scholarly journals Evaluating the Movement Patterns of Snake River Finespotted Cutthroat Trout in the Snake River Below Jackson Lake Dam, Grand Teton National Park

2008 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 23-28
Author(s):  
Bob Gresswell ◽  
Kris Homel
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Cutthroat Trout ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Large River ◽  
Spawning Migration ◽  
Snake River ◽  
Behavioral Variability ◽  
Oncorhynchus Clarkii ◽  
Grand Teton National Park

The Snake River finespotted cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii behnkei has been formally recognized as a subspecies of cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii, but it is more generally perceived as a morphologically divergent ecotype of the more broadly distributed Yellowstone cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri. This large-river cutthroat trout has persisted in the Snake River downstream of Jackson Lake Dam through a century of flow regulation. Although there is a popular sport fishery focused on this native trout, spawning and distribution patterns throughout its range are poorly understood. Consequently, it is difficult to predict how future disturbances (e.g., climate change or an increase in the prevalence of nonnative species) may affect behavior or persistence. In 2008, radio telemetry techniques were used to identify spawning patterns of cutthroat trout. From August-October, 2007, 49 radio telemetry tags were implanted into cutthroat trout in the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park and fish movements were tracked during the spawning season. Significant temporal and spatial variability in spawning behavior was observed (n = 22 fish with distinct spawning migrations). The earliest spawning migration began at the end of April, and the last spawning migration was initiated in mid-July. Spawning was observed in the mainstem and side channels of the Snake River, several tributaries, and three major spring creek complexes. Although the majority of this spawning activity occurred within 40 km of the respective original tagging location, three fish migrated to spawning areas 75-100 river kilometers away. Ultimately, developing a comprehensive understanding of the behavioral variability of Snake River finespotted cutthroat trout and the habitat connectivity required to complete the life cycle will provide new insights into the management of this portion of the Snake River.

scholarly journals Hybridization of Snake River Cutthroat in the Lower Gros Ventre River

2006 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
pp. 110-113
Author(s):  
Ryan Kovach ◽  
Lisa Eby
Keyword(s):  
Exotic Species ◽  
National Park ◽  
Cutthroat Trout ◽  
Snake River ◽  
Oncorhynchus Clarki ◽  
Oncorhynchus Clarkii ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Water Diversions ◽  
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout ◽  
Special Concern

The cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki is Wyoming's only native trout. The Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) is designated as a "species of special concern" by a number of agencies and conservation groups. Although the Yellowstone cutthroat trout has recently avoided federal listing because of robust headwater populations (USFWS 2006), they face continued threats across their range. The fine-spotted Snake River native trout is a morphologically divergent ecotype of the Yellowstone subspecies, although it is not genetically distinguishable (Allendorf and Leary 1988, Novak et al. 2005). The Gros Ventre, an important tributary of the Snake River located partially in Grand Teton National Park, historically supported robust populations of fine­ spotted Snake River cutthroat trout. Principal threats to Gros Ventre native trout, especially in the lower end of the drainage within the park boundaries, include both water diversions (loss of water and fish into irrigation ditches) and presence of exotic species.

scholarly journals Spatial Distribution of Large Woody Debris on the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park

1999 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 119-123
Author(s):  
Richard Marston ◽  
Robin Gray
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Large River ◽  
Large Woody Debris ◽  
Snake River ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Stream Morphology ◽  
Channel Bottom ◽  
The Relationship

Large woody debris (LWD) plays a key role in controlling the ecology and geomorphology of streams. Woody debris traps coarse particulate organic matter and sediments (Andersen and Sedell, 1979; Bilby and Likens, 1980; Marston, 1982); provides habitat for aquatic insects (Angermeier and Karr, 1984; Benke et al., 1985); and provides cover in pools and slow water areas (Bisson et al., 1982, 1987; Tschaplinski and Hartman, 1983; Fausch and Northcote, 1992). The role of wood in affecting stream morphology is dependent on the size of the stream (Bilby and Ward, 1989). In smaller streams, woody debris can create step pool sequences (Heede, 1972, 1985; Marston, 1982), increase pool area (Murphy and Hall, 1981; Ralph et al., 1994), and reduce sediment transport (Bilby, 1984). Nakamura and Swanson (1993) noted that the importance of woody debris to the morphology of first order streams can be limited by the size of the debris, which is often large enough to bridge the channel and not interact with the flow. Woody debris plays a larger role when it enters the channel bottom, where it can divert flow and affect erosion and deposition. The scale issues raised by Bilby and Ward (1989) and Nakamura and Swanson (1993) are critical to understanding the role of woody debris. To date, LWD has not been adequately studied at watershed scales in larger rivers. In fact, there is little understanding of the relationship between LWD and the geomorphic pattern of the river channel (Piegay and Marston, 1998; Piegay and Gumell, 1997; Piegay, 1993). The purpose of this study is to document the distribution of LWD jams on the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming in order to understand the effects of LWD on channel morphology in large river systems.

