Superior Streams 2016 Year 2 Assessment Report Prepared by J. Freeburn, N. Wilson Superior Streams Workshop – June 22, 2017 2016 (YR2) Assessment Builds upon YR1 assessment (demonstrating proof-of-concept), and feedback received in the workshop of March 11, 2016 Develop a refined protocol with database attributes conducive to a rapid assessment approach, allowing for assessment of ~50 streams in a narrow temporal window (mid-July through end of August) Prepared by J. Freeburn, N. Wilson Superior Streams Workshop – June 22, 2017 2016 (YR2) Assessment – Stream Selection Guiding Principles: • Spatially: range from the Canada-US border to Marathon; complements the 14 streams assessed in 2015 • Diversity: captures a wide range of environments (with regard for geomorphology, surficial geology, topography, flashiness, etc.) • Size: focus remains on “small” streams (<10m bankfull width; several <5m) • Special Interest: identified as having known concern(s) Prepared by J. Freeburn, N. Wilson Superior Streams Workshop – June 22, 2017 2016 (YR2) Assessment – Stream Selection A total of 60 streams were initially identified. Some removed upon further review due to: • size (too large) • access restrictions (e.g., active construction) • detailed information already available In the end, 49 streams were assessed. Prepared by J. Freeburn, N. Wilson Superior Streams Workshop – June 22, 2017 2016 (YR2) Assessment – Site Selection Given the broad objectives – 1) to inform decision makers on possible rehabilitation efforts, and 2) identify potential barriers to migration – the focus was placed on (anthropogenic) watercrossings The priority was to investigate those crossings most proximal to either Lake Superior, the Nipigon River, or the Kaministiquia/Whitefish Rivers (west of Tbay) Habitat and channel characteristics assessed upstream and downstream of the crossing (outside the corridor) Prepared by J. Freeburn, N. Wilson Superior Streams Workshop – June 22, 2017 2016 (YR2) Assessment – Stream Selection A total of 113 sites were assessed. Assessment Site Prepared by J. Freeburn, N. Wilson Superior Streams Workshop – June 22, 2017 2016 (YR2) Assessment – Rapid Approach Digital Field Data Collection: • ESRI’s Collector for ArcGIS was used to digitally record spatial data in the field on Apple iPads. • Geographic coordinates were provided from a DualGPS wristband receiver and associated app, communicating via Bluetooth to the iPads. Prepared by J. Freeburn, N. Wilson Superior Streams Workshop – June 22, 2017 2016 (YR2) Assessment – Parameters Basic Water Quality (YSI ProPlus, handheld, 4m cable): • Water Temperature (°C) • Dissolved Oxygen (%, mg L-1) • Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP; mV) • Conductivity (μS) • pH Prepared by J. Freeburn, N. Wilson Superior Streams Workshop – June 22, 2017 2016 (YR2) Assessment – Parameters Sediment (Transport) and Substrate: • Turbidity (Low, Moderate, High) • Notes on Active Erosion • e.g., “Wash out under culvert up and down stream sides.” • Substrate (Fractional Coverage, %, 10% increments) • Bedrock, Boulder, Cobble, Gravel, Sand, Fines (silt/clay) Prepared by J. Freeburn, N. Wilson Superior Streams Workshop – June 22, 2017 2016 (YR2) Assessment – Parameters Habitat Characteristics – Vegetation and Cover: • Primary/Secondary/Tertiary Riparian Vegetation Classification • Mature Forest, Immature Forest, Shrub, Open Grass, N/A • Canopy/Instream Cover, Submergent/Emergent Vegetation • None, Low, Moderate, High • Notes on Cover: • e.g., “Lots of overhanging veg., downed trees and cut banks upstream.” Prepared by J. Freeburn, N. Wilson Superior Streams Workshop – June 22, 2017 2016 (YR2) Assessment – Parameters Barriers To Migration: • Type of Barrier: Permanent, Seasonal, None • Comments on (Potential) Barriers: • e.g., “Crossing has a large culvert going under the CPR and natural bedrock hole upstream. Culvert is perched 1.2 m over substrate of rock and cobble. There is only a small pool.” • e.g., “Numerous beaver dams at and below the CPR rail crossing.” Prepared by J. Freeburn, N. Wilson Superior Streams Workshop – June 22, 2017 2016 (YR2) Assessment – Parameters Morphology and Flow (Global Water Flow Probe): • Full profile and calculation of discharge (Q)* • Bankfull Width/Depth; Wetted Width/Depth • Pool/Riffle/Run *One site/stream Prepared by J. Freeburn, N. Wilson Superior Streams Workshop – June 22, 2017 2016 (YR2) Assessment – Parameters Fish Observations – Dip Netting (SCP#1083925): • Fish Observed (Yes/No) • Notes on species and abundance Prepared by J. Freeburn, N. Wilson Superior Streams Workshop – June 22, 2017 2016 (YR2) Assessment – Parameters Additional E-fishing (completed by UGLMU, K. Rogers): • August 15th – 26th; 13 streams; based on list provided • Rationale for selection: • Good fish habitat but no fish observed dip netting • Permanent barrier discovered (two sites – upstream and downstream) • Numerous fish observed dip netting; acquire quantitative assessment Prepared by J. Freeburn, N. Wilson Superior Streams Workshop – June 22, 2017 2016 (YR2) Assessment Questions?? For further information contact: J. Freeburn, 346-7890, jason.freeburn@lakeheadu.ca N. Wilson, 766-7181, nwilson1@lakeheadu.ca Prepared by J. Freeburn, N. Wilson Superior Streams Workshop – June 22, 2017