Project Need
Need For Project:
This project can facilitate recovery of the endangered razorback sucker via modification and careful management of nursery habitat critical to the species' early life-stage survival. The razorback sucker is a fish endemic to the Colorado River basin and protected under the Endangered Species Act. Once found throughout the warm water reaches of the basin, the razorback sucker's basin-wide decline is believed to be a result of myriad anthropogenic habitat alterations and negative interactions with introduced fishes (USFWS 2002).
Razorback sucker spawning occurs as spring runoff increases river discharge. Upon hatching from eggs deposited in river substrate, larvae drift with the river current into flooded off-channel nursery habitats (Modde et al. 2001). Although spawning by stocked razorback sucker is evident from detection of larvae in and near the Preserve (Julie Howard, UDWR -- pers. comm.) and of ripe individuals in upstream reaches (Osmundson and Seal 2009), natural recruitment necessary for self-sustaining wild populations is lacking, and populations in the upper Colorado River continue to require maintenance via stocking of adult fish.
Valdez and Nelson (2006) identified the 64 miles of Colorado River between Moab and the confluence with the Green River as a priority reach for recovery of razorback sucker. The Preserve is the only site within this reach capable of providing suitable nursery habitat as identified in recovery goals. However, its current value to razorback recovery is likely impaired by abundance of non-native fishes and reduced frequency and duration of flood events (Collins 1994; Cooper and Severn 1994a; USFWS 2002).
Competition and predation by non-native fishes is linked to reduced survival and growth rates of stocked razorback sucker larvae in wetlands, potentially resulting in total mortality (Modde and Haines 2005; Webber 2009). However, experimental survival rates of razorback sucker larvae in 'reset' floodplains (i.e. those free of non-native fishes at entrainment) are thought adequate to sustain populations (Modde and Haines 2005), and age-zero razorback sucker in floodplain environments outgrow predation risk from non-native fish spawned in the same year (Christopherson et al 2004). Thus, a combination of 'reset' conditions and exclusion of all but larval non-native fishes during inundation should contribute to optimal razorback sucker survival.
Overbank flows of the Matheson Preserve occur infrequently since 1959: approximately once each decade (Collins 1994). Discrete portions such as the Central Pond, however, achieve connection through gated canals at lower flows (Daniel Eddington UDWR -- pers. comm.). In light of the recently documented presence of wild razorback sucker larvae at the mouth of the Central Pond inlet, we propose to modify the Central Pond to achieve inundation in three of every five years and to drain completely (i.e. achieve 'reset' conditions) and concurrently integrate a redundant fish exclusion apparatus and improved headgate for water level management. We believe that management of the Central Pond with this suite of features can contribute significantly to the recovery of razorback sucker.
We anticipate the project to provide a functional, floodplain wetland that will offer razorback sucker suitable nursery habitat, as well as offering other ecological benefits to the Matheson Preserve . Once implemented, this project will provide wetland habitat for endangered fish use during spring flooding. We anticipate that by entraining razorback sucker larvae in the wetland we will give them the opportunity to survive and grow in a protected environment and, once released back into the mainstem, will be of sufficient size to survive overwintering in the Colorado River.
Objectives:
Goal 1. Increase recruitment of wild spawned razorback sucker in the Colorado River via improvements to and management of existing nursery habitat at the Central Pond within the Preserve.
Objective A) Entrain wild razorback sucker larvae in the Central Pond during spring flows. Objective B) Exclude large-bodied non-native fishes during entraiment.
Objective C) Monitor fish community and water quality parameters throughout entrainment.
Objective D) Collect and count razorback sucker recruits and release them to the Colorado River.
Goal 2. Increase native wetland and riparian grass, forb, shrub, and tree species by increasing water availability and flood frequency (3 out of 5 years) in the Preserve.
Goal 3. Reduce bulrush cover and lower the risk of West Nile Virus by increasing the water volume and depths into the Preserve.
