and again in 2001 (9.8 miles) using the Forest Service Region Six Stream Survey Protocol '''('''Moore et al. 2002<ref>Moore, Kelly, et al. ''Methods for Stream Habitat Surveys Aquatic Inventories Project''. ODFW, 2002.</ref>''')'''. ''The 2001 data were used in a thesis project evaluating long term effectiveness of in-stream, road, and riparian restoration actions in the Little Naches River (Muir 2003''<ref>Muir, Mark. ''Evaluation of Restoration Projects and Channel Changes in the Little Naches Basin, with a Comparison to the American River Basin, WA''. 2003. University of Washington, <nowiki>https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/muir_thesis_2003.pdf</nowiki>.</ref>''). Muir used the American River as a reference stream with "natural conditions and processes." Muir stated "the American River exhibited a more complex and diverse array of habitat for both juvenile and adult salmonids. Pool habitat, side channel habitat and LWD were all more abundant in the American River. Pools also had more total cover and deeper residual depths. The more dynamic and unconfined nature of the American river was illustrated by a high percentage of pool habitat associated with meander bends, floodplain connectivity and gravel bar dynamics."'' Kettle Creek (1.5 miles) was surveyed in 1993. In all of these surveys, data were collected on pool/riffle frequency, riparian and channel condition, substrate, LWD, and temperature.

	In addition, the Forest Service completed a watershed analysis of the American River system in 1998. Banish (2003<ref>Banish, N. P. ''Diel Summer Habitat Use by Bull Trout, Salvelinus Confluentus, in Eastern Cascades Streams''. 2003. University of Georgia, <nowiki>https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Banish_thesis_2003.pdf</nowiki>.</ref>) measured bull trout microhabitat and mesohabitat in 10 Eastern Washington and Oregon streams. Banish conducted day and night snorkeling in Kettle Creek; however, he pooled his data and did not report results for individual steams.		In addition, the Forest Service completed a watershed analysis of the American River system in 1998. Banish (2003<ref>Banish, N. P. ''Diel Summer Habitat Use by Bull Trout, Salvelinus Confluentus, in Eastern Cascades Streams''. 2003. University of Georgia, <nowiki>https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Banish_thesis_2003.pdf</nowiki>.</ref>) measured bull trout microhabitat and mesohabitat in 10 Eastern Washington and Oregon streams. Banish conducted day and night snorkeling in Kettle Creek; however, he pooled his data and did not report results for individual steams.

ATaylor: /* Field Habitat Surveys */

2025-04-07T21:37:52Z

Field Habitat Surveys

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:37, 7 April 2025
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	==== Field Habitat Surveys ====		==== Field Habitat Surveys ====
	The Forest Service completed habitat surveys on the American River in 1992 (22.4 miles) and again in 2001 (9.8 miles) using the Forest Service Region Six Stream Survey Protocol '''('''Moore et al. 2002<ref>Moore, Kelly, et al. ''Methods for Stream Habitat Surveys Aquatic Inventories Project''. ODFW, 2002.</ref>''')'''. The 2001 data were used in a thesis project ~~comparing~~ the ~~American and~~ Little Naches ~~rivers~~ (Muir 2003<ref>Muir, Mark. ''Evaluation of Restoration Projects and Channel Changes in the Little Naches Basin, with a Comparison to the American River Basin, WA''. 2003. University of Washington, <nowiki>https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/muir_thesis_2003.pdf</nowiki>.</ref>). Kettle Creek (1.5 miles) was surveyed in 1993 (USFS 2003c). In all of these surveys, data were collected on pool/riffle frequency, riparian and channel condition, substrate, LWD, and temperature.		The Forest Service completed habitat surveys on the American River in 1992 (22.4 miles) and again in 2001 (9.8 miles) using the Forest Service Region Six Stream Survey Protocol '''('''Moore et al. 2002<ref>Moore, Kelly, et al. ''Methods for Stream Habitat Surveys Aquatic Inventories Project''. ODFW, 2002.</ref>''')'''. ''The 2001 data were used in a thesis project evaluating long term effectiveness of in-stream, road, and riparian restoration actions in the Little Naches River (Muir 2003''<ref>Muir, Mark. ''Evaluation of Restoration Projects and Channel Changes in the Little Naches Basin, with a Comparison to the American River Basin, WA''. 2003. University of Washington, <nowiki>https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/muir_thesis_2003.pdf</nowiki>.</ref>''). Muir used the American River as a reference stream with "natural conditions and processes." Muir stated "the American River exhibited a more complex and diverse array of habitat for both juvenile and adult salmonids. Pool habitat, side channel habitat and LWD were all more abundant in the American River. Pools also had more total cover and deeper residual depths. The more dynamic and unconfined nature of the American river was illustrated by a high percentage of pool habitat associated with meander bends, floodplain connectivity and gravel bar dynamics."'' Kettle Creek (1.5 miles) was surveyed in 1993 (USFS 2003c). In all of these surveys, data were collected on pool/riffle frequency, riparian and channel condition, substrate, LWD, and temperature.

	In addition, the Forest Service completed a watershed analysis of the American River system in 1998. Banish (2003<ref>Banish, N. P. ''Diel Summer Habitat Use by Bull Trout, Salvelinus Confluentus, in Eastern Cascades Streams''. 2003. University of Georgia, <nowiki>https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Banish_thesis_2003.pdf</nowiki>.</ref>) measured bull trout microhabitat and mesohabitat in 10 Eastern Washington and Oregon streams. Banish conducted day and night snorkeling in Kettle Creek; however, he pooled his data and did not report results for individual steams.		In addition, the Forest Service completed a watershed analysis of the American River system in 1998. Banish (2003<ref>Banish, N. P. ''Diel Summer Habitat Use by Bull Trout, Salvelinus Confluentus, in Eastern Cascades Streams''. 2003. University of Georgia, <nowiki>https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Banish_thesis_2003.pdf</nowiki>.</ref>) measured bull trout microhabitat and mesohabitat in 10 Eastern Washington and Oregon streams. Banish conducted day and night snorkeling in Kettle Creek; however, he pooled his data and did not report results for individual steams.

