v
E* r\ a csrjs CT, n
.-NfAL
May 1971
San Francisco, Californi
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Biology- Microbiology
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Page
LIST OF TABLES " ii
LIST OF FIGURES iii
ABSTRACT.- 1
I. INTRODUCTION 2
General 2
Acknowledgements 2
II. .CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 3
Conclusions 3
Recommendations 3
III. STUDY DESCRIPTION 4
Description of Study Area 4
Methods "."..'..". 8
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 10
Plankton 10
Chlorophyll 10
Algal Growth Potential 14
Aquatic Vegetation '. 14
- Benthic Invertebrates 18
Microbiology 31
Further Notes 31
LITERATURE CITED : . . 32
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LIST OF TABLES
Table
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
INTERAGENCY COOPERATIVE STUDY MIDDLE FORK
FEATHER RIVER BASIN STATIONS
PLANKTONIC ALGAE
IN SITU CHLOROPHYLL A
ALGAL GROWTH POTENTIAL
VISIBLE ALGAL GROWTHS AND AQUATIC PLANTS
PERCENT ABUNDANCE.OF BENTHIC,ALGAE ,
BENTHIC INVERTEBRATES ,
Page
- 6
11
12
17
19
20
22
BENTHIC INVERTEBRATES (PERCENT OCCURRENCE
BY MAJOR GROUPS) 27
BACTERIOLOGICAL RESULTS,
32
11
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1 BIOLOGY STATIONS ~ Map 5
2 BENTHIC INVERTEBRATE SAMPLING TECHNIQUE 9
3 IN SITU CHLOROPHYLL A, September 1970 13
4 ALGAL GROWTH POTENTIAL, September 1970 15
5 ALGAL GROWTH POTENTIAL, SAN JOAQUIN RIVER
TRIBUTARIES 16
6 NUMBER OF KINDS OF BENTHIC INVERTEBRATES ... 29
7 NUMBER OF INVERTEBRATES PER SQUARE FOOT 30
ill
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ABSTRACT
An aquatic biological and microbiological survey was
conducted during September 1970 on Middle Fork Feather River,
California at the request of the California State Water Quality
Control Board. The baseline information gained will enable
the Board to establish water quality standards for Middle
Fork Feather River which has been designated by the U. S.
Congress as a National Wild and Scenic River. The study
includes a biological assessment of the plankton, aquatic
plants, attached algae, benthic invertebrates, in situ
chlorophyll and algal growth potential, and an assay of
selected bacterial pollution-indicators within the area.
Information on chemical and physical parameters is being
collected by the U. S. Geological Survey and the California
Department of Water Resources. The condition of the biota
and the areas of suspected bacterial contamination are docu-
mented. A follow-up monitoring program is recommended if
increased development of Sierra Valley or that area upstream
of the valley endangers planned recreational uses.
T
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I. INTRODUCTION
GENERAL
In 1968, under provisions of P. L. 90-542, Congress
designated the Middle Fork Feather River as part of the
National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and assigned the
U. S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, responsi-
bility for administering management of the River. The
Plumas National Forest and the California State Water
Quality Control Board requested technical assistance from
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), formerly Federal
Water Quality Administration (FWQA) , to conduct a baseline
study of biological and microbiological parameters of the
River. Data developed by this survey will assist the Board
in setting water quality standards.
An Interagency Cooperative Study Committee was formed
representing the Forest Service, Geological Survey, EPA,
California Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control
.Board, California Department of Water Resources, and Plumas
County to coordinate a joint study of the Middle Fork
Feather River system. The Forest Service coordinated the
study; Geological Survey and California Department of Water
Resources were responsible for collecting water samples and
making physical measurements on the River, and 'Plumas County
was responsible for public health.