Project Location/Timing Justification (Why Here? Why Now?):
Project uncertainties include the magnitude of spring flooding, which may result in low water levels in the wetland. Because the upper Colorado River is a relatively natural system, spring flows are unpredictable and uncontrollable. Based on the current flow regime, we aim to have sufficient mainstem flow to allow inundation and larval entrainment in three out of every five years.
If the project is not completed, the only suitable spawning habitat for 64 miles from Moab to the Green River confluence is only created 1 out of 10 years. During that 1 in 10 years, predatory fish are likely to be entrained in the central pond as well. Altering the up stream dams is very unlikely to create a higher flood frequency. Altering the central pond diversion to allow flooding every 3 out of 5 years and excluding predatory fish may provide natural recruitment to the population. Delaying only continues to add stresses to these threatened populations.
Relation To Management Plan:
1. Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve Wildfire Response Plan
Objective #3 Define and maintain sufficient water quality that supports existing valuable
wetland habitat and, if necessary, restore or improve water quality to enhance habitat.
Objective #4 Restore native vegetation communities to enhance wetland structure and
wildlife habitat and help to control or eradicate exotic species.
2. North American Waterfowl Management Plan 2012
Goal 1. Abundant and resilient waterfowl populations to support hunting and other uses
without imperiling habitat.
Goal 2: Wetlands and related habitats sufficient to sustain waterfowl populations at desired
levels, while providing places to recreate and ecological services that benefit society.
3. A Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan for the Moab Area 2014.
A. Support projects that alleviate the possibilities of catastrophic wild fire.
B. Support projects and land uses that protect the riparian corridors and stream ecology.
C. Support projects, land uses, and water allocation policy that protect wetlands.
4. UDWR. 2006. Range-wide Conservation Agreement and Strategy for Roundtail Chub (Gila
robusta), Bluehead Sucker (Catostomus discobolus), and Flannelmouth Sucker
(Catostomus latipinnis).
6) Enhance and maintain habitat for roundtail chub, bluehead sucker, and flannelmouth
sucker.
A. Provide flows needed for all life stages of the subject species.
B. Restore altered channel and habitat features to conditions suitable for the three
species
5) Wildlife Action Plan 2015
A) Big Free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis) - The species often roosts and forms maternity colonies in massive sandstone cliffs near bodies of open water in a variety of habitats. It is presumed that big free-tailed bats migrate out of Utah for the winter.
B) Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax trailii extimus) - Populations declining due
to altered water regimes, invasive plants, improper riparian grazing, development and nest parasitism. Manage and restore lowland riparian for suitable habitat.
C) Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens) - Habitat restoration in wetlands and along riparian corridors.
6) Management Plan of the Pacific and Central Flyways for the Rocky Mountain Population of Greater Sandhill Cranes 2007
Objective B. Maintain and protect suitable habitats in sufficient quantity and quality to
support population objectives and spatial distribution, while encouraging population
expansion where desirable.
7) Utah's Freshwater Conservation Plan
Objective: Conserve habitats or species by influencing management/use of lands and waters
8. Razorback Sucker Recovery Plan
5.2 Site-Specific Management Actions and Tasks by Recovery Factor
5.2.1 Upper basin recovery unit
5.2.1.1 Factor A.--Adequate habitat and range for recovered populations provided
Management Action A-5.--Provide floodplain habitats for all life stages of razorback sucker, particularly to serve as nursery areas for larvae and juveniles.
Task A-5.1.--Identify appropriate bottomland sites and assess opportunities for
land acquisition or easements.
Task A-5.2.--Acquire or procure easements (as determined under Task A-5.1) for
bottomland sites where determined necessary and feasible.
5.2.1.3 Factor C.--Adequate protection from diseases and predation
Management Action C-3.--Control problematic nonnative fishes as needed.
Task C-3.1.--Develop control programs for small-bodied nonnative fishes (e.g., cyprinids and centrarchids) in backwater and flooded off-channel nursery habitats in river reaches occupied by young razorback sucker to identify the levels of control that will minimize predation (see sections 4.3.2 and A.8 for discussion of effects of nonnative fishes).