scholarly journals River Reach Delineations and Beaver Movement in Grand Teton National Park

2015 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
pp. 37-47
Author(s):  
William Gribb ◽  
Henry Harlow
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Wave Length ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Snake River ◽  
River Continuum ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Meandering Channel ◽  
River Reach

This project had two components, with the first component providing a background for the second component. Water resources in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) are both unregulated and regulated by human management. The Jackson Lake Dam and the ponds scattered across the park influence the flow of water. In the process of managing the water it is important to have knowledge of the different components of the streams through which the water flows. One component of this project was to examine the different segments of the major rivers in GTNP and identify the river forms that are displayed by the different reaches of the Snake River above and below Jackson Lake, Buffalo Fork and Pacific Creek. The river form can be segregated into three main categories; the single channel, the meandering channel and the braided channel (Knighton 1984). The different river forms are part of the overall structural composition of the river and can be used to delineate the segments or reaches of the river. The river continuum concept presented by Vannote et al. (1980) provides a theoretical background upon which to construct the river reach system. In 2007, Nelson (2007) completed a reach system project while investigating the fluvial geomorphology of the Snake River below Jackson Lake Dam (Figure 1.). His 20 river reaches provided a zonation of the river that incorporated a range of geomorphic features. This same type of system can be used throughout the GTNP so that researchers have a common spatial unit designation when referencing portions of the Snake River and its tributaries. Ackers (1988) in his work on alluvial channel hydraulics identified three dimensions of meanders that should be considered; width, depth and slope. He further agreed with Hey (1978) that there are nine factors that define river geometry and that these should be considered as well: average bank full velocity, hydraulic mean depth, maximum bank full depth, slope, wave length of bed forms, their mean height, bank full wetted perimeter, channel sinuousity and arc length of meanders. Nelson’s work (Nelson 2007) added another parameter by including a braiding index into the representation of river reach designations. In a more recent work, the Livers and Wohl (2014) study confirmed Nelson’s approach by comparing reach characteristics between glacial and fluvial process domains using similar reach designation characteristics to determine reach differences.

scholarly journals Influence of Bio-Pollution on Ecosystem Processes: The Impact of Introduced Lake Trout on Streams, Predators, and Forests in Yellowstone National Park

2002 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 71-77
Author(s):  
Jamie Crait ◽  
Merav Ben-David ◽  
Bob Hall
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Cycling ◽  
Yellowstone National Park ◽  
National Park ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Cutthroat Trout ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Spawning Migration ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Yellowstone Lake ◽  
The Impact

Yellowstone National Park (YNP) is a treasured national resource and an important element of tourism and the recreational economy in Wyoming. Because of its unique geological features and abundant wildlife and fisheries, YNP is a tourist destination for millions of people annually. Although this national symbol is cherished for its pristine condition and has been protected from most human influence for over 100 years, human mediated invasions of non­ indigenous species, such as several species of plants and animals, including an exotic snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum), may alter this ecosystem. Recently an unauthorized introduction of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) to Yellowstone Lake was documented. Recent investigation at the University of Wyoming, indicated that in-lake predation by lake trout on juvenile and sub-adult native Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhyncus clarki bouvieri) could negatively influence recruitment of cutthroat trout (Stapp and Hayward 2002). This may lead to significant reductions in numbers of spawning adult cutthroat if current management actions are ineffective, or if they are not continuously pursued (Stapp and Hayward 2002). While lake trout invasion in Yellowstone Lake will likely have detrimental effects on in-lake communities and processes, reductions in populations of native cutthroat trout can potentially impact other aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems outside of Yellowstone Lake. Cutthroat trout in Yellowstone Lake annually migrate into tributary streams and rivers to spawn (Varley and Gresswell 1988), with runs up to 60,000 trout per season into small streams such as Clear Creek (Gresswell and Varley 1988). This spawning migration may significantly affect in­ stream communities (cf. Power 1990) and alter nutrient cycling within tributary streams (Peterson et al. 1993) and in the adjacent riparian forests (Ben­David et al. 1998; Hilderbrand et al. 1999). Therefore, spawning cutthroat trout not only have trophic effects on their ecosystem but also act as "ecosystem engineers" (i.e., species that influence structure and function of ecosystems through non­ trophic processes) because of their role in transporting large amounts of nutrients between ecosystems (Jones et al. 1994). Reductions in spawning adult cutthroat trout will likely alter in­stream processes. In addition, for piscivorous (fish­eating) predators, a significant decline in the number of adult spawning cutthroat trout may reduce recruitment and survival, and it could threaten viability of predator populations. In this project we are investigating the role of cutthroat trout in structuring stream ecosystems, their importance to a representative fish-predator - the river otter (Lontra canadensis), and possible effectson terrestrial plants through nutrient transport by otters to latrine sites (Ben-David et al. 1998 Hilderbrand et al. 1999). We hypothesize that the spawning migration of cutthroat trout will result in transport of nutrients from lake to streams, and from streams to terrestrial forests, through the activity of piscivorous predators. Because nitrogen (N) limits production in area streams (J. L. Tank and R 0. Hall unpublished data) and terrestrial ecosystems (Nadelhoffer et al. 1995) we focus our investigation of nutrient cycling on this element. These observations will enable us to predict how streams, trout predators, and the terrestrial landscape will be affected following cutthroat trout decline.

