Stream Flow, Habitat, and Biological Assessments of Big Cypress Bayou An Update on USGS Activities J. Bruce Moring, Ph.D. U.S. Geological Survey Austin,

Stream Flow, Habitat, and Stream Flow, Habitat, and Biological Assessments of Big Biological Assessments of Big

Cypress BayouCypress Bayou

An Update on USGS Activities An Update on USGS Activities

J. Bruce Moring, Ph.D.J. Bruce Moring, Ph.D.U.S. Geological SurveyU.S. Geological Survey

Austin, TexasAustin, Texas

[email protected]@usgs.gov512.927.3585 (office)512.927.3585 (office)512.940.0505 (cell)512.940.0505 (cell)

Stream FlowStream Flow

ObjectivesObjectives

- Evaluate the accuracyEvaluate the accuracy and assumed benefits of prescribed and assumed benefits of prescribed flows derived from the flows-ecology building blocks.flows derived from the flows-ecology building blocks.

- Monitor stream flows during prescribed releases from Lake Monitor stream flows during prescribed releases from Lake O’ The Pines (LOP).O’ The Pines (LOP).

- Provide the USACE with stage and discharge data in support Provide the USACE with stage and discharge data in support of modeling efforts to evaluate areas of inundation during of modeling efforts to evaluate areas of inundation during releases from LOP.releases from LOP.

- Coordinate with USACE FW District Reservoir Control in Coordinate with USACE FW District Reservoir Control in translating prescribed flows to prescribed hydrographs for translating prescribed flows to prescribed hydrographs for releases from LOP.releases from LOP.

Stream Flow, cont. ….Stream Flow, cont. ….

Eleven sites on Big CypressBayou instrumentedwith pressure transducersto monitor stage andtemperature.Pressure transducers

at 4 USGS study siteshave been recordingsince the early winter of 2006.

Seven USACE x-sectionswere instrumented withpressure transducers inlate Jan 2007 to recordLOP releases.

Tasks CompletedTasks Completed

-Began evaluation of the accuracy of prescribed -Began evaluation of the accuracy of prescribed flows to maintain connectivity and aquatic flows to maintain connectivity and aquatic diversity in the low-flow channel.diversity in the low-flow channel.

--Developed preliminary ratings for four USGS sitesDeveloped preliminary ratings for four USGS sites

-Provided stage data from Jan 07 release from LOP to -Provided stage data from Jan 07 release from LOP to USACE for travel-time analysis.USACE for travel-time analysis.

Stream Flow, cont. …Stream Flow, cont. …

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Instream Flow Building BlocksBig Cypress Creek/ Caddo Lake

Low Flows

High FlowPulses

Floods

6,000-10,000 cfs for 2-3 daysEvery 3-5 years

*Maintain aquatic habitat in floodplain* Riparian seed dispersal

* Inhibition of upland vegetation for both creek & lake*Seed dispersal

* Vegetation removal

6,000 cfs for 2-3 days Every 2 years

•For channel maintenance and floodplain connectivity

Key

Dry Year

Avg Year

Wet Year90 cfs

Fish habitat218 – 49 cfs

Spawning habitat13 - 6 cfs

Maintain aquatic diversity40 - 90 cfsFish habitat

268-347 cfsPre-dam median

390 - 79 cfsBenthic drift & dispersal, fish spawning

35 - 40 cfsFish habitat

40 - 117 cfsPre-dam median

40 – 536 cfsMaintain biodiversity and connectivity (backwater & oxbows)

1,500 cfs for 2-3 days3-5X a year every year

* 1 occurring in March for Paddlefish* Sediment transport, oxbow connectivity

•Waterfowl habitat flushing(Includes December)

20,000 cfs for 2-3 daysEvery 10 years

*For channel migration

Evaluating Flow Building Blocks for the Low-Flow Channel

BC00

BC00 – Big Cypress below Jefferson (Rainey’s)BC01 – Big Cypress above Hwy 59 (Sander’s)BC02 – Big Cypress near Lynn Oil Field (Locke’s)BC03 – Big Cypress below Lake O’ The Pines (Thomas Camp)

