DRAFT – Limiting factors, threats and actions discussion ...



Grande Ronde River Steelhead MPG

Wallowa River Steelhead Population

Limiting Factors and Threats

Habitat conditions for summer steelhead vary considerably within the area inhabited by the Wallowa River population, from nearly pristine in the Eagle Cap Wilderness to valley floor streams that have been highly modified by agriculture and urban development. Primary in-basin limiting factors for Wallowa summer steelhead include water quality (sediment, temperature, and nutrients), water quantity, instream habitat condition (loss of habitat complexity resulting from channelization, riparian area impacts, and low flow), and channel obstructions (primarily irrigation diversions; Huntington 1994; GRMW 1995; R2 Resource Consultants, Inc. 1998; Wallowa County – Nez Perce Tribe 1999; HARZA Engineering Company 2001; NPCC 2004). Several stream reaches in the Wallowa system are on Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s 303(d) list for temperature (Wallowa and lower Minam rivers and Bear, Little Bear, Fisher, and Howard creeks), sediment (Wallowa, Lostine, and lower Minam rivers and Bear, Hurricane, and Prairie creeks), coliform bacteria (Wallowa River, Prairie Cr. and Spring Cr.), dissolved oxygen (Prairie and Spring creeks), and pH (Wallowa River; ODEQ 2006). Another potential concern for wild steelhead production in the Wallowa River system is the documented presence of Myxobolus cerebralis, an introduced protozoan that is the causative agent of whirling disease in salmonid fishes (Lorz et. al. 1989).

A variety of land use activities have resulted in alterations of summer steelhead habitats in the Wallowa River system. Streams in the Wallowa valley have undergone significant modification to accommodate urban and suburban residential development, ranching, and irrigated agriculture. There has been extensive channelization, modification of riparian vegetation, draining of wetlands, and construction of water diversions in valley stream reaches. Mid-elevation areas of the Wallowa River drainage have been impacted by road construction, timber harvest, grazing of sheep and cattle, dry land agriculture, and recreation activities. High elevation areas are the least impacted and are mostly within the Eagle Cap Wilderness area. Current use of the wilderness is mainly for recreation. Historic uses included some logging and splash damming (Minam River) and domestic sheep grazing (Skovlin and Thomas 1995; Wallowa County – Nez Perce Tribe 1999).

The ICTRT has identified six major spawning areas (MaSAs) and one minor spawning area (MiSA) within the Wallowa River steelhead population.

Below, we discuss steelhead limiting factors, threats, and potential restoration actions in more detail for 14 stream reaches in the Wallowa River system. Much of this discussion is adapted from the Grande Ronde Subbasin Plan (NPCC 2004) and other references as cited.

Lower Wallowa River (WRS1)

The Wallowa River from the mouth to the Minam River (RM 10) is in a confined canyon with limited access. A public road along the upper two miles provides access to Minam State Park and private roads in the lower three miles provide seasonal access to Rondowa (confluence of Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers). A railroad follows the east bank of the river for the entire reach and has had some impact on riparian vegetation and floodplain connectivity. The reach is bordered mostly by private grazing and timber lands with a small amount of BLM property. The reach receives considerable recreational use by float boats in spring and early summer, steelhead anglers in early spring, and trout anglers in summer and fall. This entire reach is managed as an Oregon State Scenic Waterway and a federal Wild and Scenic River with a “recreational” designation.

Summer steelhead use the lower Wallowa River primarily for rearing and migration. Most spawning occurs upstream and in tributaries. Primary limiting factors in this reach are water quality parameters. The Wallowa River from the mouth to Wallowa Lake is on the 303(d) list for temperature, sediment, coliform bacteria, and summer pH (ODEQ 2006). Other factors affecting steelhead habitat include floodplain connectivity and pathogens (whirling disease).

Lower Wallowa Tributaries (Howard, Wise, and Fisher Creeks, WRS2)

Lower Wallowa River tributaries provide a small amount of steelhead habitat. Steelhead have been documented in the lower six miles of Howard Cr., two miles of Wise Cr. (Howard Cr. tributary), and the lowest reaches (less than one mile) of Fisher Cr. These streams flow through private land used for timber production and grazing and enter the lower Wallowa River from the east. Roads parallel the entire length of Howard Cr. while roads in Wise and Fisher Cr. are limited to crossings in the upper reaches. The final report for stream surveys on Howard Cr. in 1993 stated that the stream was relatively high gradient with stable banks and low frequency of pools, undercut banks, and large wood (Melville 1995). High levels of fine sediment were reported for upper reaches of Howard Cr. where gradient was reduced. Little data are available for the other stream reaches inhabited by steelhead in this area. Howard and Fisher Creeks are on Oregon’s 303(d) list for water temperature.

