Bald Creek Fish Report.pdf
Division of Water Quality Biological Assessment Unit March 17, 2004 MEMORANDUM To:
Jimmie Overton
Through:
Trish F. MacPherson
From:
Jeff DeBerardinis and Bryn H. Tracy
Subject:
Bald Creek Fish Community Assessment Study, November 2003 (Yancey County, French Broad River Basin, Subbasin 07, Index Nos. 7-3-22, and 7-3-22-7).
INTRODUCTION At the request of the Wetlands Restoration Program (June 06, 2003, Appendix 1), three sites in the Bald Creek watershed were sampled in mid-November 2003 for the purpose of evaluating the fish communities. This memorandum summarizes the results from this monitoring. WATERSHED DESCRIPTION This study was conducted in the Bald Creek watershed in west-central Yancey County. At its headwaters, the Bald Creek watershed is located approximately five miles from the eastern Tennessee border. The creek flows east from the Yancey-Madison county line for about 6.5 miles towards Burnsville into the Cane River (Figure 1). Named tributaries to Bald Creek include Fox, Elk Wallow, Nubbinscuffle, and Possumtrot Creeks; Miller, Wolf, and Shepherd Branches, and Simms Fork. The only two creeks that are not supplementally classified as trout waters (Tr) are Bald and Fox Creeks.
Site 2 Site 3 Site 1
Figure 1.
Location of three sites in the Bald Creek watershed sampled on November 13, 2003 (red dots) and at Price Creek (black dot) during the 1997 and 2002 basinwide assessments.
There are no NPDES facilities that discharge into Bald Creek or any of its tributaries. Most of the valleys in this 18 square mile watershed have been cleared for homes, gardens, and small farms. Streams often flow adjacent to roads, residences or farm fields with little or no riparian zones. HISTORICAL DATA Monitoring of the fish communities in the Bald Creek watershed has been limited to a few fish surveys conducted in 1964, 1980, and in 1991 by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). In June 1964 at a site near then SR 1398 and SR 1421 (near Site No. 1, Figure 1), Bald Creek was very turbid and described as: “. . . a trash and garbage dump by local residents.” (Crowell 1965). No game fish were present; and two species were collected (Mottled sculpin and Blacknose dace). The Mottled sculpin was the dominant species (86 out of 97 fish were of this species). At a more downstream site on Bald Creek (at US 19 just upstream from Site No. 2 (Figure 1) the stream was described as: “. . . continues to receive trash, garbage and sewage along its entire length.” No game fish were collected, however 11 species were present (Central stoneroller, Saffron shiner, Blacknose dace, Warpaint shiner, Whitetail shiner, Bigeye chub, River chub, Northern hogsucker, Redhorse sucker, Swannanoa darter, and Mottled sculpin). The Central stoneroller was by far the most numerically abundant species (590 out of 736 fish were this species). Thus, 40 years ago the fish community was affected by nutrients, straight pipe discharges, and poor landuse and domestic practices. In 1980, six species (Rainbow trout, Longnose dace, Blacknose dace, Northern hogsucker, Redbreast sunfish, and Mottled sculpin) were collected from Lickskillet Creek, 0.5 miles above its confluence with Bald Creek. It was noted that the stream receives enrichment from numerous houses and farms along its course (Bonner 1983). The dominant species were Blacknose dace and Mottled sculpin. Also in 1980, Elk Wallow Creek was sampled 0.4 miles above its confluence with Bald Creek. Five species (Central stoneroller, Longnose dace, Blacknose dace, Northern hogsucker, and Mottled sculpin) were collected with Mottled sculpin being the dominant species. Brook trout were said to be present in the stream’s headwaters. The lower portion of the stream, including the site sampled, had been channelized, destroying much of the habitat (Bonner 1983). In 1991 two sites each on Lickskillet and Elk Wallow Creek were sampled (NCWRC unpublished data). AT Lickskillet Creek three species (Rainbow trout, Blacknose dace, and Mottled sculpin) were collected with Blacknose dace the most abundant species. Based upon the 1991 data, the stream was to be managed as Wild Trout Waters; to this day it continues to be managed as such (http://www.ncwildlife.org/fs_index_03_fishing.htm). At Elk Wallow Creek three species (Rainbow trout, Longnose dace, and Mottled sculpin were collected with Mottled sculpin still the dominant species. It was noted that stream was constantly turbid, there was a strong sewage odor, and the stream continued to receive agricultural runoff. Based upon the 1991 data, the stream was removed from the NCWRC’s Designated Trout Waters list. The fish community in nearby Price Creek (also a tributary of the Cane River and located one-fourth mile above the mouth of Bald Creek) was sampled during the 1997 and 2002 French Broad River basinwide assessments (NCDENR 1998, 2003). It was rated Good-Fair in 1997 and Good in 2002 (NCIBI = 46 and 52, respectively). The improvement between sampling years was on account of a more balanced trophic structure and greater diversities of Rockbass, Smallmouth bass, trout, and intolerant species in 2002 than in 1997. However, the percentage of fish species with multiple age classes dropped from 79% in 1997 to 50% in 2002 (lowest of any site in the French Broad basin in 2002). Ten of these 22 species (White sucker, Black redhorse, Rockbass, Redbreast sunfish, Telescope shiner, Fatlips minnow, Greenside darter, Gilt darter, Mountain brook lamprey, and Rainbow trout) were only represented by one or two individuals. The numerically dominant species in both basinwide assessments was the Central stoneroller. METHODS Three samples were collected on November 13, 2003 from Bald Creek at US 19/SR 1399 (Site No.1), Bald Creek at US 19W (Site No. 2), and from Possumtrot Creek at SR 1128 (Site No. 3) (Figure 1). At each site, a 600 ft. section of stream was delineated and measured. The fish within each 600 ft. reach
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were then sampled with two backpack units with each unit accompanied by one or two persons dip netting. Seines were also used extensively at Site No. 2 in the riffles. After collection, all identifiable fish were examined for sores, lesions, fin damage, and skeletal anomalies, measured (total length to the nearest 1 mm), and then released. Once the first 50 specimens of each species were measured, the remaining fish of each particular species were just counted and released. Those fish that were not readily identifiable in the field were preserved in 10% formalin and returned to the laboratory for identification, examination, and total length measurement. Those fish were then deposited as voucher specimens with the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Science. All young-of-year fish were excluded from all analyses. The resulting data were then analyzed with the NCIBI (NCDENR 2001). SITE LOCATIONS and DESCRIPTIONS Site No. 1, Bald Creek at US 19/SR 1399 Site No. 1 was located at US 19/SR 1399, about one-half mile below Fox Creek. Fish were sampled within a low to moderate gradient stream reach, beginning about 150 ft upstream of the culverts at SR 1399 (Figure 2). The riparian zone at this site is primarily forested (20-40m wide) with an abundance of willows, briars, herbaceous growths, and honeysuckle. Straight piping activity (Figure 2A) associated with residences in the upstream segment, possibly contribute to the elevated conductivities in this watershed (refer to Physical and Water Quality Characteristics section). The end of the reach is also open with no canopy (Figure 2B). The combination of nutrient loading and direct sunlight in streams is known to cause eutrophication, and alter species composition. Instream habitats were composed of riffles and runs, with no deep pools (refer to Habitat section).