USGS Reaches

6 cfs13 cfs

536 cfs

40 cfs

1500 cfs

Future Tasks (i.e., planned through Sept 2007)Future Tasks (i.e., planned through Sept 2007) -Complete stage to discharge ratings for USGS sites and prelim. ratings -Complete stage to discharge ratings for USGS sites and prelim. ratings

for 7 USACE x-sections that are instrumented with pressure transducers.for 7 USACE x-sections that are instrumented with pressure transducers.

-Determine the variability in high-flow pulses and low-flows in Big Cypress -Determine the variability in high-flow pulses and low-flows in Big Cypress Bayou required to provide the geomorphic and ecological benefits Bayou required to provide the geomorphic and ecological benefits defined in the building blocks with differences largely upstream and defined in the building blocks with differences largely upstream and downstream of Jefferson!downstream of Jefferson!

- Emphasis on flows between bankfull and subsistence!- Emphasis on flows between bankfull and subsistence! - Consider a controlled release from LOP in late summer 07- Consider a controlled release from LOP in late summer 07

to evaluate accuracy of prescribed high summer base and to evaluate accuracy of prescribed high summer base and subsistence subsistence

flows. flows.

-Acquire highly accurate elevations (-Acquire highly accurate elevations (± 5 cm) ± 5 cm) using RTK GPS at the 7 using RTK GPS at the 7 USACE x-sections that are instrumented and convert all stage data to USACE x-sections that are instrumented and convert all stage data to elevations to support HEC modeling of extent of inundation of backwater elevations to support HEC modeling of extent of inundation of backwater areas.areas.

Stream Flow, cont. …Stream Flow, cont. …

Geomorphic/HabitatGeomorphic/Habitat

ObjectivesObjectives

-Determine basic geomorphic characteristics of the low-flow -Determine basic geomorphic characteristics of the low-flow channel at selected sites on Big Cypress Bayou between channel at selected sites on Big Cypress Bayou between Lake O’ The Pines and the confluence of Black Cypress Lake O’ The Pines and the confluence of Black Cypress Bayou.Bayou.

-Evaluate the accuracy of prescribed flows as they relate to -Evaluate the accuracy of prescribed flows as they relate to geomorphic features, .e.g., bankfull height, connectivity of geomorphic features, .e.g., bankfull height, connectivity of geomorphic channel units such as riffles – runs – pools.geomorphic channel units such as riffles – runs – pools.

-Compare differences in basic geomorphic characteristics -Compare differences in basic geomorphic characteristics between a primary reach on Big Cypress Bayou (BC01 at between a primary reach on Big Cypress Bayou (BC01 at Sander’s Ranch) and an adjacent reach on Black Cypress Sander’s Ranch) and an adjacent reach on Black Cypress Bayou.Bayou.

Tasks CompletedTasks Completed

-Measured and compared-Measured and compared

basis geomorphic andbasis geomorphic and characteristics for 4 USGS ‘characteristics for 4 USGS ‘ study reaches.study reaches.

-Evaluated the accuracy and -Evaluated the accuracy and variability in prescribed flowsvariability in prescribed flows as related to basic as related to basic

geomorphic geomorphic features at 4 USGS study features at 4 USGS study

sites. sites.

Geomorphic/Habitat, cont. …Geomorphic/Habitat, cont. …

Future Tasks (i.e., planned through Sept Future Tasks (i.e., planned through Sept 2007)2007)

-Complete field assessments of primary reach on Big Cypress -Complete field assessments of primary reach on Big Cypress (BC01) and adjacent reach on Black Cypress (BLC01).(BC01) and adjacent reach on Black Cypress (BLC01).