As a part of its assigned responsibility the EPA con-
ducted a biological and microbiological field study on the
Middle Fork Feather River system on September 14-16, 1970,
to obtain water quality evaluation and background data for
water quality management. A description of the study and
results obtained are.presented.in this report.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Field sampling and laboratory analyses were conducted
by: Helen M. Johnson, Biological Aide (coliform assays);
Albert Katko, Aquatic Biologist (algae); W. Arthur Noble,
Biological Technician (invertebrates); Robert E. Peterson,
Physical Science Technician (sample collection); Kathleen
G. Shimmin, Supervisory Microbiologist (coliform assays).
This report was prepared under the direction of William C.
Johnson, Supervisory Aquatic Biologist.
- 2 -
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II. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
CONCLUSIONS
1. As reflected by the biota, water quality, of Middle
Fork Feather River and sampled tributaries appears to be
best at Milsap Bar, the sampling station furthest downstream.
2. Advanced eutrophication in Sierra Valley is indicated
by various biological parameters: planktonic cell counts,
submerged dense aquatic weed beds, and the kinds and number
of benthic invertebrates.
3. The Recreation Zone (Sierra Valley) is characterized
by large total, populations of organisms and by particular
organisms common to slow-flowing streams containing organic
materials. Conversely, the River downstream of Sierra Valley
contains fewer total organisms and a greater variety of those
species indicating a cclean water environment.
4. Total and fecal coliform bacteria were measured at
all stations sampled. Total coliform levels ranged from
350- 2700/100 ml; fecal coliforms ranged from 20-380/100 ml.
Although some fecal-coliform levels were indicative of possible
contamination, the high total coliform counts seem due to
soil organisms of nonfecal origin.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Biological studies should be repeated every two years
to record any changes in the aquatic environment that could
be related to violations of water quality standards. Micro-
biological surveys should be made annually during periods
of low streamflow to pin-point sources of contamination.
Since there are plans to develop large recreation tracts
in and above Sierra Valley, these activities should be
monitored and follow-up surveys made to determine whether
or not water quality has deteriorated and violations of water
quality standards have occurred.
III. STUDY DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA
The Middle Fork Feather River is located on the west-
ern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and flows west
- 3 -
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from Sierra Valley 108 miles to Oroville Reservoir. As
depicted in Figure 1, the River can be divided into five
portions: a Recreation Zone, two Scenic Zones, and two Wild
River Zones.
Sierra Valley, in the heart of the Recreation Zone,
is a sparsely populated area containing farms and cattle
ranches. It is approximately 18 miles long and 12 miles
wide with an elevation of about 5000 feet. Numerous creeks
meander throughout the valley in a profusion of small,
interconnected waterways which are part of a developed irri-
gation system. These waterways join to make a river near
the town of Beckwourth. The Davis and Frenchman Reservoirs,
just upstream of Sierra Valley, discharge controlled releases
into the river system. Portola, (population 1820) in Sierra
Valley, is the largest community in the drainage. Collected
sewage from the town is treated in lagoons located just up-
stream of Delleker, a sampling station, and the treated
effluent slowly returns to the river via seepage.
The River flows from Sierra Valley to Glio, 'turns north-
west, passes through Mohawk Valley, then bends southwest
and flows into the Middle Fork Feather River Canyon near
Sloat. Downstream from Sloat the Spring Garden Railroad
Tunnel marks the beginning of the English Bar Scenic River
Zone, an area which extends about six miles to Nelson Creek.
The Upper Canyon Wild River Zone, starting at Nelson
Creek, extends about 28 miles, passing through Devil and
Franklin Canyons to an area upstream of Devil's Gulch. The
next section, Milsap Bar Scenic River Zone, stretches about
four miles to a point below Milsap Bar Campground. The
second Wild River Zone, Bald Rock Canyon, includes the remain-
ing downstream portion of the River to its entry into Lake
Oroville at a 900 foot elevation. Over 90 perma'nent and
temporary tributary streams drain into the Middle Fork Feather
from its headwaters,, and these additional waters increase
the flow of the River from 4 cfs at Beckwourth to 159 cfs
at Milsap Bar during the study.