scholarly journals Effects of Domestic Livestock and Native Wildlife Grazing in Grand Teton National Park

1993 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 91-95
Author(s):  
Michael Smith ◽  
Jerrold Dodd ◽  
Paul Meiman
Keyword(s):  
Plant Community ◽  
National Park ◽  
Mule Deer ◽  
Snake River ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Jackson Hole ◽  
Domestic Livestock ◽  
Wildlife Populations

The Snake River plains and foothill areas of Jackson Hole have been grazed by domestic livestock since settlement of the area. Wildlife populations, including elk, mule deer, and antelope have historically used and continue to use the area. Moose are currently relatively abundant and a small herd of bison have been introduced. Currently, livestock use part of the area contained in Grand Teton National Park either as a concession or due to authorization by Park enabling legislation. Park managers need information concerning the effects of grazing by large ungulates on vegetation resources to assist in effectively managing grazing to service forage needs and achieve desired plant community goals.

scholarly journals Tracing the cultural history of upper Snake River guides in Grand Teton National Park

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 108-115
Author(s):  
Yolonda Youngs
Keyword(s):  
World War Ii ◽  
Cultural History ◽  
National Park ◽  
Outdoor Recreation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Snake River ◽  
World War ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact

This study traces the development and evolution of Snake River use and management through an in-depth exploration of historic commercial scenic river guiding and concessions on the upper Snake River in Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) from 1950 to the present day. The research is based on a combination of methods including archival research, oral history analysis, historical landscape analysis, and fieldwork. I suggest that a distinct cultural community of river runners and outdoor recreationalists developed in Grand Teton National Park after World War II. In GRTE, a combination of physical, cultural, and technical forces shaped this community’s evolution including the specific geomorphology and dynamic channel patterns of the upper Snake River, the individuals and groups that worked on this river, and changes in boat and gear technology over time. The following paper presents the early results from the first year of this project in 2016 including the work of a graduate student and myself. This study offers connections between the upper Snake River and Grand Teton National Park to broader national trends in the evolution of outdoor recreation and concessions in national parks, the impact of World War II on technological developments for boating, and the cultural history of adventure outdoor recreation and tourism in the United States.   Featured photo by Elton Menefee on Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/AHgCFeg-gXg

scholarly journals Two Ocean Pass: An Alternative Hypothesis for the Invasion of Yellowstone Lake by Lake Trout, and Implications for Future Invasions

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1629 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd M. Koel ◽  
Colleen R. Detjens ◽  
Alexander V. Zale
Keyword(s):  
Brook Trout ◽  
National Park ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Cutthroat Trout ◽  
Snake River ◽  
Yellowstone Lake ◽  
Yellowstone River ◽  
Continental Divide ◽  
Nonnative Fish ◽  
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout

Preventing the interbasin transfer of aquatic invasive species is a high priority for natural resource managers. Such transfers can be made by humans or can occur by dispersal through connected waterways. A natural surface water connection between the Atlantic and Pacific drainages in North America exists at Two Ocean Pass south of Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri used this route to cross the Continental Divide and colonize the Yellowstone River from ancestral sources in the Snake River following glacial recession 14,000 bp. Nonnative lake trout Salvelinus namaycush were stocked into lakes in the Snake River headwaters in 1890 and quickly dispersed downstream. Lake trout were discovered in Yellowstone Lake in 1994 and were assumed to have been illegally introduced. Recently, lake trout have demonstrated their ability to move widely through river systems and invade headwater lakes in Glacier National Park. Our objective was to determine if lake trout and other nonnative fish were present in the connected waters near Two Ocean Pass and could thereby colonize the Yellowstone River basin in the past or future. We used environmental DNA (eDNA), electrofishing, and angling to survey for lake trout and other fishes. Yellowstone cutthroat trout were detected at nearly all sites on both sides of the Continental Divide. Lake trout and invasive brook trout S. fontinalis were detected in Pacific Creek near its confluence with the Snake River. We conclude that invasive movements by lake trout from the Snake River over Two Ocean Pass may have resulted in their colonization of Yellowstone Lake. Moreover, Yellowstone Lake may be vulnerable to additional invasions because several other nonnative fish inhabit the upper Snake River. In the future, eDNA collected across smaller spatial intervals in Pacific Creek during flow conditions more conducive to lake trout movement may provide further insight into the extent of non-native fish invasions in this stream.

