Blind Bill River Chiricahua Trout Restoration Project

Blind Bill River Chiricahua Trout Restoration Project Rotenone & Antimycin Use in Fish Management BLIND BILL RIVER CHIRICAHUA TROUT RESTORATION PROJECT Abbreviated Project Scenario & Description of Plans May 2008 12 – 1 USFWS-NCTC Blind Bill River Chiricahua Trout Restoration Project Rotenone & Antimycin Use in Fish Management TREATMENT ISSUES “Rotenone & Antimycin Use in Fish Management” is designed to provide a learning environment where instructor feedback and moderated class discussions help participants to: • Practice thinking through realistic piscicide treatment issues. • Generate project assessments, plans, and mitigations that prove feasible given the biological, ecological, technical, and sociological characteristics of the project. • Benefit from the experience of their colleagues and the instructors through moderated discussion. PROJECT PLAN DEVELOPMENT GROUPS [WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY] Prior to attending class you are expected to read the abbreviated project scenario and plan problems that accompany the course materials. You will be assigned to one of three teams on Monday and asked to develop a particular plan for the project. An instructor will be assigned to each team. An instructor will walk you through the particulars of the scenario including an environmental checklist and environmental assessment on Wednesday. The hypothetical scenario is comprised of elements from several projects that have already occurred. Each team will assign a leader to present your particular plan to the class. These presentations will take the form of a formal 15minute presentation by your group, followed by a moderated discussion of the plan involving the whole class. This may require the team to meet before or after class prior to your presentation. Team presentations will take place Thursday morning. The most important parts of the plans are the inclusion of concepts learned in the class. Consequently you should attempt to incorporate these approaches in your plan and you should challenge other teams to do the same. May 2008 12 – 2 USFWS-NCTC Blind Bill River Chiricahua Trout Restoration Project Rotenone & Antimycin Use in Fish Management INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROJECT PLAN BRIEFINGS Class participants will be randomly assigned to one of three teams. Each team will analyze the project and prepare a briefing on the proposed plan. The team may choose to prepare flip charts, overhead transparencies, or a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate their briefing. However, the content is more important that the visual aids. The inclusion of concepts learned during the class lectures and exercises is central to the success of your team’s briefing. As a team member you are a natural resource professional (e.g. USFWS, USFS, state agency). You are expected to have a thorough knowledge of the entire project and its issues. Your briefing and the way you handle questions from the class should demonstrate technical proficiency and an understanding of the concepts and ideas presented in class. Members of the class or the instructors may propose “what if” attributes or ask questions to test your understanding of the project and the ability of your proposed plan to address the issues. All the information you need may be found in the abbreviated scenario and environmental analysis that may be affected by your plan. Though the instructors know many things, they will share little beyond the information found in your scenario. May 2008 12 – 3 USFWS-NCTC Blind Bill River Chiricahua Trout Restoration Project Rotenone & Antimycin Use in Fish Management SETTING The New Mexico Aquatic Resource Conservation Division (NMARCD), in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service – Catron National Forest (USFS – CNF) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Southwest Fisheries Resource Office(USFWS – SWFRO), proposes to renovate upper Blind Bill River drainage to restore native Chiricahua trout (Oncorhynchus chiricahuensis). Before that can occur, however, nonnative rainbow (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brown (Salmo trutta) trouts must be removed from the drainage. Chiricahua trout is listed as endangered by USFWS and the State of New Mexico. Repatriation of Chiricahua trout to Blind Bill River will represent a major accomplishment for conservation of this rare trout. Personnel from these agencies comprise the Chiricahua Trout Recovery Team and are responsible for all aspects of the project from initial design, environmental compliance, planning, removal of target organisms, through repatriation of Chiricahua trout to a renovated system. The Chiricahua Trout Recovery Plan details actions that must be accomplished for recovery of the species. The Recovery Plan was developed in accordance to requirements of the U.S. Endangered Species Act, as amended, and each of the cooperating agencies is a formal signatory to the Recovery Plan. The Recovery Plan underwent peer and extended public review and comment. All relevant comments and suggestions were incorporated into the final Recovery Plan. Among the actions identified in the Recovery Plan as necessary for its downlisting from ‘endangered’ to ‘threatened,’ was restoration of the species to Blind Bill River. The Recovery Plan identified nonnative trout as one of the primary reasons for imperilment of Chiricahua trout. Under Recovery Plan protocols, a repatriated population of Chiricahua trout is considered viable when its size-structure and density are comparable to or not significantly different from that of the nonnative