B
A Figure 2.
Straight piping (A) and an open area (at the end of the sample reach) (B) at Site No. 1, Bald Creek at US 19/SR 1399, Yancey County.
Site No. 2, Bald Creek at US 19W Site No. 2 was located at US 19W, near the mouth of Bald Creek, above the Cane River. Fish were sampled beginning about 50 ft. upstream of the bridge. Visible land use is approximately 25% residential, 50% active crops, and 25% fallow fields. The riparian zone along both stream banks is poor, predominantly consisting of grasses with few stabilizing trees or bushes for cover (Figure 3). Instream habitats in this moderate gradient section are limited to runs and riffles with very little suitable woody substrate for colonization. Deep pools would be expected in a stream this size, but were absent due to stream channelization or straightening.
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B
A Figure 3.
Upstream views showing channelization (A) and adjacent agricultural land use (B) at Site No.2, Bald Creek at US 19W, Yancey County.
Site No. 3, Possumtrot Creek at SR 1128 Site No. 3 was located on Possumtrot Creek at SR 1128, above its confluence with Bald Creek. Upstream of this site, small animal operations and rural residences are mixed in with forested land. At one location, the entire stream is culverted and buried beneath a church’s asphalt parking lot. The riparian zone is poor in the lower segment on both banks (Figure 4B), with only partial canopy cover. Kudzu is the dominant vegetation on the right bank. Recent landscaping along the left bank shows evidence of sediment loading and the potential for residential property loss. Instream habitats in this moderate gradient stream consist of plunge pools with some high step pool gradients, riffles, runs, bedrock, and slick rocks covered with periphyton.
A Figure 4.
B Upstream views showing plunge pools (A), poor riparian zone, Kudzu on right bank, and recent landscaping activity on left bank (B) at Site No. 3, Possumtrot Creek at SR 1128, Yancey County.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Habitat Instream and riparian habitat quality were moderate at the upstream Bald Creek site (Site No. 1), low at the downstream Bald Creek site (Site No. 2), and moderate at the Possumtrot Creek site (Site No. 3) (Table 1). The major causes of habitat degradation at Site No. 1 were the lack of functional pools, highly embedded substrates, and little cover at the end of the sampling segment. The low quality habitat at Site No. 2 primarily resulted from a deficiency of suitable velocity/depth combinations (i.e. pools) in the sample reach. Site No. 2 also had an insufficient riparian zone, poorly vegetated banks, embedded substrates,
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and very little cover. The slight habitat degradation at Site No. 3 resulted from the absence of a riparian zone along the right bank, and vegetation (Kudzu) that provides no shade or woody debris to the stream. The habitat scores for these three sites (except Site No. 2) were very similar to those calculated for Price Creek (71 and 81, respectively). Table 1.
Habitat assessment scores at three sites in the Bald Creek watershed in the French Broad River basin, November 13, 2003.
Site No. Waterbody Location County Latitude Longitude Date Habitat characteristics Channel modifications Instream habitat Bottom substrate Pool variety Riffle habitats Bank stability and vegetation Left bank Right bank Light penetration Riparian vegetative zone width Left bank Right bank
1 Bald Cr US 19/SR 1399 Yancey 355433 822815 09/30/2003
2 Bald Cr US 19W Yancey 355457 822329 09/30/2003
3 Possumtrot Cr SR 1128 Yancey 355445 822405 10/01/2003
5 16 6 2 16
3 14 6 0 16
4 16 8 10 16
Possible Score 5 20 15 10 16
5 5 7
2 2 2
4 3 6
7 7 10
5 3
1 0
3 0
5 5
70
46
70
100
Total habitat score
Physical and Water Quality Characteristics The drainage areas of the three sites ranged from 2.3 to 17.2 square miles and the stream widths ranged from three to seven meters (Table 2). The drainage area of Site No. 3 is slightly less than the drainage area of Price Creek (22.1 square miles). Dissolved oxygen, pH, and water clarity were typical of cool water mountain streams in this region. However, Possumtrot Creek became very turbid from easily suspended silts during fish community sampling. Table 2.
Physical and water quality characteristics at three sites in the Bald Creek watershed in the French Broad River basin, November 13, 2003.