The Interagency Cooperative Study Committee selected
38 sampling stations (Table I). Biological sampling was
performed at 10 stations and microbiology at 18 of the
selected stations. This limitation was determined by the
Committee on the basis of the need for biological and micro-
biological information..
METHODS
Bacterial samples assayed for total- and fecal-coliform
- 4 -
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M ilsoo Bar
Sceni c
River
Zone
Frenchman
Recreational
River
Zone
Upper Canyon
Wild River
Zone
Bald Rock Canyon
Wild River Zone
Sferra Valley
( Miisap ' SA\
River
Location
LOCATION
MAP
La fie
Or o viHe
0 ? 4 6 8 10 12
. ,", 1 . k
ฎ Oroville
Figure I. B 10LOGY 'STATIONS. -
' MIDDLE FORK FEATHER RIVER
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION \X
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TABLE I
Interagency Cooperative Study
Middle Fork Feather River Basin - Stations
Station
Number
1-T
2
5-T
Name
Location
9-1
10-11
13
15-T
18
19-T
20
21
22
23-T
Little Last Chance Creek north
of Chilcoot
Middle Fork Feather River at
Summit School
Tributary to Middle Fork
Feather River off Marble Lane
Middle Fork Feather River at
Beckwourth
11-3921, Middle Fork Feather
River near Portola
11-3922, Middle Fork Feather
River at Delleker
"Middle Fork Feather River
above Willow Creek
Sulfur Creek near mouth
Middle"" Fork Feather River
below Graeagle Creek
Graeagle Creek near mouth
Middle Fork Feather River
above Smith Creek
Smith Creek near mouth
Middle Fork Feather River
above Jamison Creek
Jamison Creek near mouth
23N/16E-10NE1/4
23N/16E-33NE1/4
22N/15E-18NE1/4
23N/14E-27NE1/4
23N/14E-29NW1/4
22N/13E-3NE1/4
22N/13E-30NW1/4
22N/12E-25SE1/4
22N/12E-15SE1/4
22N/12E-15SE1/4
22N/12E-9SE1/4
22N/12E-9SE1/4
23N/12E-31NE1/4
23N/12E-30SE1/4
- 6 -
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TABLE I. (Continued)
Station
Number
26-T
27.5-III
28
32
37-IV
Name
Location
Long Valley Creek near mouth
at railroad bridge
11-3933, Middle Fork Feather
River below Long Valley Creek
at Sloat
Middle Fork Feather River at
Nelson Point Bridge
Middle Fork Feather River
below Cleghorn Bar (3/4 mile)
11-3945, Middle Fork Feather
River near Merrimac (Mil-
sap Bar)
23N/11E-15NE1/4
23N/11E-10SW1/4
23N/10E-15NW1/4
23N/9E-30SW1/4
21N/6E-2NE1/4
- 7 -
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counts were collected by four teams. One of these teams
used a helicopter to gather samples in otherwise in-
accessible areas and also to reduce travel time. A mobile
laboratory used for performing bacteriological tests was
based at the Forest Service's Mohawk Ranger Station near
the midsection of the River. Methods used were in accordance
with those described in the 12th Edition of STANDARD METHODS
with the following modifications: samples were iced in
transit; membrane filter method was employed using mEndo
and mFC agars; samples were replicated in triplicate; all
samples were processed within five hours after collection.
Biological samples were collected to determine the
phytoplankton, periphyton, chlorophyll, algal growth potential
(AGP) levels as well as the number of benthic invertebrates
in the River. Phytoplankton samples were collected in
1-liter plastic bottles filled in midstream just below the
surface of the water and preserved in 4% formalin. Periphy-
ton samples were collected by scraping rocks, twigs, and
other fixed objects and then preserved in 4% formalin.
Chlorophyll samples were obtained .by filtering 500 ml of
water, collected just below the surface, through a Watman GF/C
filter, which then was placed in a desiccator jar and frozen
with dry ice. AGP samples were collected in 1-gallon glass
bottles filled in midstream just below the surface of the
water. The samples were then stored in cool, dark containers.
