9347

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9347
• Author: Neuhold, J. M. and T. C. Annear.
• Title: An Ecological Characterization of the Yampa and Green River in Dinosaur National Monument.
• USFW Year: 1981.
• USFW - Doc Type: Logan, UT.
• Copyright Material: NO

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organic energy transport, and diversity of aquatic invertebrate
. functional groups.
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Autotrophy is an important source of organic energy for the
Yampa River as primary producer communities are moderately productive
and highly efficient. Unique seasonal patterns in productivity and
efficiency were found for Yampa River ecosystems. Predictability of
gross primary production was low for Yampa River ecosystems,
reflecting the complexity of factors affecting these ecosystems.
A diverse assemblage of aquatic invertebrate taxa and functional
groups was noted.
The degree of autotrophy in the Green River is significantly
greater than is found in the Yampa River. Primary producer
communities are more productive than the Yampa River but less
efficient. Seasonal patterns in productivity and efficiency are
significantly different than those found on the Yampa River.
Predictability of gross primary production rates was higher for
the Green River providing evidence of controls placed on the system
by damming. Aquatic invertebrate taxa and functional groups were
simplified.
Green River ecosystems below the confluence of the Yampa River
showed significantly higher degrees of autotrophy, efficiency of
primary producers, concentrations of suspended and dissolved organic
materials, and diversity of aquatic invertebrate functional groups
than were recorded at sites nearer Flaming Gorge Dam. Many of these
changes were attributed to Yampa River flows.
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