Hydrology And Predictive Model Of Headwater Streams And The Groundwater/Surface Water Interactions Supporting Brook Trout Habitat In Northeast Ohio
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The hydrology and hydrogeology of a set of eight cold-water streams in Lake and Geauga Counties in northeast Ohio were evaluated in order to develop a new predictive model for the successful introduction of native Ohio brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). The model may be used to assess future sites for potential introduction of this threatened species. A field study was conducted from February 2009 to May 2010 in streams where the brook trout had been previously introduced. These streams were good candidates for study because four had been designated successful, two variable, and two failed in terms of the brook trout’s ability to flourish by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The field study examined the groundwater/surface water interaction in the hyporheic zones, ecologically important areas where brook trout build their spawning beds, known as redds. To improve on the current model of brook trout introduction, and subsequent habitat suitability index (HSI), this study determines if there is a relationship between the temporal and spatial variability of groundwater input into the stream’s hyporheic zone, and successful, variable or non-successful outcome of brook trout introduction. Nested minipiezometers at the riffle head and tail allowed the study of the water quality, hydrogeology, stable isotopes (δ18O, δD), soils, and ultimately determined the source of coldwater input to the streams. Benthic macroinvertebrates and ostracodes were analyzed to assess the biological integrity of the stream.
Factors found to be significant in successful Ohio trout populations were hydrology of the streams, including low discharge (Q<0.13-0.51 ft3/s), and hydrogeology of the aquifer, most importantly, a high hydraulic conductivity of the headwaters (K>100 gpd/ft2). Key features of successful streams include high percent canopy cover (40%-55%) or high percent instream cover (18%-37%), and a high number of benthic macroinvertebrate cold-water taxa (10-16 species). A long-term water temperature study over both winter and summer seasons (successful stream yearly average hyporheic water temperature 4.6°C-17.2°C and surface water temperature 0.3°C-18.0°C) is recommended prior to introduction. Successful streams are part of an ecologically sensitive “surface system”, and should be protected in the headwaters of streams sustaining the brook trout population.
Document number: kent1301618586
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1301618586
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