Laserfiche WebLink
<br />e <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />INSTREAM FLOW QUANTIFlCATlON - LITTLE DRY CREEK <br />April 5, 1993 <br />PAGE 4 <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />the DOW which briefly discusses the aquatic life in various drainages in CGY. Also in <br />APPENDIX B is a copy of a October 8, 1992 DOW Stream Survey for two sites on Little Dry <br />Creek. Both documents show that populations of creek chubs (Semotilus atromaculatus) and <br />western white suckers (Catostomus commersoni) are present in Little Dry Creek. The 1992 <br />survey also shows a population of fathead minnows (Pim~hales oromelas). Basic water quality <br />parameters were also measured at one site in the 1992 sampling effort. <br /> <br />Woodling (1985) reported that creek chubs are one of the most common minnows in <br />North America. They are found in a variety of habitats but are common in pools with some <br />current and some shelter such as under cut banks. The smaller creek chubs prefer shallower <br />water where the adults prefer deeper pOOls. Creek chubs are somewhat tolerant of nutrient <br />enrichment and eat terrestrial insects, aquatic macroinvertebrates and the eggs of other minnows. <br />Creek chubs spawn in the spring. <br /> <br />Western white suckers are native to the east slope and are abundant throughout the state. <br />White suckers inhabit lakes, streams and rivers; in rivers and streams the adults prefer pools <br />with low to moderate currents. White suckers are very tolerant of a wide range of water quality <br />conditions and seem to be in their greatest numbers in areas of high nutrients. The feed <br />primarily on invertebrates although plant material is often ingested by this indiscriminate bottom <br />feeder. Spawning occurs in the spring in moving water with a gravel substrate although some <br />reproduction occurs in lakes and ponds as well (Woodling 1985). <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />Fathead minnows, like the white suckers, are native to the east slope of Colorado but <br />have expanded their range to both sides of the divide via accidental plant and are now found <br />nearly throughout the state. Fathead minnows are very tolerant of a wide range of <br />environmental conditions such as high temperatures, high nutrient concentrations, low dissolved <br />oxygen, and high turbidity. In streams, fathead minnows are most often found along under cut <br />banks or in backwater areas where there is little or no current. Fatheads are herbivorous. They <br />are very prolific; spawning in late spring when water temperatures reach 65 degrees (F) and <br />continuing until September or until water temperatures exceed 85 degrees (F). The young grow <br />very rapidly and can reach sexual maturity by the end of the first summer (Woodling 1985). <br /> <br />Rioarian System and Wetlands <br /> <br />Dr. Cooper's report (see APPENDIX C) details his findings regarding the existing <br />riparian ecosystem of the Little Dry Creek corridor. His studies were limited to the corridor <br />within the CGY since he was retained under a contract with the CGV. The DOW cooperated <br />in his studies in the data collection and analysis phases. The DOW has reviewed his report and <br />concurs with his findings. <br /> <br />A review of his report will yield a conclusion that the groundwater system that supports <br /> <br />e <br />