Restoration projects accomplished to date in the lower Wallowa River tributaries (GRMW 2006) that directly or indirectly benefit Snake River steelhead include the following:

• seeding of 45 acres of wet meadows

• 2 stream crossing structures (culverts) modified

• 59 pond water developments for off-channel livestock watering

• 13 spring water developments for off-channel livestock watering

• 22.5 miles of upland fence constructed for benefiting 11 upland stream miles

Lower Wallowa tributaries are used by all life stages of summer steelhead. Available data suggest that spawning and incubation may be affected by sediment levels and that rearing life stages may be affected by temperature and lack of pools and large wood.

Wallowa River canyon and tributaries (Minam River to Rock Creek, WRS3)

The Wallowa River flows through a confined canyon from Minam River (RM 10) to Rock Cr. (RM 18.5). The river is further confined by Oregon Highway 82 along the north bank and Wallowa Union Railroad along the south bank. Land ownership is mostly private timber and grazing land with a small amount of Oregon State Parks ownership. Easy access to the Wallowa River from Highway 82 provides for a popular sport fishery for trout and steelhead in this reach.

Tributaries entering the Wallowa River in the canyon reach include Deer Cr., Water Canyon, and Fountain Canyon. Steelhead use has been documented in the lower 10 miles of Deer Cr., 1.5 miles of Water Canyon, and lower 0.5 miles of Fountain Canyon. Headwaters of Deer Creek are in USFS ownership while the rest of Deer Cr. and the other tributaries are in privately owned timber and grazing lands. Gravel roads follow Deer and Water Canyon Creeks through the entire reach occupied by steelhead. A Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) facility, operated by ODFW, is located near the mouth of Deer Cr. and is used for hatchery steelhead smolt acclimation and adult broodstock collection. Wild fish collected at the facility are released to spawn naturally in Deer Cr.

The canyon reach of the Wallowa River is used by summer steelhead for rearing and migration. Tributaries are used by all freshwater life stages of steelhead. As stated above, the Wallowa River is on Oregon’s 303(d) list for temperature, sediment, coliform bacteria, and summer pH. None of the other streams in this reach are on the 303(d) list (ODEQ 2006).

Restoration projects accomplished to date in the Wallowa River canyon and tributaries (GRMW 2006) that directly or indirectly benefit Snake River steelhead include the following:

• 0.25 miles of instream habitat improvement (boulder and wood placements)

• 1.25 miles of riparian habitat planting benefiting 8 riparian acres

• 0.5 miles of road closed, and 10.5 miles of road surface and drainage improvements

• 13 acres of noxious weed control

• 2 stream crossing structures installed

• 13 off-channel livestock water developments

Summer steelhead abundance and productivity are likely reduced by habitat conditions in the Wallowa River canyon area. Water quality in the Wallowa River and the influence of roads on sediment, riparian vegetation, and floodplain connectivity in the Wallowa River, Deer Cr. and Water Canyon are likely affecting steelhead production. Obstructions associated with road culverts in Deer Cr. are also having some effect on spatial structure.

Lower Minam River (downstream of Cougar Cr.) and Tributaries (WRS4)

The Minam River is the largest tributary of the Wallowa River and enters at river mile 10. The upper Minam watershed is in the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area. The lower nine miles of the Minam River and tributaries Squaw and Gunderson Creeks are outside of wilderness and flow through private timber and grazing land and state wildlife area land. The entire Minam River from mouth to headwaters is designated as an Oregon State Scenic Waterway.

The lower twenty miles of the Minam River were impacted by historic logging and splash damming that affected riparian conditions, habitat complexity, and streambed sediment levels (Huntington 1994). Thompson and Haas (1960) reported that the lower Minam (below Little Minam) had poor stream shading, a wide and shallow channel, and few pools; likely the result of historic splash damming. A road following the Minam River from approximately RM 3 to RM 9 contributes to sediment levels. The lower Minam River is on Oregon’s 303(d) list for sediment (mouth to RM 10.2) and temperature (mouth to RM 12.6; ODEQ 2006).