Waterbody Location County Date Physical and water quality characteristics Elevation (ft) Drainage area (mi2) Temperature (°C) Conductivity (µmhos/cm) Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) Dissolved oxygen saturation (%) pH (s.u.) Average width (m) Average depth (m) Water clarity Substrate
1 Bald Cr. US 19/SR 1399 Yancey 11/13/2003 2,915 2.3 8.3 51 9.8 83 6.3 3 0.2 Clear Cobble, gravel
Site No. 2 Bald Cr. US 19W Yancey 11/13/2003 2,490 17.2 8.4 74 10.9 93 6.8 7 0.3 Clear Cobble, gravel
3 Possumtrot Cr. SR 1128 Yancey 11/13/2003 2,542 2.9 8.9 88 10 86 7.2 4 0.3 Clear Cobble, boulder, bedrock
The conductivities at all sites were rather high for mountain streams (51 - 88 µmhos/cm, respectively). These conductivities were similar to those measured at Price Creek during the 1997 and 2002 basinwide assessments (59 and 51 µmhos/cm, respectively). Although there are no NPDES facilities permitted to
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discharge in this watershed, the influence of agriculture and straight piping (both grey and black water) was obvious. By comparison, the closest fish community regional reference site (Big Crabtree Creek at SR 1002, Mitchell County) had a conductivity range of 26 to 32 µmhos/cm (NCDENR 1998, 2003). Flows at the closest USGS gage site on the South Toe River at Celo on November 13, 2003 were slightly higher than the historical median flow (80 cfs and 69 cfs, respectively). Fish Community On November 13, 2003, 16 species were collected from the three sites (Table 3). This included 5 species at Site No. 1, 16 species at Site No. 2, and 11 species at Site No. 3. In 1964 only 11 species were collected near Site No. 2 (Crowell 1965). The numerically dominant species at Site Nos. 1 and 2 was the Mottled sculpin. In 1964, the numerically dominant species near Site No. 1 was also the Mottled sculpin; near Site No. 2 it had been the Central stoneroller. The numerically dominant species at Site No. 3 was the Central Stoneroller. The abundance of this herbivorous grazing species in this region is an indicator of excess periphytic growth, the combined effect of nutrient loading and poor canopy cover. Table 3.
Tolerance ratings, adult trophic guild assignments, and the abundances of the individual fish species at three sites in the Bald Creek watershed in the French Broad River Basin, November 13, 2003. Site No. Tolerance Rating2 Intermediate
Adult Trophic Status3 Non-feeding
1
Intolerant
Insectivore
2 2
Species Ichthyomyzon greeleyi
Common Name Mountain brook lamprey
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Rainbow trout
Campostoma anomalum Cyprinella galactura Luxilus chrysocephalus L. coccogenis Nocomis micropogon Notropis leuciodus N. rubricroceus N. spectrunculus N. telescopus Rhinichthys atratulus R. cataractae
Central stoneroller Whitetail shiner Striped shiner Warpaint shiner River chub Tennessee shiner Saffron shiner Mirror shiner Telescope shiner Blacknose dace Longnose dace
Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Intolerant Intermediate Intermediate
Herbivore Insectivore Omnivore Insectivore Omnivore Insectivore Insectivore Insectivore Insectivore Insectivore Insectivore
Catostomus commersoni Hypentelium nigricans
White sucker Northern hogsucker
Tol. Intermediate
Omnivore Insectivore
Ambloplites rupestris
Rock bass
Intolerant
Piscivore
Etheostoma zonale Percina evides
Banded darter Gilt darter
Intermediate Intolerant
Insectivore Insectivore
Cottus bairdi
Mottled sculpin
Intermediate
Insectivore
62 1
2 6
3
1 80 11 13 3 93 17 24 1 13 2
2 23
224 65 19 6 7 34
42
1 5
26 1 167
203
42
There were two Cyprinid species (Tennessee shiner and Mirror shiner) collected in the Bald Creek watershed that were absent during the 1997 and 2002 basinwide assessments at Price Creek. In contrast, there were seven species (Bluehead chub, Fatlips minnow, Black redhorse, Redbreast sunfish, Smallmouth bass, Greenside darter, and Swannanoa darter) collected at Price Creek that were absent during this study. The two predatory species (Brown trout and Smallmouth bass) were absent from the Bald Creek watershed due to infrequent pool habitats, especially at Site No. 2. [Note: young-of-year Rockbass and Smallmouth (one of each) were collected at Site No. 2, but no juveniles or adults.] Although Possumtrot Creek is supplementally classified as trout waters (Tr), only one (151 mm TL) rainbow trout was collected, thus indicating that a reproducing population may not be present in this stream. The lower Bald Creek and Price Creek watersheds are only two of the few places in the state where the Striped shiner, Luxilus chrysocephalus, is found (Menhinick and Braswell 1997, Rohde et al 1998). This
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species is listed as a State Threatened species (LeGrand et al 2001). Also, the Bluehead chub (an Atlantic Slope species now found in Price Creek) has not yet been found in the Bald Creek watershed. Despite long-term human impacts, the Bald Creek watershed has a fairly intact, native fish fauna with only two introduced species (Rainbow trout and Redbreast sunfish). However, there are several species of darters and intolerant species that are absent. Fish communities in high gradient, high elevation, Southern Appalachian trout streams such as at Site No. 1 are currently not rated within the NCIBI (Table 4). The elevation of this site was 2,915 ft.; its drainage area was 2.3 square miles. An unimpacted stream of this size and elevation should be high gradient with plunge pools, Rhododendron- and hemlock-lined within a forested watershed, have cold water with low conductivity, a naturally low fish species diversity (usually trout, Blacknose dace, and Mottled sculpin), and should support a reproducing population of trout. Site No. 1 met some of these criteria such as low species diversity but did not support a reproducing population of trout. Table 4.
Electroshocking data, NCIBI scores and ratings of three sites in the Bald Creek watershed in the French Broad River basin, November 13, 2003.