Task C-3.2.--Implement identified levels (as determined under Task C-3.1) of
nonnative fish control in backwater and flooded off-channel nursery habitats in
river reaches occupied by young razorback sucker.
9. Recovery Implementation Program Recovery Action Plan
GENERAL RECOVERY PROGRAM SUPPORT ACTION PLAN
II.A Restore flooded bottomland habitats.
II.A.1. Conduct inventory of flooded bottomlands habitat for potential restoration.
III.A Reduce negative interactions between nonnative and endangered fishes.
V. Monitor populations and habitat and conduct research to support recovery actions (research, monitoring, and data management).
VI. INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND SUPPORT FOR THE ENDANGERED FISHES AND THE RECOVERY PROGRAM. (Includes integration with San Juan River Recovery Implementation Program.)
COLORADO RIVER ACTION PLAN: MAINSTEM
II.A. Restore and manage flooded bottomland habitat
II.A.5. Acquire interest in high-priority flooded bottomland habitats
III. Reduce negative impacts of nonnative fishes and sportfish management activities (nonnative and sportfish management)
III. A. Develop and implement control programs in reaches of the Colorado River occupied by endangered fishes.
V. MONITOR POPULATIONS AND HABITAT AND CONDUCT RESEARCH TO SUPPORT RECOVERY ACTIONS (RESEARCH, MONITORING, AND DATA MANAGEMENT)
V.A. Conduct research to acquire life history information and enhance scientific techniques required to complete recovery actions
10. Upper Colorado River Subbasin Floodplain Management Plan
1.2 Goals and Objectives
Goal: provide adequate floodplain habitats for all life stages of razorback sucker in the Upper Colorado and Gunnison rivers for establishment and maintenance of a self-sustaining population, particularly to serve as nursery areas for larvae and juveniles.
Objectives:
1.2.1. Inventory floodplain habitats;
1.2.2. Identify floodplains necessary for life stages of razorback sucker;
1.2.3. Restore and manage strategic floodplains to benefit razorback sucker; and
1.2.4. Evaluate effectiveness of floodplain restoration.
6.2 Management Plan Strategies:
6.2.2. Mechanically reconfigure floodplain sites downstream of identified spawning sites to provide suitable flooding and entrainment of larval razorback sucker.
6.2.3. Assist establishment of wild populations of razorback sucker and bonytail through release of hatchery-reared fish.
6.2.4. Continue to investigate and implement best management strategies to reduce detrimental effects of nonnative fish in floodplain habitats.
6.2.5. Insure suitable instream flows to inundate key floodplain sites on a timely
basis.
11. Conceptual Management Plan for Razorback Sucker: Habitat Enhancement in Flooded Bottomlands
I. C. Goals:
1. Enhance all values of the flooded bottomland habitat within the Preserve in order
to aid the recovery of threatened and endangered fish species. The Preserve
should be able to function as naturally as possible in the Colorado River
ecosystem.
2. Augment populations by enhancing the survival of early life stages.
3. Provide essential habitat for the natural recruitment and survival of the Upper basin razorback sucker population
4. Determine how best to manage essential habitat for optimum natural production of razorback sucker.
IV.A. Phase 1.
1. Characterize the fish community in the wetlands
2. Refurbish the wetland outlet structure
IV.A. Phase 3. Re-establish the historic flooding regime by increasing communication between the Preserve and the Colorado River.
2. Design a water delivery system for the Preserve
b. Deliver flows to wetlands via a system of inlet and outlet structures and
canals.
d. Create wetlands that could be drained to remove predators, but which would
also flood during high water.
Fire / Fuels:
Desert riparian communities in southern Utah are fire-adapted systems. Prior to 1900, riparian areas experienced low-intensity fires at a rate of 2-5 per century. These fires were highly variable and depended upon site-specific fuels and conditions. Wildfires in riparian communities were presumably uncommon due to the high moisture content of the riparian soils and vegetation, and the low frequency of lightning strikes in low-lying drainages and valley bottoms. These infrequent fires often burned in a mosaic pattern leaving much of the vegetation and soil only lightly disturbed, and helped maintain a diversity of plant species. Dominant members of the Populus and Salix genera respond to low-intensity fires by either root sprouting or survival through older individuals.
