WSP04463

• File Number: 8460.500
• Description: Platte River Recovery Plan
• Basin: South Platte
• Date: 6/1/1997
• Author: Colo Div of Wildlife
• Title: Inventory and Status of South Platte River Native Fishes in Colorado
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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counties was conducted within a Master of Science research project, and sampling sites more
closely duplicated the sampling locations in Propst (1982).

Field sampling methods
At each sample site, a Level 1 survey form was completed and a photographic record
made, even ifthe site was dry at the time of the visit (Appendix A). At wet sites, fish were
sampled from all habitats present at each site using seining, backpack electrofishing, bank-
mounted electrofishing, or a combination of these methods. Each sampling site was 100-300 m in
length in order to include all macro-habitat types (e.g., run, riffle, pool) within the general stream
reach. All location and physical habitat data collected at a sample site was consistent with the
data requirements of the 1992 CDOW Stream Survey Level 2 form and the supplemental habitat
form (Appendix A). Fish species data requirements in the Level 2 form were completed for all
species that could be identified in the field. Notes were also taken on general habitat quality,
riparian and aquatic vegetation, and instream cover. A voucher collection of 5 to 10 various-sized
specimens was collected for all identifiable species for each hydrographic unit (hydrounit).
Specimens that could not be confidently identified in the field were preserved in 10 percent
formalin in labeled plastic containers for identification in the laboratory. Labels included stream,
date, township, range, section location, Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates and
station number in order to be clearly linked with a completed survey site data form. Water quality
samples were collected at each site, and submitted to the CDOW Habitat Resources Section for
analysis under a separate study. Data from selected water quality parameters were subsequently
provided for analyses of associations of water quality with fish species presence.

Historic data compilation
Distributional and abundance data from published reports and museum records of
ichthyofaunal surveys in the South Platte basin were compiled and formatted into computerized
dBase files (Bestgen et al. 1995), and combined with existing CDOW stream inventory data. Fish
collection sites were mapped and digitized to obtain UTM coordinates. Species distribution and
abundance over the period of data collection were mapped using a computerized geographic
information system (ESRI 1996). The period of record for these data started in 1900.

Data analyses for species associations
A wide array of approaches exist to categorize, classifY, and analyze fish community
structure or species associations. The best of these approaches utilize long-term data sets to
determine fish community stability and persistence both spatially and temporally (Hansen and
Ramm 1994). Future analyses will attempt to incorporate longer-term population trend and water
quality information as it is available. The statistical analyses and interpretations which follow
were intended as a preliminary look at the South Platte fish sample data at a generalized
community level. The primary objectives were to identifY species associations based on sample
site data which could be used as "management units," and compare habitat measurements sampled
at each sample site to the "requirements" of the species comprising each group. The results might
then point toward possible management or recovery strategies and future research needs.

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