Senior Project Advisor

Bodensteiner, Leo R., 1957-

Document Type

Project

Publication Date

Spring 2016

Keywords

Lake Whatcom, Tributaries, Cutthroat trout, Stream habitat, Austin Creek, Anderson Creek, Smith Creek, Olsen Creek, Beaver Creek, Riparian zone

Abstract

The tributaries of Lake Whatcom, Austin/Beaver, Anderson, Olsen, and Smith Creeks, provide essential habitat for many fish species native to the Pacific Northwest. However, development in the watershed has contributed to habitat alterations and even degradation of habitat quality. In this report, fish abundance and diversity, and habitat quality is compared both temporally, and among different streams. Anderson Creek was found to have the greatest species diversity. Cutthroat trout was the most abundant fish at each stream throughout the study period and was observed at every study site. Restoration recommendations for each stream were aimed at supporting existing native fish populations primarily by improving bank stability and restoring riparian zones. Future management plans should take into account the current and historical fish populations in the watershed and consider the recommendations identified within this report.

Department

Environmental Sciences

Subjects - Topical (LCSH)

Fish populations--Washington (State)--Whatcom, Lake, Watershed; Fish habitat improvement--Washington (State)--Whatcom, Lake, Watershed; Stream health--Washington (State)--Whatcom, Lake, Watershed

Geographic Coverage

Whatcom, Lake, Watershed (Wash.)

Genre/Form

student projects; term papers

Type

Text

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

Rights Statement

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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