Benthic invertebrate samples were collected on a 1-1/2 ft.
x 3 ft. hand screen with 0.5 mm openings (Figure 2). Rocks
and gravel in a 4 square foot area were brushed and roiled
causing organisms present to break loose and become trapped
on the screen. The trapped material was washed into a
large bucket and the screen process repeated several times
at different depths, flows, and substrates, so that all
habitats at each station were sampled. The bucket's contents
were then poured through a US-35 sieve (0.495 mm openings);
residue was placed into wide-mouth quart jars and pre-
served in 10% formalin.
In the laboratory, biological samples were processed
in accordance with previous procedures in Water Quality and
Aquatic Biology East Fork Kaweah River, FWQA, Pacific
Southwest Region, August 1969. There were exceptions to
the previous work: some invertebrate samples were frac-
tioned and a subsample removed; all organisms were picked
from the aliquot and sorted as to kind. In some cases, be-
cause of high numbers certain organisms required further
subsampling. Stirring was used to insure uniformity in
subsamples.
-8 -
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Figure- 2. Benthic Invertebrate sampling technique.
I - 9 -
7 *
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IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In a water quality survey the nature of the stream
biota is catalogued, since it reflects any change in the
environment. The Middle Fork Feather River is similar to
the Pit and Klamath Rivers. All three originate in the high
desert regions containing volcanic soil, sage brush and
Ponderosa Pine, they then meander slowly through valleys
4000 to 5000 feet high used for cattle-grazing and hay
production. The rivers then plunge through steep canyons.
Here the flows are enlarged, by springs and tributary streams
containing water low in dissolved solids and nutrients. The
biota which was collected and examined during this study
reflects these conditions in the Middle Fork Feather River.
PLANKTON
In general, swift-flowing mountain rivers such as the
Middle Fork Feather River do not support a significant
plankton population. It was found, however, that in the
areas of the Recreation Zones where the River was slow-
flowing or downstream of a slowly-flowing reach, large
numbers of planktonic algae were found (Table II).
Algal counts were highest at Beckwourth, Delleker, and
Sloat (Stations 7, 10-11, and 27.5-III). Beckwourth and
Delleker are below pooled areas which can develop individual-
istic blooms; this fact was reflected by the abundance of
green algae and flagellates found. The predominant plank-
tonic alga at Sloat was a diatom, Epithemia. This organism
was also dominant among the benthic algae.On the tribu-
tary streams the algal counts were highest at Sulfur Creek,
which also had a high proportion of green flagellates.
CHLOROPHYLL
Chlorophyll samples were used to quantify the plank-
tonic algae. Since the amount of chlorophyll varies with
the kind of algae and its physiological state, a close
correlation between chlorophyll and the cell count does not
exist. If only chlorophyll data are examined, there appears
to be little significant difference between the stations
above the confluence of Graeagle Creek and those located
downstream, even though there is a trend toward decreasing
chlorophyll concentration (Table III, Figure 3). Sulfur
Creek, a tributary, had the highest observed level of chloro-
phyll. This was possibly due to the large concentration of
green flagellates.
- 10 -
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TABLE II. PLANKTONIC ALGAE MIDDLE FORK-FEATHER RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
September 15, 1970
Stations 2 7 9-1 10-11 18 27.5-III 37-IV 15-T 19-T 26-T
Green
Ankistrodesmus
Closteriopsis .
Kirchneriella
Scenedesmus
Staurastrum
Tetraedron
Tetrastrum
Blue- Green
Anabaena
Oscillatoria
Green Flagellates
Carteria
' Chlamydomonas
Euglena
Other Pigmented
Flagellates
Cryptomonas
Gymnodinium
Diatoms
Achnanthes
Cocconeis
Cyclotella
Cymbella
Epithemia
Fragilaria
Melosira
Navicula
Nitzschia
Rhopalodia
Stephanodiscus
Synedra
32
16
16
32
48
132
32
64
160
32
32
64
320 48
16
160
192 16
288 63
960
16
32
48
16
16
16
16
16 .