Waterbody Location County Date Shocking duration (seconds) No. fish/100 seconds shocking time Metric value (Metric score within parentheses) No. of Species No. of Fish No. of Species of Darters No. of RST Species1 No. of Species of Cyprinids No. of Intolerant Species % Tolerants % Omnivores + Herbivores % Insectivores % Species with Multiple Age Groups
1 Bald Cr. US 19/SR 1399 Yancey 11/13/2003 4,218 5.5
Site No. 2 Bald Cr. US 19W Yancey 11/13/2003 4,881 10.6
3 Possumtrot Cr. SR 1128 Yancey 11/13/2003 4,500 9.9
5 234 0 1 3 1 0 1 99 40
16 (5) 518 (5) 2 (3) 0 (1) 10 (5) 2 (3) 0 (5) 36 (5) 63 (5) 75 (5)
11 446 0 2 7 2 0 56 43 82
Total NCIBI Score --50 --NCIBI Class Not Rated2 Good Not Rated2 RST = Rock bass, Smallmouth bass, and Trout species. 2 Site Nos.1 and 2 were not ratable; the drainage areas (2.3 and 2.9 square miles, respectively) were outside of the range used to calibrate the NCIBI metrics. 1
The fish community at Site No. 2 was rated Good (NCIBI = 50). This rating was similar to those calculated for the 1997 and 2002 basinwide assessments at Price Creek (see Historical Data). The main reason Site No. 2 did not score higher on the NCIBI was its lack of top predator (RST = Rockbass, Smallmouth bass, and trout) and deep pool species that likely would have occurred if adequate pool habitats were present. Although riffles were plentiful at this site, the riffles were embedded. This may have affected the diversity of darters. Species of darters that should have been present in the Cane River drainage but were not collected included the Greenside darter, Swannanoa darter, the State Threatened Sharphead darter, Greenfin darter, the State Endangered Blotchside logperch, Tangerine darter, and Olive darter (Menhinick 1991, Menhinick and Braswell 1997, Rohde et al 1998). Intolerant species lacking included Brook trout, Rainbow trout, Silver shiner, Rosyface shiner, Mimic shiner, Rock bass, Smallmouth bass, Sharphead darter, Greenfin darter, Tangerine darter, Blotchside logperch, and Olive darter. Although one should not expect all these additional species of darters and intolerant species to be present at one time in Bald Creek, their historical distributions do include nearby creeks and rivers in Yancey County. The drainage area of Site No. 3 (2.9 square miles) is just barely outside of the lower limit (3.1 square miles) used for the re-calibration of metrics in mountain streams (NCDENR 2002). Historically, this
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stream was probably a typical Southern Appalachian trout stream. However due to long-term human modifications and alterations, the stream no longer functions as such and the fish community is clearly not what it should be. Possumtrot Creek had a low number of fish species, no darters, and a high percentage of omnivores and herbivores (primarily the Central stoneroller). Elevated conductivity and the dominance of the Central stoneroller point towards elevated nutrients from straight pipes, and from nonpoint agricultural and residential sources. SUMMARY The Bald Creek watershed has periodically been monitored for its fish community over the last 40 years and has encountered similar problems since the early studies. This watershed continues to be impacted by nutrient runoff from residential areas (i.e. straight piping and failing septic systems [North Carolina Department of Environmental Health files, Andrea Leslie, pers. com.]), and possibly from some small farms, channel alterations, and insufficient riparian zones. The dominance of the herbivorous Central stoneroller in the lower portions of the Bald Creek watershed is an indicator of nutrient loading and insufficient stream cover for other species. The lack of predatory species that require variable velocities/depths indicates habitat alterations as well. A commonality among the three sites was the absence of tolerant species. Thus overall habitat modifications seem to be the major reason for the altered fish communities. Nutrients from residential areas and agricultural sources may only be an issue in the Possumtrot Creek watershed. In conclusion, this watershed would benefit from restoration efforts to reduce its nutrient inputs, increase its riparian zones and stream cover, and return its stream channels to a more functional state. REFERENCES Bonner, W. R. 1983. Survey and classification of state-managed trout streams. District Eight. Mountain fisheries investigations. Federal Aid in Fish Restoration. Project F24-S. Final Report. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Raleigh, NC. Crowell, T. E. 1965. Survey and classification of the Toe River and tributaries, North Carolina. Final Report. Federal Aid in Fish Restoration. Job I-U, Project F-14-R. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Raleigh, NC. LeGrand, H. E., Hall, S. P., and J. T. Finnegan. 2001. Natural heritage program list of the rare animal species of North Carolina. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Division of Parks and Recreation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Raleigh, NC. Menhinick, E. F. 1991. The freshwater fishes of North Carolina. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Raleigh, NC. _____. and A. L. Braswell (eds). 1997. Endangered, threatened, and rare fauna of North Carolina. Part IV. A reevaluation of the freshwater fishes. Occas. Papers N.C. State Mus. Nat. Sci. and N.C. Biol. Surv. No. 11. Raleigh, NC. NCDENR. 1998. Basinwide assessment report. French Broad River Basin. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Division of Water Quality. Water Quality Section. Environmental Sciences Branch. Raleigh, NC. _____. 2001. Standard operating procedure. Biological monitoring. Stream fish community assessment and fish tissue. Biological Assessment Unit. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Division of Water Quality. Water Quality Section. Environmental Sciences Branch. Raleigh, NC. _____. 2002. Biological Assessment Unit Memorandum F-020821. Fish community metric recalibration and biocriteria development for the western and northern mountains (French Broad, Hiwassee, Little Tennessee, New, and Watauga River Basins). Ibid.
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_____. 2003. Basinwide assessment report. French Broad River Basin. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Division of Water Quality. Water Quality Section. Environmental Sciences Branch. Raleigh, NC. Rohde, F. C., Moser, M. L. and R. G. Arndt. Distribution and status of selected fishes in North Carolina with a new state record. Brimleyana. 25: 43-68.
c:
Darlene Kucken (Basinwide and Estuary Planning Unit) Andrea Leslie (WAT-ARO) Win Taylor (NCWRC, District No. 8) Forest Westall (ARO)
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Draft July 2, 2003 Page 5
Appendix 1.
Original scoping document of the Bald Creek watershed. WRP Local Watershed Planning Projects
Bald Creek French Broad River Basin Subbasin 04-03-07 Catalog Unit # 0610108 HU # 080020 Location • A tributary of the Cane River; located in west-central Yancey County, west of the Town of Burnsville; US 19 parallels the creek. • Tributaries (within the DWQ stream classification system) include Fox, Elk Wallow, Nubbinscuffle, and Possumtrot Creeks; Miller, Wolf, and Shepherd Branches, and Simms Fork. Stream Classifications Bald Creek Fox Creek Miller Branch Wolf Branch Shepherd Branch Elk Wallow Creek Simms Fork Lickskillet Branch Harris Branch Nubbinscuffle Creek Possumtrot Creek
From source to Cane River From source to Bald Creek From source to Fox Creek From source to Bald Creek From source to Bald Creek From source to Bald Creek From source to Elk Wallow From source to Bald Creek From source to Lickskillet Branch From source to Bald creek From source to Bald Creek
C C C Tr C Tr C Tr C Tr C Tr C Tr C Tr C Tr C Tr
7-3-22 7-3-22-1-1 7-3-22-1-1 7-3-22-2 7-3-22-3 7-3-22-4 7-3-22-4-1 7-3-22-5 7-3-22-5-1 7-3-22-6 7-3-22-7
Existing Data • No benthic macroinvertebrate, fish community, or ambient chemistry monitoring data. • No facilities in the watershed required to monitor the toxicity of its effluent.