trout population removed from the stream. Blind Bill River must support a viable, and genetically pure, population of Chiricahua trout before it can be credited with contributing to meeting Recovery Plan downlisting criteria. The headwaters of Blind Bill River are in the Mogollon Mountains of southwest New Mexico. The upstream portion of the drainage is entirely within the Sacaton Wilderness of Catron National Forest. In addition to its mainstem, four tributaries and a small lake comprise the drainage within the project area (Figure 1). Collectively, the streams are 22 km in length and the lake is 0.23 surface hectares. The downstream terminus of the reach to be treated is a series of waterfalls. From the waterfalls, Blind Bill River flows for about 30 km to join the Gila River, about 1 km downstream of the Sacaton Wilderness boundary, near the small hamlet of Bellcamp. Several vacation cabins are situated along the river downstream of its wilderness exit. May 2008 12 – 4 USFWS-NCTC Blind Bill River Chiricahua Trout Restoration Project Rotenone & Antimycin Use in Fish Management Historically, upper Blind Bill River supported native Chiricahua trout and speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus). Introduction of nonnative rainbow trout, which hybridize with Chiricahua trout, and brown trout, which prey upon and compete with Chiricahua trout, led to the extirpation of genetically pure native trout. A mixed assemblage of rainbow, brown, and rainbow x Chiricahua trouts currently inhabits the drainage. Speckled dace, formerly widespread in the drainage, now are found, along with rainbow trout, only in Geronimo Canyon, a small tributary to Blind Bill River. In addition to rainbow trout, brown trout, and speckled dace, desert sucker (Pantosteus clarki), Sonora sucker (Catostomus insignis), and longfin dace (Agosia chrysogaster), are present downstream of the waterfalls. Sonora leopard frog (Rana sonorensis), a state and federally protected species, occurs in wetland habitats in the watershed. The aquatic macroinvertebrate community is diverse, being comprised of representatives of Trichoptera, Plecoptera, Megaloptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, and Ephemeroptera. Although none is considered rare, the co-occurrence of neotropical and neartic forms (particularly species of Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, and Coleoptera) in the same drainage is of zoogeographic interest and several plecopteran species are endemic to the Mogollon Mountains. In 2004, the cooperating agencies initiated environmental review of the proposed project, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. After considering all options (including ‘no action’), the final Environmental Assessment (EA) determined that application of the piscicide CFT Legumine (commercial formulation of rotenone) to remove nonnative trout was the preferred alternative for achieving the project objective of restoring native Chiricahua trout to the drainage. Public scoping for the EA identified several issues, including concerns that water quality would be impaired, that rotenone would negatively affect non-target organisms, that sport angling would be temporarily halted, that some anglers preferred nonnative trouts, that native trout would not attain the same size as nonnative trouts, and that temporary stream closure would have negative economic impacts on outfitters and guides. Because the federally protected Sonora leopard frog occurs in the drainage, a Biological Assessment (BA) of the effects of the project on the species was prepared. The BA determined that application of rotenone ‘may adversely affect’ Sonora leopard frog. The Biological Opinion issued by USFWS provided ‘reasonable and alternatives’ to avoid the project ‘jeopardizing’ the continued existence of the species. These were pre-treatment surveys to precisely locate wetland habitats occupied by Sonora leopard frog, pre-treatment capture and holding of frogs, and release of frogs only after sentinel fish survived 48 hours in frog habitats. In addition, an ‘incidental take’ statement was issued that allowed a maximum of 10 adult Sonora leopard frog mortalities during the treatment. If 10 dead frogs were found, rotenone application was to stop immediately. In addition to undergoing federal environmental review, the NM Water Quality Control Commission was petitioned to allow use of a piscicide in a public water way. Following a public hearing and report by the Hearing Officer, the petition was granted with stipulations that required pre- and post-treatment water tests, that signs advising public of treatment be posted at trailheads, that dead fish be disposed of offsite, that pre- and post-treatment aquatic macroinvertebrate collections be made at strategic locations, that bioassays be performed per label instructions, and that NM Bureau of Pesticide Management be invited to have a Pesticide Application Inspector on site during the treatment. May 2008 12 – 5 USFWS-NCTC Blind Bill River Chiricahua Trout Restoration Project Rotenone & Antimycin Use in Fish Management Because the project area is entirely within wilderness, access is by foot or horseback. All equipment and provisions must be packed into Cabana de las Pulgas, which will serve as base camp for the project. Cabana de las Pulgas is 28 km from Dos Cervezas Cañon Trailhead. Radio communication is limited to contact through a fire lookout on Cabeza Grande Peak. PROJECT The NMARCD, USFS – CNF, and USFWS – SWFRO standard for successful stream and lake renovation is an application or series of applications that results in elimination of all target organisms. It has been the experience