Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Water Temperature Monitoring Program, Status of Selected Apache Trout Oncorhynchus apache Streams

Authors: Stephanie Coleman, Jerry Ward

Year: 2016 (xlviii)

Abstract

In 2011 the Wallow Fire occurred on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNFs), impacting over 500,000 acres. Most of the fire occurred in the headwaters of the Black, Little Colorado and San Francisco River watersheds; directly impacting 514 miles of perennial streams, and over 1,200 miles of intermittent and ephemeral drainages. It was recognized that given the severe imp acts to many of the subwatersheds within the Wallow Fire, that alterations to riparian areas and post-fire stream flows would significantly impact aquatic habitats, aquatic species, and water quality. The ASNFs also recognized the importance of monitoring both the impacts and subsequent recovery of aquatic habitat and water quality after the Wallow Fire. Therefore, after the Wallow Fire occurred in 2011 the ASNFs purchased approximately 50 Tidbit v2 Temperature Data Loggers from Onset Computer Corporation. Installation of the loggers began in 2012, and has continued through the summer of 2016. This study was limi ted to selected Apache Trout streams and evaluated current water temperatures to determine potential impacts to Apache Trout and whether current conditions are suitable for the reintroduction of the species. Data collected in 2015 and 2016 did show that current water temperatures in some streams could be negatively impacting Apache Trout and limiting habitat conditions for the species.