Location of the Bald Creek watershed, Yancey County.
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Jimmie Overton
Through:
Trish F. MacPherson
From:
Jeff DeBerardinis and Bryn H. Tracy
Subject:
Bald Creek Fish Community Assessment Study, November 2003 (Yancey County, French Broad River Basin, Subbasin 07, Index Nos. 7-3-22, and 7-3-22-7).
INTRODUCTION At the request of the Wetlands Restoration Program (June 06, 2003, Appendix 1), three sites in the Bald Creek watershed were sampled in mid-November 2003 for the purpose of evaluating the fish communities. This memorandum summarizes the results from this monitoring. WATERSHED DESCRIPTION This study was conducted in the Bald Creek watershed in west-central Yancey County. At its headwaters, the Bald Creek watershed is located approximately five miles from the eastern Tennessee border. The creek flows east from the Yancey-Madison county line for about 6.5 miles towards Burnsville into the Cane River (Figure 1). Named tributaries to Bald Creek include Fox, Elk Wallow, Nubbinscuffle, and Possumtrot Creeks; Miller, Wolf, and Shepherd Branches, and Simms Fork. The only two creeks that are not supplementally classified as trout waters (Tr) are Bald and Fox Creeks.
Site 2 Site 3 Site 1
Figure 1.
Location of three sites in the Bald Creek watershed sampled on November 13, 2003 (red dots) and at Price Creek (black dot) during the 1997 and 2002 basinwide assessments.
There are no NPDES facilities that discharge into Bald Creek or any of its tributaries. Most of the valleys in this 18 square mile watershed have been cleared for homes, gardens, and small farms. Streams often flow adjacent to roads, residences or farm fields with little or no riparian zones. HISTORICAL DATA Monitoring of the fish communities in the Bald Creek watershed has been limited to a few fish surveys conducted in 1964, 1980, and in 1991 by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). In June 1964 at a site near then SR 1398 and SR 1421 (near Site No. 1, Figure 1), Bald Creek was very turbid and described as: “. . . a trash and garbage dump by local residents.” (Crowell 1965). No game fish were present; and two species were collected (Mottled sculpin and Blacknose dace). The Mottled sculpin was the dominant species (86 out of 97 fish were of this species). At a more downstream site on Bald Creek (at US 19 just upstream from Site No. 2 (Figure 1) the stream was described as: “. . . continues to receive trash, garbage and sewage along its entire length.” No game fish were collected, however 11 species were present (Central stoneroller, Saffron shiner, Blacknose dace, Warpaint shiner, Whitetail shiner, Bigeye chub, River chub, Northern hogsucker, Redhorse sucker, Swannanoa darter, and Mottled sculpin). The Central stoneroller was by far the most numerically abundant species (590 out of 736 fish were this species). Thus, 40 years ago the fish community was affected by nutrients, straight pipe discharges, and poor landuse and domestic practices. In 1980, six species (Rainbow trout, Longnose dace, Blacknose dace, Northern hogsucker, Redbreast sunfish, and Mottled sculpin) were collected from Lickskillet Creek, 0.5 miles above its confluence with Bald Creek. It was noted that the stream receives enrichment from numerous houses and farms along its course (Bonner 1983). The dominant species were Blacknose dace and Mottled sculpin. Also in 1980, Elk Wallow Creek was sampled 0.4 miles above its confluence with Bald Creek. Five species (Central stoneroller, Longnose dace, Blacknose dace, Northern hogsucker, and Mottled sculpin) were collected with Mottled sculpin being the dominant species. Brook trout were said to be present in the stream’s headwaters. The lower portion of the stream, including the site sampled, had been channelized, destroying much of the habitat (Bonner 1983). In 1991 two sites each on Lickskillet and Elk Wallow Creek were sampled (NCWRC unpublished data). AT Lickskillet Creek three species (Rainbow trout, Blacknose dace, and Mottled sculpin) were collected with Blacknose dace the most abundant species. Based upon the 1991 data, the stream was to be managed as Wild Trout Waters; to this day it continues to be managed as such (http://www.ncwildlife.org/fs_index_03_fishing.htm). At Elk Wallow Creek three species (Rainbow trout, Longnose dace, and Mottled sculpin were collected with Mottled sculpin still the dominant species. It was noted that stream was constantly turbid, there was a strong sewage odor, and the stream continued to receive agricultural runoff. Based upon the 1991 data, the stream was removed from the NCWRC’s Designated Trout Waters list. The fish community in nearby Price Creek (also a tributary of the Cane River and located one-fourth mile above the mouth of Bald Creek) was sampled during the 1997 and 2002 French Broad River basinwide assessments (NCDENR 1998, 2003). It was rated Good-Fair in 1997 and Good in 2002 (NCIBI = 46 and 52, respectively). The improvement between sampling years was on account of a more balanced trophic structure and greater diversities of Rockbass, Smallmouth bass, trout, and intolerant species in 2002 than in 1997. However, the percentage of fish species with multiple age classes dropped from 79% in 1997 to 50% in 2002 (lowest of any site in the French Broad basin in 2002). Ten of these 22 species (White sucker, Black redhorse, Rockbass, Redbreast sunfish, Telescope shiner, Fatlips minnow, Greenside darter, Gilt darter, Mountain brook lamprey, and Rainbow trout) were only represented by one or two individuals. The numerically dominant species in both basinwide assessments was the Central stoneroller. METHODS Three samples were collected on November 13, 2003 from Bald Creek at US 19/SR 1399 (Site No.1), Bald Creek at US 19W (Site No. 2), and from Possumtrot Creek at SR 1128 (Site No. 3) (Figure 1). At each site, a 600 ft. section of stream was delineated and measured. The fish within each 600 ft. reach
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were then sampled with two backpack units with each unit accompanied by one or two persons dip netting. Seines were also used extensively at Site No. 2 in the riffles. After collection, all identifiable fish were examined for sores, lesions, fin damage, and skeletal anomalies, measured (total length to the nearest 1 mm), and then released. Once the first 50 specimens of each species were measured, the remaining fish of each particular species were just counted and released. Those fish that were not readily identifiable in the field were preserved in 10% formalin and returned to the laboratory for identification, examination, and total length measurement. Those fish were then deposited as voucher specimens with the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Science. All young-of-year fish were excluded from all analyses. The resulting data were then analyzed with the NCIBI (NCDENR 2001). SITE LOCATIONS and DESCRIPTIONS Site No. 1, Bald Creek at US 19/SR 1399 Site No. 1 was located at US 19/SR 1399, about one-half mile below Fox Creek. Fish were sampled within a low to moderate gradient stream reach, beginning about 150 ft upstream of the culverts at SR 1399 (Figure 2). The riparian zone at this site is primarily forested (20-40m wide) with an abundance of willows, briars, herbaceous growths, and honeysuckle. Straight piping activity (Figure 2A) associated with residences in the upstream segment, possibly contribute to the elevated conductivities in this watershed (refer to Physical and Water Quality Characteristics section). The end of the reach is also open with no canopy (Figure 2B). The combination of nutrient loading and direct sunlight in streams is known to cause eutrophication, and alter species composition. Instream habitats were composed of riffles and runs, with no deep pools (refer to Habitat section).