of the multi-agency Chiricahua Trout Recovery Team that a minimum of three applications is necessary, and four are usually required for streams. Lakes, however, usually can be renovated successfully with two applications. Because of its complexity, it is anticipated that three treatments will be necessary to remove nonnative trout from upper Blind Bill River streams. The first treatment is scheduled for June 2008, when stream discharge is normally lowest. A second treatment is planned for early September 2008, and the final treatments will be in 2009. During June 2006, a crew conducted pre-treatment faunal surveys, estimated stream discharge, determined lake dimensions, estimated water travel time, and measured water quality. Discharge was measured just above confluence of Blind Bill River and Rito de los Osos, just below confluence of Blind Bill River and Rito de los Osos, just downstream of confluence of each remaining tributary, and downstream of Cascada Peligrosa. Basic water quality parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and specific conductance) were measured at each discharge measurement location. Water travel time was estimated in Blind Bill River between confluences of each tributary and downstream of Agua Loco Falls. Sonora leopard frogs were found in two wetland habitats along Blind Bill River, but were absent from another wetland. Electrofishing surveys confirmed that speckled dace occupied only Geronimo Creek. Trammel-netting of Laguna de los Osos yielded rainbow trout. Both rainbow and brown trouts were found in all lotic habitats. The crew also found that about 300 m of Blind Bill River between Geronimo Creek and Rito de Niño Jaime was dry. Aquatic macroinvertebrate collections were made at same locations discharge was measured. Two weeks have been scheduled for a 14-person crew to complete the first treatment of upper Blind Bill River drainage. Rotenone will be applied to achieve a concentration of 1 ppm for 4 hours in treated waters. Rotenone will be dispensed at a constant rate from 18.9 L (5 gal) plastic buckets, spaced at intervals to be determined from on-site data. Treated water will be neutralized with potassium permanganate, applied to achieve a concentration of 3 ppm. The neutralization station will be located at Cascada Peligrosa. Sentinel fish, held in live cars, will be used to ensure that rotenone is completely neutralized. Both Sonora leopard frogs and speckled dace will be collected prior to rotenone application and released near area of capture following treatment. May 2008 12 – 6 USFWS-NCTC Blind Bill River Chiricahua Trout Restoration Project Rotenone & Antimycin Use in Fish Management PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PLAN Although Bellcamp is almost 60 km, by paved road, from the nearest town of substance (Santa Rita), over 30,000 tourists are attracted each year to the area for its scenic beauty, ancient Indian ruins, birdlife, and fishing. Most visitors stay within 10 km of the Sacaton Wilderness Visitor Center. Because of its remoteness and difficult accessibility, comparatively few visit the project area. However, two outfitters, permitted by USFS – CNF, occasionally take parties of anglers, bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts into project area. Most visitation to the area is during June through September. Public reaction to the project was mixed, as demonstrated at NEPA scoping meetings and WQCC public hearing. Some individuals are adamantly opposed, several proposed litigation to stop the project, and a few threatened to sabotage renovation efforts. Others, including the outfitters, are enthusiastic supporters. A local fishing club believes involved agencies should devote more resources to improving accessible angling opportunities, which are limited in southwest New Mexico, and not “waste” taxpayers’ dollars on a rare species few of them will ever have a chance to catch. Despite their grumbling, the club is ambivalent about the project. As a broad group, anglers are split between those who believe Chiricahua trout is inferior to introduced trout and those who believe Chiricahua trout evolved in the system and is therefore most suitable for it. Several regional (e.g., New Mexico Trout and Arizona Flycasters) and national (e.g., Trout Unlimited and Wildlife Federation) organizations strongly support the project. Several individuals (including two with presumed academic credentials) oppose use of rotenone because they believe it devastates aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages and will likely cause extinction of two dipteran taxa they claim are found only in Rito de Niño Jaime. Rather than using rotenone, these individuals, as well as several environmental groups, believe nonnative fishes should be removed by electrofishing. Several cabin owners expressed concern that rotenone would contaminate their well water. The local Chamber of Commerce supports the project, but the NM Livestock Growers Association is opposed. Several groups and individuals (both supporters and opponents) have expressed a desire to have ‘observers’ on site during rotenone application. Although all NEPA and NM WQCC public comment and review requirements have been met and issues identified, it is essential that a public involvement plan for the project be developed. The public involvement plan should focus on outreach to those opposed to the project, increasing visibility and impact of project supporters, discussion of real and imagined impacts of rotenone on non-target organisms, and providing technically accessible information on native fish conservation and nonnative removal methods. The goal of the plan is to improve