scholarly journals Estimating westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) movements in a river network using strontium isoscapes

2012 ◽  
Vol 69 (5) ◽  
pp. 906-915 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clint C. Muhlfeld ◽  
Simon R. Thorrold ◽  
Thomas E. McMahon ◽  
Brian Marotz
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Isotope Composition ◽  
Cutthroat Trout ◽  
Large River ◽  
River Network ◽  
Life History Strategies ◽  
Westslope Cutthroat Trout ◽  
Oncorhynchus Clarkii ◽  
Spatial Differences ◽  
Highly Correlated

We used natural variation in the strontium concentration (Sr:Ca) and isotope composition (87Sr:86Sr) of stream waters and corresponding values recorded in otoliths of westslope cutthroat trout ( Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi ) to examine movements during their life history in a large river network. We found significant spatial differences in Sr:Ca and 87Sr:86Sr values (strontium isoscapes) within and among numerous spawning and rearing streams that remained relatively constant seasonally. Both Sr:Ca and 87Sr:86Sr values in the otoliths of juveniles collected from nine natal streams were highly correlated with those values in the ambient water. Strontium isoscapes measured along the axis of otolith growth revealed that almost half of the juveniles had moved at least some distance from their natal streams. Finally, otolith Sr profiles from three spawning adults confirmed homing to natal streams and use of nonoverlapping habitats over their migratory lifetimes. Our study demonstrates that otolith geochemistry records movements of cutthroat trout through Sr isoscapes and therefore provides a method that complements and extends the utility of conventional tagging techniques in understanding life history strategies and conservation needs of freshwater fishes in river networks.

scholarly journals Effects of Domestic Livestock and Native Wildlife Grazing in Grand Teton National Park

1991 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 165-168
Author(s):  
Michael Smith ◽  
Jerrold Dodd ◽  
Uyapo Omphile ◽  
Paul Meiman
Keyword(s):  
Plant Community ◽  
National Park ◽  
Mule Deer ◽  
Snake River ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Jackson Hole ◽  
Domestic Livestock ◽  
Wildlife Populations

The Snake River plains and foothill areas of Jackson Hole have been grazed by domestic livestock since settlement of the area. Wildlife populations, including elk, mule deer, and antelope have historically used and continue to use the area. Moose are currently relatively abundant and a small herd of bison have been introduced. Currently, livestock continue to use part of the area contained in Grand Teton National Park either as a concession or due to authorization by Park enabling legislation. Park managers need information concerning the effects of grazing by large ungulates on vegetation resources to assist in effectively managing grazing to achieve desired plant community goals.

scholarly journals Water Flow and Beaver Habitat in Grand Teton National Park: Adaptation to Climate Change

2014 ◽  
Vol 37 ◽  
pp. 38-48
Author(s):  
William Gribb ◽  
Henry Harlow
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
National Park ◽  
River Flow ◽  
Climate Model ◽  
Keystone Species ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Snake River ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation

Beavers are a keystone species in Grand Teton National Park and are critical to the aquatic and terrestrial landscape. Modifications to their habitat by climate change impact multiple species. This study is designed to examine the current distribution and habitat of beavers in Grand Teton National Park and analyze the alterations to this distribution and habitat based on climate change. Field and aerial surveys were completed to determine the distribution of beaver colonies in Grand Teton National Park. Beaver habitat was constructed by integrating field surveys of vegetation, soils and hydrologic characteristics with satellite imagery classification. A model of climate change was utilized in an effort to distinguish potentially different rates of temperature and precipitation change into the 21st century. The results of the climate model were then integrated into a watershed assessment model to determine stream flow in the Snake River basin. The decreasing flow rates are critical to beaver habitat for cottonwoods and willow species and beaver settlement and movement and will limit their movement. In addition, the Snake River below Jackson Lake Dam is regulated for irrigation into Idaho and the decreasing flows on the Snake River below the Jackson Lake Dam will also impact water availability for beaver habitats. Decreases in precipitation availability will increase irrigation demand causing changes in the Snake River flow patterns. Management conflicts exist between preserving and maintaining beaver habitat in the national park and meeting the irrigation

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