' 16
32
111
79
16
48
16
16
32
127
32
16
32
32 16
32
16 48
16
48
32
16
16
48
143
16
16
63
32
32
-
16
TOTAL per ml. . 144 2436 143 334 159 255 48 415 159 16
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TABLE III
IN SITU CHLOROPHYLL A
MIDDLE FORK FEATHER RIVER
September 17, 1970
Stations ug a/1
Summit School 1.26
Beckwourth 1.86
Near Portola 2.16
Delleker 1.80
Sulfur Creek 3.18
Graeagle Creek 0.42
Below Graeagle Creek 0.90
Long Valley Creek ; 0.30
Sloat 0.39
Milsap Bar 0.27
- 12 -
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ALGAL GROWTH POTENTIAL (AGP)
The algal growth assays indicate high growth poten-
tials at Beckwourth and Sloat (Stations 7 and 27.5-III).
The maximum AGP occurred at Sloat and the minimum occurred
at Milsap Bar (Station 37-IV, Table IV). The Beckwourth
sample reached its highest growth far in advance of the
other samples. This might be due to a higher initial
quantity of indigenous algae. Figure 4 illustrates a chloro-
phyll response from the Sloat assay which is almost 10 times
that of other "samples. To place this data in perspective,
Figure 5 shows the algal-growth-assay studies from three San
Joaquin Valley rivers with different degrees of eutrophy. The
AGP method of evaluation of water quality assesses the im-
pact of nutrients on a water supply, and has been employed
previously as a parameter in the interstate water quality
standards for Lake Tahoe (Bain, 1969).
AQUATIC .VEGETATION ' ' *"""
Aquatic vegetation other than planktonic algae and
periphyton flora included the visible algal growths and
aquatic plants. Identifications by station are shown in
Table V. The only plants collected were those either com-
pletely or partially submerged in the water, i.e., with
either their stems, leaves, or flowers above the water or
floating on the surface. Plants such as willows, sedges, .
and alders growing along the River's edge were not col-
lected. . '
Visible growths of filamentous algae and aquatic plants
in a riverbed indicate nutrient enrichment. Near Portola
and below Graeagle Creek (Stations 9-1 and 18), submerged
beds of buttercups, Ranunculas cincinatus, were found.
The beds ranged in size from 50 to 100 feet long and 10 to
50 feet wide and covered almost half of the river surface
at the riffles sampled. A moss, Fissidens, was found
clinging to the rocks near Portola (Station 9-1) and
covered more than 80 percent of all cobble-size rocks
in the riffle. At Beckwourth (Station 7), the pond lily,
Nuphar polysepalum, and narrow-leaved cattail, Typha,
were collected. These plants are indicative of nutrient-
rich, slow-flowing water or ponds, and their occurrence
suggests the river level has a small annual fluctuation
and could receive nutrients from irrigation runoff. There
was little visible aquatic vegetation at Sloat and Milsap
Bar (Stations 27.5-III and 37-IV). The geomorphology
suggests that the River's velocity and annual fluctua-
tion here is too large to provide a suitable habitat for
these plants.
-14 -
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90
80
70
60
50
I 40
' ' 0- .