B
A Figure 2.
Straight piping (A) and an open area (at the end of the sample reach) (B) at Site No. 1, Bald Creek at US 19/SR 1399, Yancey County.
Site No. 2, Bald Creek at US 19W Site No. 2 was located at US 19W, near the mouth of Bald Creek, above the Cane River. Fish were sampled beginning about 50 ft. upstream of the bridge. Visible land use is approximately 25% residential, 50% active crops, and 25% fallow fields. The riparian zone along both stream banks is poor, predominantly consisting of grasses with few stabilizing trees or bushes for cover (Figure 3). Instream habitats in this moderate gradient section are limited to runs and riffles with very little suitable woody substrate for colonization. Deep pools would be expected in a stream this size, but were absent due to stream channelization or straightening.
3
B
A Figure 3.
Upstream views showing channelization (A) and adjacent agricultural land use (B) at Site No.2, Bald Creek at US 19W, Yancey County.
Site No. 3, Possumtrot Creek at SR 1128 Site No. 3 was located on Possumtrot Creek at SR 1128, above its confluence with Bald Creek. Upstream of this site, small animal operations and rural residences are mixed in with forested land. At one location, the entire stream is culverted and buried beneath a church’s asphalt parking lot. The riparian zone is poor in the lower segment on both banks (Figure 4B), with only partial canopy cover. Kudzu is the dominant vegetation on the right bank. Recent landscaping along the left bank shows evidence of sediment loading and the potential for residential property loss. Instream habitats in this moderate gradient stream consist of plunge pools with some high step pool gradients, riffles, runs, bedrock, and slick rocks covered with periphyton.
A Figure 4.
B Upstream views showing plunge pools (A), poor riparian zone, Kudzu on right bank, and recent landscaping activity on left bank (B) at Site No. 3, Possumtrot Creek at SR 1128, Yancey County.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Habitat Instream and riparian habitat quality were moderate at the upstream Bald Creek site (Site No. 1), low at the downstream Bald Creek site (Site No. 2), and moderate at the Possumtrot Creek site (Site No. 3) (Table 1). The major causes of habitat degradation at Site No. 1 were the lack of functional pools, highly embedded substrates, and little cover at the end of the sampling segment. The low quality habitat at Site No. 2 primarily resulted from a deficiency of suitable velocity/depth combinations (i.e. pools) in the sample reach. Site No. 2 also had an insufficient riparian zone, poorly vegetated banks, embedded substrates,
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and very little cover. The slight habitat degradation at Site No. 3 resulted from the absence of a riparian zone along the right bank, and vegetation (Kudzu) that provides no shade or woody debris to the stream. The habitat scores for these three sites (except Site No. 2) were very similar to those calculated for Price Creek (71 and 81, respectively). Table 1.
Habitat assessment scores at three sites in the Bald Creek watershed in the French Broad River basin, November 13, 2003.
Site No. Waterbody Location County Latitude Longitude Date Habitat characteristics Channel modifications Instream habitat Bottom substrate Pool variety Riffle habitats Bank stability and vegetation Left bank Right bank Light penetration Riparian vegetative zone width Left bank Right bank
1 Bald Cr US 19/SR 1399 Yancey 355433 822815 09/30/2003
2 Bald Cr US 19W Yancey 355457 822329 09/30/2003
3 Possumtrot Cr SR 1128 Yancey 355445 822405 10/01/2003
5 16 6 2 16
3 14 6 0 16
4 16 8 10 16
Possible Score 5 20 15 10 16
5 5 7
2 2 2
4 3 6
7 7 10
5 3
1 0
3 0
5 5
70
46
70
100
Total habitat score
Physical and Water Quality Characteristics The drainage areas of the three sites ranged from 2.3 to 17.2 square miles and the stream widths ranged from three to seven meters (Table 2). The drainage area of Site No. 3 is slightly less than the drainage area of Price Creek (22.1 square miles). Dissolved oxygen, pH, and water clarity were typical of cool water mountain streams in this region. However, Possumtrot Creek became very turbid from easily suspended silts during fish community sampling. Table 2.
Physical and water quality characteristics at three sites in the Bald Creek watershed in the French Broad River basin, November 13, 2003.
Waterbody Location County Date Physical and water quality characteristics Elevation (ft) Drainage area (mi2) Temperature (°C) Conductivity (µmhos/cm) Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) Dissolved oxygen saturation (%) pH (s.u.) Average width (m) Average depth (m) Water clarity Substrate
1 Bald Cr. US 19/SR 1399 Yancey 11/13/2003 2,915 2.3 8.3 51 9.8 83 6.3 3 0.2 Clear Cobble, gravel
Site No. 2 Bald Cr. US 19W Yancey 11/13/2003 2,490 17.2 8.4 74 10.9 93 6.8 7 0.3 Clear Cobble, gravel
3 Possumtrot Cr. SR 1128 Yancey 11/13/2003 2,542 2.9 8.9 88 10 86 7.2 4 0.3 Clear Cobble, boulder, bedrock
The conductivities at all sites were rather high for mountain streams (51 - 88 µmhos/cm, respectively). These conductivities were similar to those measured at Price Creek during the 1997 and 2002 basinwide assessments (59 and 51 µmhos/cm, respectively). Although there are no NPDES facilities permitted to
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discharge in this watershed, the influence of agriculture and straight piping (both grey and black water) was obvious. By comparison, the closest fish community regional reference site (Big Crabtree Creek at SR 1002, Mitchell County) had a conductivity range of 26 to 32 µmhos/cm (NCDENR 1998, 2003). Flows at the closest USGS gage site on the South Toe River at Celo on November 13, 2003 were slightly higher than the historical median flow (80 cfs and 69 cfs, respectively). Fish Community On November 13, 2003, 16 species were collected from the three sites (Table 3). This included 5 species at Site No. 1, 16 species at Site No. 2, and 11 species at Site No. 3. In 1964 only 11 species were collected near Site No. 2 (Crowell 1965). The numerically dominant species at Site Nos. 1 and 2 was the Mottled sculpin. In 1964, the numerically dominant species near Site No. 1 was also the Mottled sculpin; near Site No. 2 it had been the Central stoneroller. The numerically dominant species at Site No. 3 was the Central Stoneroller. The abundance of this herbivorous grazing species in this region is an indicator of excess periphytic growth, the combined effect of nutrient loading and poor canopy cover. Table 3.