-Expand on comparing variability of channel features such as -Expand on comparing variability of channel features such as bankfull width and height (and bankfull discharge) in Big bankfull width and height (and bankfull discharge) in Big Cypress Bayou between LOP and the confluence of Black Cypress Bayou between LOP and the confluence of Black Cypress Bayou by adding USACE x-sections.Cypress Bayou by adding USACE x-sections.

Geomorphic/Habitat, cont. …Geomorphic/Habitat, cont. …

Aquatic BiotaAquatic Biota

ObjectivesObjectives -Baseline (pre-release of prescribed flows) assessment of the -Baseline (pre-release of prescribed flows) assessment of the

fish assemblage in Big Cypress Bayou at four USGS study fish assemblage in Big Cypress Bayou at four USGS study reaches between LOP and the confluence of Black Cypress reaches between LOP and the confluence of Black Cypress Bayou.Bayou.

-Mesohabitat-specific (i.e., riffle-run-pool) assessment of fish -Mesohabitat-specific (i.e., riffle-run-pool) assessment of fish and benthic macroinvertebrate (emphasis on FW mussels) and benthic macroinvertebrate (emphasis on FW mussels) taxa richness and relative abundance in a primary reach on taxa richness and relative abundance in a primary reach on Big Cypress (BC01) and an adjacent reach on Black Cypress Big Cypress (BC01) and an adjacent reach on Black Cypress (BL01). (BL01).

Mesohabitat AssessmentsMesohabitat Assessments

Complete mesohabitat assessments of fish and benthics in conjunction Complete mesohabitat assessments of fish and benthics in conjunction with late summer ‘07 releases from LOP.with late summer ‘07 releases from LOP.

Evaluate fish occurrence and distribution in each mesohabitat at Evaluate fish occurrence and distribution in each mesohabitat at primary reach during summer high base flow (40-100 cfs) vs. summer primary reach during summer high base flow (40-100 cfs) vs. summer low base/subsistence flow (6-20 cfs).low base/subsistence flow (6-20 cfs).

Accomplish baseline mesohabitat-specific fish and mussel surveys Accomplish baseline mesohabitat-specific fish and mussel surveys during summer 07 subsistence flows in Big Cypress and paired reach on during summer 07 subsistence flows in Big Cypress and paired reach on Black Cypress Bayou.Black Cypress Bayou.

Other opportunities during late summer release?Other opportunities during late summer release? - Sediment transport (e.g., bed and suspended load)- Sediment transport (e.g., bed and suspended load)

- Drift and dispersal of benthic macroinvertebrates in relation to - Drift and dispersal of benthic macroinvertebrates in relation to flow.flow.

- Monitor temperature before, during , and after period of release.- Monitor temperature before, during , and after period of release.

Cumulative total of 42 species From Four USGS reaches in Big Cypress Bayou

Bigmouth buffalo, Blackstripe topminnow, Blacktail shiner, Bluegill, Bluehead shiner, Bluntnose darter, Bowfin, Brook silverside, Bullhead minnow, Chain pickerel, Channel catfish, Common carp, Dollar sunfish, Dusky darter, Flathead catfish, Freckled madtom, Freshwater drum, Gizzard shad, Golden topminnow, Grass pickerel, Green sunfish, Largemouth bass, Logperch, Longear sunfish, Pirate perch, Pugnose minnow, Red shiner, Redbreast sunfish, Redear sunfish, Redfin shiner, Scaley sand darter, Smallmouth buffalo, Spotted bass, Spotted gar, Spotted sucker, Spotted sunfish, Swamp darter, Threadfin shad, Warmouth, Weed shiner, Western mosquitofish, White crappie

Arkansas darter, Yellow bullhead, Flier, Lake chubsuckker, Mud darter, Slough darter,Harliquin darter, Cypress darter, Eastern redfin darter, Western starhead topminnow, Blackspotted topminnow, Cypress minnow, Mississippi silveryminnow, Longnose gar, Orangespotted sunfish, Spotted sunfish, Common shiner,White bass, Yellow bass, Golden shiner, Pallid shiner, Emerald shiner, Blackspot shiner, Ironcolor shiner, Spottail shiner, Tailight shiner, Mimic shiner, TadpoleMadtom, Blackside darter, Creek chubsucker