i O
:. O
X
O
30
20
A Summit School -2
X Delleker-IOJL
e SI oat.-27.5
Mil sap Bar37J5E
TIME-DAYS
Figure 4. ALGAL GROWTH POTENTIAL
SEPT. 1970
MIDDLE FORK FEATHER RIVER
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION IX
- 15 - ;
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Tuolumne River Mouth
Stanislaus River
Merced River
Mouth
0 2
4 6
TIME
8 10 12 .f\t
- DAYS
r:<;,-s. ALGAL GROWTH POTENTIAL
Figure 5. SAN JOAQUIN RIVER TRIBUTARIES
MJDDLE FORK FEATHER RIVER
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
- REGION IX
- 16 -
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TABLE IV
ALGAL GROWTH POTENTIAL
CHLOROPHYLL A ug/1
MIDDLE FORK FEATHER RIVER
Days Incubated
Station Name
i
Summit School
Beckwourth
Near Portola
Delleker
Sulfur Creek
Graeagle Creek
Below Graeagle
Creek
Long Valley
Creek
Sloat
Mil sap Bar
0
1.20
14.16
2.55
4.08
.2.76
0.33
1.77
0.45
2.82
0.60 .
2
1.50
31.80
5.25
3.90
6.30
0.51
4.20
/*
0.36
4.05
0.84
5
2.16
25.89
3.57
1.71
4.68
1.50
1.59
0.45
3.36.
1.35
7
1.77
10.89
2.52
1.47
2.79
1.06
2.40
0.45
5.67
0.84
9
2.82
6.75
2.52
1.29
3.06
1.17
6.00
0.72
21.75
0.69
11
7.5
11.85
2.37
1.68
15.00
1.44
2.40
2.46
36.60
0.96 .
13
11.55
14.10
2.64
4.44
28.20
2.31
2.04
1.17
84.00
2.13
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The visible algae, shown in Table V, grew in beds or
various sized patches which generally occupied the entire
stream bed. Vivid green beds of Cladophora'were present in
the shallow, swift flowing waters at Beckwourth and Delleker,
and also below the confluence of Graeagle Creek (Stations
9-1, 10-11, and 26-T). Spirogyra was more common in the still
waters or pooled areas. Visible beds of filamentous blue-
greens were not common, and were primarily confined to a few
rocks coated with organic sediment. Only at Graeagle Creek were
slime growths formed by diatoms, and these were in a nearly
stagnant pooled area containing recently decomposed organic
sediment. Stations within and downstream of the Scenic River
Zone were devoid of any macro-growths of algae.
Table VI lists, by percent abundance, the microscopic
forms of benthic algae (periphyton flora) that were common
to each station. The benthic algae were primarily diatoms
and filamentous blue-greens. The percentages listed indicate
relative abundance only, since quantitativeness based on
population density is not practical or representative of
single samples, of this type. Benthic algae were found at
all stations, but the percentage composition indicates that
coccoid greens, filamentous greens, coccoid blue-greens, and
filamentous blue-greens were only found at stations in Sierra
Valley and at the sampled tributaries. Diatoms were
found at all localities sampled. Some of the diatoms identi-
fied in this study, such as Gomphoneis and Gomphonema, have
also been found at Lake Tahoe where they are considered
a nuisance due to their massive slime growths on piers and
rocks. Other diatoms collected, i.e., Navicula, Nitzschia,
and Synedra, are associated with slime growths and are
generally common to the Tahoe Basin.
BENTHIC INVERTEBRATES
Over 109,000 benthic invertebrate ogranisms were
collected during the study and 110 different kinds were
identified. Table VIII, percent occurrence by major taxo-
nomic groups, indicates that the mayfly, caddisfly, and
stonefly groups which are highly sensitive to the quality
of water, constitute over 60 percent of the invertebrate
populations at all stations except Summit School and Beck-
wourth (Stations 2 and 7). Segmented roundworms, pollution
tolerant invertebrates, constituted over 96 percent of the
invertebrate populations at Summit School, and 37 percent at
Beckwourth. Only low proportions were found at all other
stations.