Squaw and Gunderson Creeks are tributaries of the lower Minam River used by summer steelhead. Steelhead distribution has been documented in the lower two miles of Squaw Cr. and lower mile of Gunderson Cr. (Jeff Zakel, ODFW, personal communication). Squaw and Gunderson Creeks are relatively short, high gradient streams flowing through private timber and grazing land and enter the Minam River from the east. Squaw Cr. has a gravel logging road adjacent to the stream for the lower seven miles. Gunderson Cr. has a road crossing near the mouth that may restrict steelhead passage at some flows (Jeff Zakel, ODFW, personal communication) and a gravel road follows the stream to its headwaters.

Steelhead abundance and productivity in the lower Minam River area are affected by high water temperatures, sediment, and poor habitat quality and diversity. However, EDT analysis done for subbasin planning suggested that restoration actions would result in less than 5% improvement in steelhead abundance and productivity in the lower Minam River. High water temperatures would have the greatest impact on summer rearing of juvenile steelhead and sediment levels would impact incubating eggs and early rearing stages. Poor habitat quality and diversity would likely impact juvenile rearing.

Restoration projects accomplished to date in the lower Minam River and its tributaries (GRMW 2006) that directly or indirectly benefit Snake River steelhead include the following:

• 3 miles of upland cross fence benefiting 4 upland stream miles

• 15 pond water developments for off-channel livestock watering

• 6 spring water developments for off-channel livestock watering

• 5.5 miles of road have been closed, and surface and drainage improvements have been completed on approximately 23 miles of road along private lands of the lower Minam

Upper Minam River and tributaries (Cougar, Trout, Murphy, and Elk Creeks, Little Minam and North Minam Rivers, WRS5)

The upper Minam River and tributaries is entirely within the Eagle Cap Wilderness area with the exception of approximately one mile of Cougar Cr. The Minam River from the headwaters to the wilderness boundary is classified as “wild” in the federal Wild and Scenic River system. The primary land use is recreation. Foot and horse trails follow the Minam, Little Minam, North Minam, Murphy Cr. and Elk Cr. There are also small private parcels at Minam Lodge (approximately RM 22) that are used for a guide and outfitter business.

Mid-Wallowa River (Rock Cr. – Lostine River, WRS6)

The characteristics of the Wallowa River change abruptly at the mouth of Rock Cr. from a confined canyon to a broad agricultural valley. Primary land uses change from timber and rangeland grazing to irrigated agriculture, pasture land grazing, feedlots, and urban development. The mid-Wallowa River area from Rock Cr. to the mouth of the Lostine River includes the lower Wallowa valley and the city of Wallowa. Major tributaries entering this reach include Rock Cr., Bear Cr., and Whisky Cr. (these are discussed in later sections). Most of this reach of the Wallowa River has been channelized to accommodate agricultural and urban development and to prevent flooding.

Flow in the mid-Wallowa River is affected by diversions of surface water in the Wallowa River and tributaries for irrigation and stock watering (Huntington 1994; Wallowa County – Nez Perce Tribe 1999). The Lower Valley Ditch and Weaver-Johnson Ditch are major Wallowa River diversions downstream of the city of Wallowa. There were additional diversions prior to the mid-1990’s when a ditch consolidation projected combined three other diversions (Doherty-Werst, Rogers, and Curtis Ditches) with the Lower Valley diversion. This project reduced the number of obstructions in the river and was intended to improve water quality and fish passage. As part of the consolidation project, the diversion structure was re-built to reduce the need for annual construction and maintenance while maintaining fish passage. In the late 1980’s, a permanent diversion structure was installed at the Weaver-Johnson Ditch which eliminated the annual construction of a gravel push-up dam and enhanced fish passage and water quality at the site.

Water quality problems have been documented in the mid-Wallowa River and have contributed to the 303(d) listing of the Wallowa River for temperature, sediment, pH, and coliform bacteria (E. coli and fecal coliforms; ODEQ 2006). Several sources are contributing to water quality problems including removal of riparian vegetation to accommodate agriculture and urban development, use of surface flow for irrigation and resulting return flow, and run-off from agricultural lands, feedlots, roads, and urban areas (Huntington 1994; Wallowa County – Nez Perce Tribe 1999).