The suppression of naturally occurring fires, the altered hydrologic regime of the Colorado River and an increase of exotic/invasive plant species in riparian communities has resulted in an increased fuel loading within riparian zones. As a result, there has been an increase in both fire frequency (5-10 per century) and intensity in many riparian areas throughout the Southwest - much to the detriment of the native plant community which can not survive the high-intensity fires.
Compounding the threat of wildfire to riparian communities in the Matheson Preserve, is the close proximity of residential and commercial properties to the preserve, and the potential impacts of a wildfire on human safety, air quality, commercial activities, highway or road closures, and loss of private property.
The primary Fuel Type within the Matheson Preserve is Fuel Model 3, Tall Grass, and the secondary fuel type is Fuel Model 4, Brush. Mosaics of vegetation exist in the preserve depending upon the presence of surface or subsurface water.
Previous work in the wetlands has removed many of the exotic/invasive tree species (salt cedar and Russian Olive). By improving the surface water management, riparian soils will begin to have higher moisture content and riparian vegetation will be maintained reducing the risk of wildfires.
Infrastructure that could be threatened by a wildfire include: boardwalks, wildlife viewing platforms, historic cabin, sub-surface gas line, several different power lines, and neighboring private and commercial homes/lands in the city of Moab.
Water Quality/Quantity:
Ground and surface water quality varies within the Preserve. Generally, the wetlands in the central and southern portions of the Preserve are of good quality. Some metals are found in
the northern and eastern portion of the Preserve and a large plume of sodium chloride occurs in the northern portion of the Preserve (Cooper and Severn 1994a).
Water quality in the central pond will be monitored periodically once larval fish are entrained into the central pond so they can be returned to the river before water quality becomes unsuitable (see Methods). Measurements collected will include: dissolved oxygen, temperature, Ph, Electrical conductivity (e/c), and dissolved solids.
Yearly high flows occur in May and June. Low flows occur in winter. Flow records for the Colorado River show a distinct pattern of cycles in flooding frequency and duration. These records also indicate a reduction of flood frequency and duration since 1959, when dams were
constructed on the Upper Colorado River. The Preserve is currently flooded less frequently and for a shorter duration than before 1959. River overbank flows occur at 40,000 cfs. Before 1959, overbank flows occurred approximately once every two years. After 1959, overbank flows have occurred approximately once every decade. Cooper determined (1994) that only extremely high snow packs in the head waters, coupled with warm springs, allow flooding of the Preserve.
The proposed project will increase water quantity by utilizing a water control structure to increase the flood frequency of the wetland. The goal is to increase flood frequency to every 3 out of 5 years compared to decadal flood frequency.
Compliance:
1. Arch clearance will be completed. This may have already been done through other related projects.
2. NEPA not applicable for state and private lands.
3. Stream Alteration permit will be initiated with through UDWR/TNC spring of 2016.
Methods:
Phase 1 - Feasibility/Design
The first phase of this project is to acquire engineering services to determine the feasibility of annually filling and draining the Central Pond. The current topographic features do not allow for complete draining of the pond. The capability to completely drain the pond is a necessity for returning endangered/sensitive fish back to the Colorado River and eliminating resident non-native fish populations between annual entrainment operations.
If the desired outcomes are determined to be feasible by engineering services for design of improvements will be acquired.
Phase 2 - Construction/Implementation
Construction phase will be based on the design from the engineer. Options may include:
1. Modification of the inlet/outlet water control structure on the central pond.
2. Possible dredging a canal or part of the central pond to flow water back to the Colorado River.
UDWR biologists will work with designing engineers to ensure design is compatible objectives for razorback sucker (Goal 1). Fish exclusion structures will include, but may not be limited to, a bi-directional weir intended to trap large bodied fishes attempting to enter or exit the Central Pond while allowing larval fishes to pass.