information availability, neutralize misinformation, demonstrate positive economic impacts of Chiricahua trout recovery, and improve local and regional support for the project and Chiricahua trout conservation. The plan should include activities prior to project implementation, public relations during project, and posttreatment public outreach. May 2008 12 – 7 USFWS-NCTC Blind Bill River Chiricahua Trout Restoration Project Rotenone & Antimycin Use in Fish Management APPLICATION PLAN The comparatively large length of stream to be renovated necessitates a two-stage application plan. Stage 1 will involve treatment of Blind Bill River upstream of Rito de Perro Amarillo confluence, Rito de Perro Amarillo, Rito de los Osos, and Laguna de los Osos. The remainder of the drainage will be treated during Stage 2. A concentration of 1 ppm rotenone in treated water has been authorized by NM WQCC. Water quality, discharge and travel time data (Table 1) collected during 2006 are available for planning, but late snows have caused some increase in discharge. Surface area of Laguna de los Osos is 0.23 hectares and mean depth is 0.68 m. Stream length of tributaries and between tributary confluences is presented in Table 2. Table 1. Water quality and flow attributes of Blind Bill River and Laguna de los Osos, Sacaton Wilderness, June 2006. Location Blind Bill above de los Osos Blind Bill below los Osos Blind Bill below Perro Amarillo Blind Bill below Geronimo Blind Bill below Niño Jaime Blind Bill below falls Laguna de los Osos Time 1015 1245 1530 1420 1330 1610 1120 Water temp (C) 12 11.8 14.8 14.8 15.3 16.4 9.8 DO (mg/L) 6.4 6.3 5.9 6.1 6.6 7.9 5.8 Specific Conductance (µmho/cm) 83 112 125 122 134 128 149 pH 7.1 7.3 7.2 7.5 7.3 7.6 6.2 Travel time (min/100 m) 6.25 7.15 8.25 9.75 8.50 8.25 Discharge (m3/sec) 0.0311 0.0538 1.1240 1.3884 1.8510 1.8843 Table 2. Length (km) of streams and stream segments in upper Blind Bill (BB) River Drainage, Sacaton Wilderness. BB— above los Osos 2.8 los Osos 2.9 BB—los Osos to Perro Amarillo 2.1 Perro Amarillo 3.3 BB—Perro Amarillo to Geronimo 1.1 BB— Geronimo to Niño Jaime 3.7 Niño Jaime 4.2 BB—Niño Jaime to Cascada Peligroso 0.5 Geronimo 1.2 The application plan should provide a detailed schedule for treatment, personnel assignments (application crew), determine total travel time of water from upper-most portion of drainage to neutralization station, number and spacing of drip stations, amount of rotenone per drip station, rotenone dispensing time, amount of rotenone needed to treat Laguna de los Osos, and itemized list of all equipment and supplies needed. Detail should be provided on data to be recorded. The plan should be sufficiently detailed so that the treatment could be accomplished without additional information. May 2008 12 – 8 USFWS-NCTC Blind Bill River Chiricahua Trout Restoration Project Rotenone & Antimycin Use in Fish Management NEUTRALIZATION PLAN Although rotenone naturally breaks down, the NM WQCC has required that it be neutralized at the downstream terminus of project area. To ensure that rotenone does not persist downstream of Cascada Peligrosa, sentinel fish are to be located downstream of the neutralization site. The plan should provide a means of determining if a lethal concentration of rotenone is reaching project terminus. The neutralization plan should also provide for capture, holding, and release of speckled dace and Sonora leopard frogs. Data in Table 1 will be used to determine amount of potassium permanganate needed for the treatment and scheduling of potassium permanganate dispensing. It will be advantageous for those developing the neutralization plan to communicate with those developing the application plan to ensure congruence of schedules. The neutralization plan should detail placement and operation of potassium permanganate dispensers, schedule and timing of operation, contingency plans, maintenance of sentinel fish, collection and maintenance of speckled dace and Sonora leopard frog, and record keeping. Personnel, equipment, and supply needs should be identified. MONITORING AND SAFETY PLANS The Chiricahua Trout Recovery Plan calls for comprehensive monitoring of target and non-target biota before, during, and after piscicide applications. In addition, the NM WQCC requires pre- and post-treatment water quality assessment and aquatic macroinvertebrate collections. The Biological Opinion issued by USFWS requires that Sonora leopard frog be protected during treatment and that reasonable efforts be made to ensure none is lost during the treatment. The monitoring plan should identify biota and water quality parameters to be monitored, schedule of monitoring, monitoring methods, and reporting of results. Although safety plans are a routine requirement by all involved agencies for projects such as the Blind Bill River Renovation Project, its high profile requires a heightened sensitivity to all matters related to safety of project personnel, potential observers, and pack and riding stock. A Pesticide Application Inspector will be present for project duration. The safety plan should make use of information and requirements provided on the CFT Legumine label as well as that on the MSDS for CFT Legumine and potassium permanganate. The plan should also consider that the project is in a remote wilderness area with limited access and communications. May 2008 12 – 9 USFWS-NCTC Blind Bill River Chiricahua Trout Restoration Project Rotenone & Antimycin Use in Fish Management Laguna de los Osos Cabeza Grande Rito de los Osos Rito de Perro Amarillo Geronimo Creek Cabaña de las Pulgas Blind Bill River Rito de Niño Jaime Cascada Peligrosa May 2008 12 – 10 USFWS-NCTC