Some steelhead spawning may occur in the mid-Wallowa River but it is used primarily for rearing and migration. Water quality problems and habitat modifications in this reach likely have the greatest effect on juvenile rearing life stages of summer steelhead. Channelization and associated diking and hardening of stream banks have reduced quantity and quality of available rearing habitat in this reach. These actions have all but eliminated floodplain interaction and off-channel rearing areas that were likely relatively common prior to development of the Wallowa Valley.

Restoration projects accomplished to date in the mid Wallowa River (GRMW 2006) that directly or indirectly benefit Snake River steelhead include the following:

• 0.9 stream miles of large woody material placement

• consolidation of three irrigation diversions into one improved diversion structure

• replacement of a gravel push-up dam with a permanent diversion structure

• 0.25 miles of streambank stabilization (rock, log, and rootwads)

• 1.2 stream mile of riparian planting benefiting 4.5 acres of riparian habitat

• 1 irrigation system converted from open ditch to gated pipe

• 3.8 stream miles of riparian exclusion fence protecting 3.8 miles of stream and 39.1 acres of riparian habitat

• 1 well water development and 2 spring water developments for off-channel livestock watering

• 3.6 stream miles put into the CREP program protecting 5.1 acres of riparian habitat

Rock and Dry Creeks (WRS7)

Rock and Dry creek watersheds drain the north side of the lower Wallowa Valley and converge about 0.5 miles upstream of the mouth of Rock Creek. Summer steelhead use has been documented in the lower 6.5 miles of Rock Cr., 8 miles of Dry Cr., and 5 miles of Reagin Gulch (Dry Cr. tributary). Upper reaches of these streams flow through private timber and grazing lands while the lower reaches flow through lower Wallowa Valley agricultural lands. A county road parallels the entire length of Reagin Gulch and private ranch roads follow approximately 2 miles of Rock Cr. and 4 miles of Dry Creek. Lower reaches of Dry and Rock Creeks have been channelized and have had much of the native riparian vegetation removed. Flow in much of lower Dry Creek and Reagin Gulch is nearly non-existent in late summer except for some springs and irrigation return flow that enter the lowest reaches near the confluence with Rock Cr. Dry reaches obstruct fish movements in these streams in late summer and fall.

Little data are available on current water quality and habitat conditions in the Rock Cr. and Dry Cr. drainages. None of the streams are on Oregon’s 303(d) list and there are no references of water quality data in the ODEQ (2006) integrated report. We would expect sediment and temperature to be limiting factors in these streams because of the relatively high number of roads, intermittent nature of the streams, and alterations of riparian habitat by cattle grazing, road construction, and timber harvest. Instream habitat complexity and floodplain connectivity have also been affected by road construction and channelization.

The Rock Cr. and Dry Cr. drainages are used by all life stages of summer steelhead. Steelhead abundance and productivity are likely affected by habitat conditions in these drainages. High sediment levels would have the greatest impact on spawning and incubation life stages. High water temperatures, low flows, and poor habitat condition would have the most effect on juvenile rearing.

Restoration projects accomplished to date in the Rock and Dry creek areas (GRMW 2006) that directly or indirectly benefit Snake River steelhead include the following:

• 7.5 miles of riparian exclosure fence constructed protecting 4.1 miles of stream and 69.8 acres of riparian habitat

• 0.9 miles of upland cross fencing benefiting 1 mile of stream

• 3.6 stream miles of riparian planting benefiting 43.6 acres of riparian habitat

• 1 miles of road relocated, 2.9 miles of roads closed, and 5.2 miles of roads realigned/drainage improvements installed

• 5 well water developments for off-channel livestock watering

• 25 rock and wood instream structures installed benefiting 2.25 miles of stream

• 1 irrigation diversion structure modified to improve fish passage

• 1 road crossing improved

Bear Creek and tributaries (WRS8)

Bear Creek flows north from the Wallowa Mountains and Eagle Cap Wilderness and enters the Wallowa River near the city of Wallowa (approximately RM 22.5). Steelhead use Bear Cr. up to approximately mile 16.5 where an impassable falls blocks upstream movement. Bear Cr. tributaries supporting steelhead include the lower 5 miles of Little Bear Cr., 1 mile of Goat Cr. and ................
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