Implementation will be modeled after management of Stewart Lake floodplain on the Green River, Utah (Schelly and Breen 2015). Annual sampling will include two periods of larval light trapping (for more information on this method see Project-160, attached). An initial period of light trap sampling will focus on the river-floodplain interface during the ascending limb of the hydrograph when razorback sucker spawning typically occurs (May-June). Larvae collected will be preserved and identified as quickly as possible by UDWR biologists.
Upon detection of razorback sucker larvae in samples from the river-floodplain interface, UDWR biologists will open the Central Pond's water control structure to begin filling with Colorado River water containing razorback sucker larvae. Concurrently, a second period of larval light trapping within the Central Pond will confirm and quantify entrainment of razorback sucker larvae. In order to inundate as much beneficial habitat as possible, filling will continue until river flows begin to decrease.
After filling, UDWR staff will shift focus to monitoring and maintaining water quality and quantity. The perimter of To prevent large fish mortality events, temperature and dissolved oxygen of the water column will be monitored regularly at multiple locations within the pond. Additionally, UDWR biologists will continue to sample the post-larval fish community via a combination of seine, hoop and fyke nets.
When dissolved oxygen content within the Central Pond reaches a minimum threshold, draining of the Central Pond will begin. As water exits the pond, fish will be collected in the exit trap of the picket weir. UDWR biologists and technicians will collect and enumerate fish exiting the preserve. All native species will be weighed and measured. Random subsets of nonnative species (which we expect to be highly abundant) will also be weighed, measured and enumerated. Razorback suckers (and other endangered fish species) of adequate size will be marked prior to release with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags. PIT tags provide unique individual identification and will allow recruits to be identified if collected during other projects (see Monitoring).
Monitoring:
Monitoring of annual project success will be occur via analysis fish community data collected within the Central Pond during filling, post-connection and draining periods (see Methods).
UDWR biologists will assess:
- Presence of and rates of colonization by larval razorback suckers in the Central Pond.
- Relative abundance, distribution and growth of razorback suckers and other target fish species.
- Efficacy of reset protocols and fish exclusion structures.
- Potential effects of water quality and habitat parameters on the Central Pond fishery.
Monitoring of long-term project success will focus on continued survival of juvenile razorback sucker reared in the Preserve. This survival may be demonstrated by detection of past cohorts returning to the Preserve as documented in Stewart Lake by Schelly and Breen (2015). Increased local or regional abundance of razorback sucker below standard stocking size may also indicate success. Multiple Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program (UCREFRP) monitoring protocols are equipped to detect such trends via electrofishing (see Projects 127 & 128, attached) and seining of nursery habitat (see Projects 138 & 160, attached) in the vicinity of the Preserve. Results of these projects are made publicly available through annual reporting.
Partners:
1. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources - Partial landowner with TNC. The Moab Native Aquatics Field Station and Southeastern Region Habitat Section have collaborated with TNC this past year to develop possible solutions the Scott Matheson Wetland which can benefit razorback suckers. The Moab Native Aquatics Field Station has reached out to the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program (UCREFRP) for additional support.
2. The Nature Conservancy - Partial landowner with UDWR. Facilitating/obtaining engineering services for project development.
3. Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program (UCREFRP). UCREFRP studies and reports constitute much of the conceptual framework for this project. UCREFRP staff have provided expertise relevant to the project and expressed continuing interest in its success as related to recovery of the razorback sucker.
Future Management:
Future management will be informed by annual analyses of monitoring data (see Monitoring) and adaptive in nature. Annual reporting of management actions and results of analyses will be completed by UDWR biologists and shared with TNC and UCREFRP.
Management strategies may be adapted as deemed necessary by UDWR biologists using data collected in the project area, recent research and updates to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Goals for endangered fish species in the Colorado River Basin.
Sustainable Uses of Natural Resources:
The first settlement in the Moab area, known as the Elk Mountain Mission, brought grazing to the Moab Valley and to the wetland. In May of 1992, all livestock grazing was discontinued within the Preserve.