Tolerance ratings, adult trophic guild assignments, and the abundances of the individual fish species at three sites in the Bald Creek watershed in the French Broad River Basin, November 13, 2003. Site No. Tolerance Rating2 Intermediate
Adult Trophic Status3 Non-feeding
1
Intolerant
Insectivore
2 2
Species Ichthyomyzon greeleyi
Common Name Mountain brook lamprey
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Rainbow trout
Campostoma anomalum Cyprinella galactura Luxilus chrysocephalus L. coccogenis Nocomis micropogon Notropis leuciodus N. rubricroceus N. spectrunculus N. telescopus Rhinichthys atratulus R. cataractae
Central stoneroller Whitetail shiner Striped shiner Warpaint shiner River chub Tennessee shiner Saffron shiner Mirror shiner Telescope shiner Blacknose dace Longnose dace
Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Intolerant Intermediate Intermediate
Herbivore Insectivore Omnivore Insectivore Omnivore Insectivore Insectivore Insectivore Insectivore Insectivore Insectivore
Catostomus commersoni Hypentelium nigricans
White sucker Northern hogsucker
Tol. Intermediate
Omnivore Insectivore
Ambloplites rupestris
Rock bass
Intolerant
Piscivore
Etheostoma zonale Percina evides
Banded darter Gilt darter
Intermediate Intolerant
Insectivore Insectivore
Cottus bairdi
Mottled sculpin
Intermediate
Insectivore
62 1
2 6
3
1 80 11 13 3 93 17 24 1 13 2
2 23
224 65 19 6 7 34
42
1 5
26 1 167
203
42
There were two Cyprinid species (Tennessee shiner and Mirror shiner) collected in the Bald Creek watershed that were absent during the 1997 and 2002 basinwide assessments at Price Creek. In contrast, there were seven species (Bluehead chub, Fatlips minnow, Black redhorse, Redbreast sunfish, Smallmouth bass, Greenside darter, and Swannanoa darter) collected at Price Creek that were absent during this study. The two predatory species (Brown trout and Smallmouth bass) were absent from the Bald Creek watershed due to infrequent pool habitats, especially at Site No. 2. [Note: young-of-year Rockbass and Smallmouth (one of each) were collected at Site No. 2, but no juveniles or adults.] Although Possumtrot Creek is supplementally classified as trout waters (Tr), only one (151 mm TL) rainbow trout was collected, thus indicating that a reproducing population may not be present in this stream. The lower Bald Creek and Price Creek watersheds are only two of the few places in the state where the Striped shiner, Luxilus chrysocephalus, is found (Menhinick and Braswell 1997, Rohde et al 1998). This
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species is listed as a State Threatened species (LeGrand et al 2001). Also, the Bluehead chub (an Atlantic Slope species now found in Price Creek) has not yet been found in the Bald Creek watershed. Despite long-term human impacts, the Bald Creek watershed has a fairly intact, native fish fauna with only two introduced species (Rainbow trout and Redbreast sunfish). However, there are several species of darters and intolerant species that are absent. Fish communities in high gradient, high elevation, Southern Appalachian trout streams such as at Site No. 1 are currently not rated within the NCIBI (Table 4). The elevation of this site was 2,915 ft.; its drainage area was 2.3 square miles. An unimpacted stream of this size and elevation should be high gradient with plunge pools, Rhododendron- and hemlock-lined within a forested watershed, have cold water with low conductivity, a naturally low fish species diversity (usually trout, Blacknose dace, and Mottled sculpin), and should support a reproducing population of trout. Site No. 1 met some of these criteria such as low species diversity but did not support a reproducing population of trout. Table 4.
Electroshocking data, NCIBI scores and ratings of three sites in the Bald Creek watershed in the French Broad River basin, November 13, 2003.