. Since roundworms, as organic-detritus feeders (Pennak,
1953) , are strongly influenced by the amount of organic
. - . - 18 -
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Station
Number
TABLE V
VISIBLE ALGAL GROWTHS AND AQUATIC PLANTS COLLECTED
MIDDLE FORK FEATHER RIVER
September 1970
Algae
Aquatic Plants
10
I
2
7
9-1
10-11
15-T
18
19-T
26-T
27.5-III
37-IV
Oedogdnium (filamentous green)
Cladophora (filamentous green)
Spirogyra (filamentous green)
Spirogyra (filamentous green)
Cladophora (filamentous green)
Oedogonium (filamentous green)
Oscillatoria (filamentous
blue-green)
Cladophora (filamentous green)
Nostoc (filamentous blue-green)
Potamegeton sp. (pond weed)
Anacharis canadensis (Elodea)
Glyceria leptostachya (grass)
Typha angustifolia (cattail)
Nuphar polysepalum (waterlily) .
Anacharis canadensis (Elodea)
Fissidens sp.(moss)
Ranunculus circinatus (buttercup)
Anacharis canadensis (Elodea)
Ranunculus circinatus (buttercup)
Nasturtium officinale (cress)
Lemna trisulca (duckweed)
Lemna minor (duckweed)
Veronica beccabunga (speedwell)
Glycerfa" sp. (grass)
Ranunculus circinatus (buttercup)
Epilobium californicum (willow herb)
Tribonema (filamentous green)
Cymbella (diatom)
Spirogyra (filamentous green)
Oscillatoria (filamentous blue-green)
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TABLE VI. PERCENT ABUNDANCE OF BENTHIC ALGAE - MIDDLE FORK FEATHER RIVER
September 15, 1970
Stations: 2 7 9-1 10-11 15-T 18 19-T 26-T 27.5-III 37-IV
Coccoid Green
Ankistrodesmus
Closterium
Cosmarium
Pediastrum
Scenedesmus
Filamentous Green
Basicladia
Spirogyra
Tribonema
Coccoid Blue-Green
Aggmenellum
0
( Filamentous Blue-Green
Calothrix
Nostoc
Oscillatoria
Typothrix
Diatoms
Achnanthes lanceolata
minutissima
Amphipleura pellucida
Amphora ovalls
Cocconeis placentula
Cyclotella bodanica
meneghiniana
Cymbella affinis
sinnuata
tumida
ventricosa
ป
1
*
3
*
*
*
*
2
- 5
- - *
'ป.
_ * *
ซ _ *
- - 5 12
2
" t-
5
5
"" D * .
71 -
_ * ^
* *
? ^ซ
2
4 *
1
^ . ^*
ป ซM
" - 16
47
2
_ *
3 13
_ *
3
_ *
-------
TABLE VI,
Stations :
PERCENT ABUNDANCE OF BENTHIC ALGAE (Continued)
7 9-1 10-11 15-T 18 19-T 26-T 27.5-III
37-IV
Diatoms (continued)
Diatoma vulgare
Diplioneis smithii
Epithemia sorex
turgida
Fragilaria construens
Gomphoneis herculeana
Gomphonema intricatum
lanceolatum
longiceps
parv lum
Gyrosigma acuminatum
Navicula bac ilium
cryptocephala
decussis
> gracilis
' pupula
radiosa
salinarium
sps .
Nitzschia amphibia
dissipata
filiformis
fonticola
holsatica
kutzingiana
pelea
sps.
Rhicosephenia curvata
Rhopalodia gibba
Surirella elegans
Synedra rumpens
ulna
vaucherae
6
1
*
* -
5
36
*
*
27
7
3
*
*
7
4
8
3
4
2
7
'*
20
2
5
*
2
5
11
2
7
2
75
*
3 '
2
*
2
2
*
*
2
*
9
5
*
12
*
*
*
3
*
6
*
*
*
2 _
16
1
* _
4 2
* _
3
* * _
10 2
* _
2
7
5
5
* _
f\ ^
* .
* _
3 *
2.
*
61
6
1
*
*
*
*
1
*
1 .
1
5
*
83
4
*
7
*
1
2
3
22
*
*
*
*
5 '
*
5
1
2
1
3
*
3
4
*
1
*
1
4
i
* occurred at less than 1 percent.
-------
TABLE VII.
