Tuesday, June 5, 2007
543

Big Boulder Creek, Idaho mining enhancement: Outcome 10 years later

Heather L. Ray, Kermit L. Bacon, and Phelan R. Wadsworth. Fish and Wildlife Department, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Fort Hall, ID 83203

In 1994-95 an enhancement effort was initiated by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and Bonneville Power Administration in a mining impacted section of Big Boulder Creek, Idaho.  Monitoring and evaluation conducted between 1988 and 2004 above, within, and below the enhancement area included; densities of non-anadromous salmonids, macroinvertebrate community measures, surface and benthic sediment, pool and riffle depths, streambed elevation, and visual vegetation progression.  Mean densities of non-anadromous salmonids showed an increase from pre to post enhancement.  Preliminary results indicate that the macroinvertebrate community within the enhancement area may be recovering.  Percent surface fine sediment less than 8mm was less than 20% both within and below the enhancement area in 2004.  Percent benthic fine sediment did not increase significantly before and after enhancement activities, indicating limited additional incorporation of fine sediment to the benthos.  Pool and riffle depths did not differ significantly between 1992 and 2004. Longitudinal elevation profile did not change over time, indicating cessation of streambed incision.  Photo point monitoring in 1994 and 2004 shows progression of the vegetation development within the enhancement area with good cover.  Long term monitoring of Big Boulder Creek indicates recovery from the mining impact and successful enhancement effort.

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