Waterbody Location County Date Shocking duration (seconds) No. fish/100 seconds shocking time Metric value (Metric score within parentheses) No. of Species No. of Fish No. of Species of Darters No. of RST Species1 No. of Species of Cyprinids No. of Intolerant Species % Tolerants % Omnivores + Herbivores % Insectivores % Species with Multiple Age Groups
1 Bald Cr. US 19/SR 1399 Yancey 11/13/2003 4,218 5.5
Site No. 2 Bald Cr. US 19W Yancey 11/13/2003 4,881 10.6
3 Possumtrot Cr. SR 1128 Yancey 11/13/2003 4,500 9.9
5 234 0 1 3 1 0 1 99 40
16 (5) 518 (5) 2 (3) 0 (1) 10 (5) 2 (3) 0 (5) 36 (5) 63 (5) 75 (5)
11 446 0 2 7 2 0 56 43 82
Total NCIBI Score --50 --NCIBI Class Not Rated2 Good Not Rated2 RST = Rock bass, Smallmouth bass, and Trout species. 2 Site Nos.1 and 2 were not ratable; the drainage areas (2.3 and 2.9 square miles, respectively) were outside of the range used to calibrate the NCIBI metrics. 1
The fish community at Site No. 2 was rated Good (NCIBI = 50). This rating was similar to those calculated for the 1997 and 2002 basinwide assessments at Price Creek (see Historical Data). The main reason Site No. 2 did not score higher on the NCIBI was its lack of top predator (RST = Rockbass, Smallmouth bass, and trout) and deep pool species that likely would have occurred if adequate pool habitats were present. Although riffles were plentiful at this site, the riffles were embedded. This may have affected the diversity of darters. Species of darters that should have been present in the Cane River drainage but were not collected included the Greenside darter, Swannanoa darter, the State Threatened Sharphead darter, Greenfin darter, the State Endangered Blotchside logperch, Tangerine darter, and Olive darter (Menhinick 1991, Menhinick and Braswell 1997, Rohde et al 1998). Intolerant species lacking included Brook trout, Rainbow trout, Silver shiner, Rosyface shiner, Mimic shiner, Rock bass, Smallmouth bass, Sharphead darter, Greenfin darter, Tangerine darter, Blotchside logperch, and Olive darter. Although one should not expect all these additional species of darters and intolerant species to be present at one time in Bald Creek, their historical distributions do include nearby creeks and rivers in Yancey County. The drainage area of Site No. 3 (2.9 square miles) is just barely outside of the lower limit (3.1 square miles) used for the re-calibration of metrics in mountain streams (NCDENR 2002). Historically, this
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stream was probably a typical Southern Appalachian trout stream. However due to long-term human modifications and alterations, the stream no longer functions as such and the fish community is clearly not what it should be. Possumtrot Creek had a low number of fish species, no darters, and a high percentage of omnivores and herbivores (primarily the Central stoneroller). Elevated conductivity and the dominance of the Central stoneroller point towards elevated nutrients from straight pipes, and from nonpoint agricultural and residential sources. SUMMARY The Bald Creek watershed has periodically been monitored for its fish community over the last 40 years and has encountered similar problems since the early studies. This watershed continues to be impacted by nutrient runoff from residential areas (i.e. straight piping and failing septic systems [North Carolina Department of Environmental Health files, Andrea Leslie, pers. com.]), and possibly from some small farms, channel alterations, and insufficient riparian zones. The dominance of the herbivorous Central stoneroller in the lower portions of the Bald Creek watershed is an indicator of nutrient loading and insufficient stream cover for other species. The lack of predatory species that require variable velocities/depths indicates habitat alterations as well. A commonality among the three sites was the absence of tolerant species. Thus overall habitat modifications seem to be the major reason for the altered fish communities. Nutrients from residential areas and agricultural sources may only be an issue in the Possumtrot Creek watershed. In conclusion, this watershed would benefit from restoration efforts to reduce its nutrient inputs, increase its riparian zones and stream cover, and return its stream channels to a more functional state. REFERENCES Bonner, W. R. 1983. Survey and classification of state-managed trout streams. District Eight. Mountain fisheries investigations. Federal Aid in Fish Restoration. Project F24-S. Final Report. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Raleigh, NC. Crowell, T. E. 1965. Survey and classification of the Toe River and tributaries, North Carolina. Final Report. Federal Aid in Fish Restoration. Job I-U, Project F-14-R. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Raleigh, NC. LeGrand, H. E., Hall, S. P., and J. T. Finnegan. 2001. Natural heritage program list of the rare animal species of North Carolina. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Division of Parks and Recreation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Raleigh, NC. Menhinick, E. F. 1991. The freshwater fishes of North Carolina. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Raleigh, NC. _____. and A. L. Braswell (eds). 1997. Endangered, threatened, and rare fauna of North Carolina. Part IV. A reevaluation of the freshwater fishes. Occas. Papers N.C. State Mus. Nat. Sci. and N.C. Biol. Surv. No. 11. Raleigh, NC. NCDENR. 1998. Basinwide assessment report. French Broad River Basin. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Division of Water Quality. Water Quality Section. Environmental Sciences Branch. Raleigh, NC. _____. 2001. Standard operating procedure. Biological monitoring. Stream fish community assessment and fish tissue. Biological Assessment Unit. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Division of Water Quality. Water Quality Section. Environmental Sciences Branch. Raleigh, NC. _____. 2002. Biological Assessment Unit Memorandum F-020821. Fish community metric recalibration and biocriteria development for the western and northern mountains (French Broad, Hiwassee, Little Tennessee, New, and Watauga River Basins). Ibid.
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_____. 2003. Basinwide assessment report. French Broad River Basin. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Division of Water Quality. Water Quality Section. Environmental Sciences Branch. Raleigh, NC. Rohde, F. C., Moser, M. L. and R. G. Arndt. Distribution and status of selected fishes in North Carolina with a new state record. Brimleyana. 25: 43-68.
c:
Darlene Kucken (Basinwide and Estuary Planning Unit) Andrea Leslie (WAT-ARO) Win Taylor (NCWRC, District No. 8) Forest Westall (ARO)
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Draft July 2, 2003 Page 5
Appendix 1.
Original scoping document of the Bald Creek watershed. WRP Local Watershed Planning Projects
Bald Creek French Broad River Basin Subbasin 04-03-07 Catalog Unit # 0610108 HU # 080020 Location • A tributary of the Cane River; located in west-central Yancey County, west of the Town of Burnsville; US 19 parallels the creek. • Tributaries (within the DWQ stream classification system) include Fox, Elk Wallow, Nubbinscuffle, and Possumtrot Creeks; Miller, Wolf, and Shepherd Branches, and Simms Fork. Stream Classifications Bald Creek Fox Creek Miller Branch Wolf Branch Shepherd Branch Elk Wallow Creek Simms Fork Lickskillet Branch Harris Branch Nubbinscuffle Creek Possumtrot Creek
From source to Cane River From source to Bald Creek From source to Fox Creek From source to Bald Creek From source to Bald Creek From source to Bald Creek From source to Elk Wallow From source to Bald Creek From source to Lickskillet Branch From source to Bald creek From source to Bald Creek
C C C Tr C Tr C Tr C Tr C Tr C Tr C Tr C Tr C Tr
7-3-22 7-3-22-1-1 7-3-22-1-1 7-3-22-2 7-3-22-3 7-3-22-4 7-3-22-4-1 7-3-22-5 7-3-22-5-1 7-3-22-6 7-3-22-7
Existing Data • No benthic macroinvertebrate, fish community, or ambient chemistry monitoring data. • No facilities in the watershed required to monitor the toxicity of its effluent.
Location of the Bald Creek watershed, Yancey County.
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