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MPG North

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Ecological Assessment of Cooney Creek

This update details research that began in July 2016 to determine the quality of habitat in Cooney Creek, and the status of native and non-native trout.

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Research began in July 2016 to determine the status of native and non-native trout and the quality of habitat in Cooney Creek.

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A WCT fry is pictured above. Fry hatched this year and range from 1.5-3 inches in length.

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Density estimates took place at Cooney 1 and 2. Electrofishing at Lower, Cooney 3, and Upper increased the WCT sample size for genetic work and helped us determine the extent of occupied fish habitat.

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We captured 85 WCT, 62 bull trout, and 75 brook trout in Cooney Creek, and measured the length of each one.

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We took fin clips from WCT, bull trout, and brook trout. Analysis of DNA in the fin clips will allow us to determine the age structure and genetic variability of the population.

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The presence of bull trout in Cooney Creek is known, but their distribution and abundance is not. eDNA will identify bull trout distribution.

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Fragments of mitochondrial DNA from aquatic species float freely in the water. We can pump stream water through a filter to capture this DNA and identify the presence of target species

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We measured the habitat quality in nine transects distributed every 0.5 mi in Cooney Creek. These transects were divided into lower, middle, and upper reaches.

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Pool habitats dominate upper reaches and decline through middle and lower reaches. Riffles peak in midstream transects

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Step pools and large woody debris provide trout with ample habitat for feeding, resting, protection from predation, and overwintering.

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At each transect, we quantified the distribution of sediment size by measuring the width of 100 random particles.

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Temperature loggers deployed in each transect will collect data throughout the year. Trout are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature is derived from water temperature.

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Discussion

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Literature Cited

 

  • Aquatic

Location(s): 

  • Cooney Creek

Tags: 

  • Cooney Creek
  • Brook Trout
  • Cutthroat Trout
  • westslope cutthroat trout

Related

  • Suppressing Nonnative Fish in Cooney Creek: Short-term Success and Long-term Solutions
  • Wetland Restoration, Fire Restoration, and Fisheries Management
  • Skunk Cabbage Propagation

Photos

Creek ice by Beau Larkin
Cooney Creek by Beau Larkin
Ice formation in Cooney Creek by Beau Larkin

Videos

Cutthroat and Brook Trout on August 14, 2010

Cutthroat and Brook Trout on August 14, 2010

Cutthroat and Brook Trout on August 14, 2010

Cutthroat and Brook Trout on August 14, 2010

Brook Trout on August 14, 2010

Brook Trout on August 14, 2010

About MPG North

Established in 2005, the property boundary at MPG North encloses 200 undeveloped acres in Western Montana’s Swan Valley. Researchers and field staff manage the property to improve habitat quality for wildlife, discover new ways to restore damaged landscapes and study forest ecology. We also create opportunities to share what we've learned with local conservation organizations, students of all ages, management agencies and volunteers. Through these education and outreach efforts, we seek to inspire others to work together and protect undeveloped landscapes.