72 species of fish known historically from Big Cypress Bayou

Fish from USGS assemblage surveys

Species historically known from Big Cypress but not collected at USGS reaches

Aquatic BiotaAquatic Biota, , cont. …cont. …

Tasks CompletedTasks Completed

IBI Metric Component BC03 BC02 BC01 BC00

Total # fish species 26 29 28 27

# of native cyprinid species 4 5 6 6

# of benthic invertivore species 17 18 20 15

# of sunfish species 6 5 6 6

# of intolerant species 2 2 4 2

% of indv as tolerant species* 15.50 9.28 9.88 19.81

% of indv as omnivores 5.25 2.69 0.50 7.74

% of indv as invertivores 89.00 94.01 96.82 84.52

% of indv as piscivores 4.25 3.29 2.51 7.43

# indv/seine haul 0.00 1.75 3.40 0.00

# indv/min electrofishing 7.17 5.53 11.71 5.87

% of indv as non-native species 0.25 0.30 0.00 0.00

% of indv with anomailies 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.31

Regional IBI SCORE 51.00 53.00 55.00 55.00

AQUATIC LIFE USE High Exceptional Exceptional Exceptional

* excluding western mosquitofish

-Baseline fish assemblageSurveys at 4 USGSStudy sites

-Post Jan 07 release fishsurvey of Oxbow Lake that was connected withover-bank flow during January release

-Individual componentmetrics and IBI scorevery similar to Black Cypress Bayou (Black Cypress nr JeffersonIBIs 48 – 56, TCEQ 2005)

Cluster Analysis: Big Cypress vs. Black Cypress nr Jefferson at Hwy 59

(used fish species presence-absence input file)

Future Tasks (i.e., planned through Sept 2007)Future Tasks (i.e., planned through Sept 2007) -Compare recent baseline fish data to historical data from Big -Compare recent baseline fish data to historical data from Big

Cypress and Black Cypress Bayou (i.e., source, Bonner et al. Cypress and Black Cypress Bayou (i.e., source, Bonner et al. @ TSU). @ TSU).

- Emphasis on addressing species gain/loss, and - Emphasis on addressing species gain/loss, and number of number of obligate riverine obligate vs. obligate riverine obligate vs. generalists.generalists.

-Mesohabitat-specific fish and mussel surveys comparing -Mesohabitat-specific fish and mussel surveys comparing habitat utilization between primary Big Cypress reach (BC01) habitat utilization between primary Big Cypress reach (BC01) and adjacent reach on Black Cypress Bayou (BL01). and adjacent reach on Black Cypress Bayou (BL01).

-Comparison of mussel and fish diversity between primary -Comparison of mussel and fish diversity between primary reaches on Big Cypress and Black Cypress Bayou done in reaches on Big Cypress and Black Cypress Bayou done in conjunction with summer low-flow releases from LOP.conjunction with summer low-flow releases from LOP.

Aquatic Biota, cont. …Aquatic Biota, cont. …

Proposed Schedule: May - Sept 2007

Task May June July Aug Sept

Flows-Ecology Meeting in Jefferson 16

Flows-Ecology Meeting in Austin 6

Field trip(s) to establish locate new NGS benchmarksand install temporary benchmarks for USGS/USACE monuments

Acquire elevations using RTK PGS at USGS/USACEX-section monuments, benchmarks and other features

Meso-habitat biological surveys of primary reaches on Big Cypress and Black Cypress

Elevation data, ratings, etc .. available to USACE and others

Fy07 project summary, data and PowerPoint presentations to CLI

16 - 27

25 - 29

13 - 24

31

30

BC03 (Thomas Camp)

COE16 (USACEX-section belowJefferson and justabove confluenceof Black CypressBayou