ATaylor: /* Climate Change impact on Habitat */

2025-04-07T21:24:49Z

Climate Change impact on Habitat

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	The Naches River is believed to provide the primary FMO habitat for American River adult and subadult bull trout but it is probable that habitat in the Bumping and Little Naches rivers is also used to some extent. Habitat conditions in the Naches and Little Naches rivers were described previously (see [[Naches River FMO Habitat\|Naches Fluvial Populations FMO Habitat Overview]]; [[Crow Creek Bull Trout Population\|Crow Creek Habitat Overview]])'''.''' Below Bumping Dam, the river flows for over 16 miles through National Forest land and is in close proximity to the William O. Douglas Wilderness Area. Like the American River, a road parallels the Bumping for much of its length. Four Forest Service campgrounds are located along its banks as well as numerous private residences, ''which likely impacts FMO habitat to some degree. The Bumping River is a high recreation area and channel-spanning recreational rock dams are removed each summer''.		The Naches River is believed to provide the primary FMO habitat for American River adult and subadult bull trout but it is probable that habitat in the Bumping and Little Naches rivers is also used to some extent. Habitat conditions in the Naches and Little Naches rivers were described previously (see [[Naches River FMO Habitat\|Naches Fluvial Populations FMO Habitat Overview]]; [[Crow Creek Bull Trout Population\|Crow Creek Habitat Overview]])'''.''' Below Bumping Dam, the river flows for over 16 miles through National Forest land and is in close proximity to the William O. Douglas Wilderness Area. Like the American River, a road parallels the Bumping for much of its length. Four Forest Service campgrounds are located along its banks as well as numerous private residences, ''which likely impacts FMO habitat to some degree. The Bumping River is a high recreation area and channel-spanning recreational rock dams are removed each summer''.

	''In 2017, the Norse Peak and American Fires burned 55,920 acres within the lower American River, lower Bumping River, Crow Creek, and the upper Little Naches River watersheds (USFS 2017''<ref>USFS. ''Burned Area Report: Norse Peak Fire''. 2017, <nowiki>https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Norse-Peak-Report.pdf</nowiki>.</ref>''). Observations during redd surveys the following year noted increased levels of silt in the mainstem American, and silty substate with burned forest and riparian areas throughout the Kettle Creek survey reach (WDFW redd survey observations). Surveyors have also observed a reduction in spawning gravels in Union Creek over the past several years''		''In 2017, the Norse Peak and American Fires burned 55,920 acres within the lower American River, lower Bumping River, Crow Creek, and the upper Little Naches River watersheds (USFS 2017''<ref>USFS. ''Burned Area Report: Norse Peak Fire''. 2017, <nowiki>https://ybfwrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Norse-Peak-Report.pdf</nowiki>.</ref>''). Observations during redd surveys the following year noted increased levels of silt in the mainstem American, and silty substate with burned forest and riparian areas throughout the Kettle Creek survey reach (WDFW redd survey observations). Surveyors have also observed a reduction in spawning gravels in Union Creek over the past several years''

	~~==== Climate Change impact on Habitat ====~~

	=== Habitat Monitoring ===		=== Habitat Monitoring ===

ATaylor: /* Completed Bull Trout Recovery Actions */

2025-04-07T20:49:43Z

Completed Bull Trout Recovery Actions

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	* Approximately 2.8 miles of dispersed camp roads were closed between 2003 and 2006.		* Approximately 2.8 miles of dispersed camp roads were closed between 2003 and 2006.
	* Between Pinus Creek and Timber Creek over 27 acres of riparian/valley floor acres habitat have been protected with 6.5 acres replanted with native grass and shrubs between 2003 and 2006.		* Between Pinus Creek and Timber Creek over 27 acres of riparian/valley floor acres habitat have been protected with 6.5 acres replanted with native grass and shrubs between 2003 and 2006.
	* Fish harassment issues at Forest Service stream-adjacent campgrounds (Lodgepole, Hells Crossing, and Pleasant Valley) have been addressed through public contact and interpretive signing between 2003 and 2006.
	* Fishing regulations have been implemented to protect American River bull trout.		* Fishing regulations have been implemented to protect American River bull trout.

ATaylor: /* Monitoring Needs/Key Questions */

2025-04-07T20:47:59Z

Monitoring Needs/Key Questions

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	=== Monitoring Needs/Key Questions ===		=== Monitoring Needs/Key Questions ===
	----		----

			* ''Assess habitat to identify high priority areas for restoration actions.''
			* ''Investigate the extent of nutrient enhancement or influx of marine derived nutrients that would be needed for population growth.''
			* ''Gain a better understanding of poaching and bull trout harassment.''

	== Actions ==		== Actions ==

ATaylor: /* Restoration Actions */

2025-04-07T20:43:43Z

Restoration Actions

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:43, 7 April 2025
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	==== Restoration Actions ====		==== Restoration Actions ====
	There have been no restoration activities on the American River in recent years. See [[~~American River Bull Trout Population~~\|completed actions]] below for more details.		There have been no restoration activities on the American River in recent years. See [[#Completed_Bull_Trout_Recovery_Actions\|completed actions]] below for more details.

	== Threats ==		== Threats ==