BENTHIC INVERTEBRATES -.MIDDLE FORK FEATHER RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
September 14-16, 1970
STATIONS:
f " '
'
Taxa ;
FLATWORMS (TURBELLARIA)
Planariidae
. SEGMENTED ROUNDWORMS (OLIGOCHAETA)
LEECHES (HIRUDINEA)
SCUDS (AMPHIPODA)
Ganunarus
'. Hyalella
CRAYFISH (ASTACIDAE)
Pacifastacus
; WATER MITES (HYDRACARINA)
, INSECTS (INSECTA)
'M Mayflies (Ephemeroptera)
10 Ameletus
i Baetis
Centroptilum
Cenygmula
Ephemerella delantala
Ephemerella doddsi
Ephemerella inermis/infrequens
Ephemerella micheneri/velmae
Ephemerella spinifera
Ephemerella tibialis
Heptagenia
Iron
Ironodes
: . Isonychia velma
.-/Paraleptophlebia helena
, . Paraleptophlebia sp.
..' ; * Rhithrogena
C- !> Siphlonurus
'. .. / Tricorythodes
: Middle Fork Feather River (Flow
: : : : : : 27 .5 ;
; 2 : 7 : 9^1 : 10-11 i 18 :-III :
2468
1
1
3
3
7
1
1
9
11
224 21
1
1 5
2
4 231
2
5
3 28
2
9
3
1
215
5
5
7
29
1
214
21
9
95
1
4
6
2
3
8
25
11
2
14
1
157
,
1
1
2
2
3
6
1
}t
t
t i
t i
:37-IV;
11
.1
174
2
1
2
1
15.
2
2
1
36
: Tributaries
>
: 15-T: 19-T: 26-T
3
1
88
1
8
1
4
1
1
7
10
23
1
4
:.' '
1 .
11
31 i '
10 ;
8 : :
1
1
22
1
. 1 .
. . 1 , ..;
3
28
2
5
2
2
2
22
2
-------
TABLE VII.
BENTHIC INVERTEBRATES (Continued)
STATIONS:
Taxa
Middle Fork Feather River (Flow ) : Tributaries
* 2 7 T * * * *
2:7: 9-1 :10-II: 18 :-III :37-IV: 15-T: 19-T: 26-T
Dragonflies (anisoptera)
Ophiogomphus occidentis
Ophiogomphus severus
Damselfliesfzygoptera)
Hyponeura
Moths(Lepidoptera)
Parargyractis
Beetles (Coleoptera)
Long-Toed Water Beetles
(Dryopidae)
Helichus
Riffle Beetles (Elmidae)
Ampumixis
Optioservus
Ordobrevia
Rhizelmis
Zaitzevia
Water Pennies
Eubrianax
(Psephenidae)
Psephenus
True Flies (Diptera)
Crane Flies (Tipulidae)
Antocha
Dicranota
Hexatoma
Limonia~
Ulomorpha
Moth Flies (Psychodidae)
Telmatoscopus
Net-Winged Midges
(Blephariceridae)
Black Flies (Simuliidae)
True Midges (Chironomidae)
Brillia
Cardiocladius
1 i .
! 3 . ___
._ 8 1
5 i ,.__ ___
___ ___ x 2
._ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ' ___ ___ ___ i
- 10 3 20 6 26 31 2 11
6 4 5 14
._ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 2
6 7
, ' .. .]_ .
._ 'ฃ.__ ___ ___ 1 ___ 1 _ ___ ___
152332
! i 2 2 76
10 8 5 4 3.'' 3
3 V.'v
1 6 18 2 ' 4
._ __ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ o
4 __
23 41 104 61 36 68 58 13 3
2 .*- ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
3 4 16 17 2 32 11 '
-------
TABLE VIJ. BENTHIC INVERTEBRATES (Continued)
STATIONS:
Taxa
True Midges
(Chironomidae (Continued)
Chironoraus (Cryptochironomus)
sp .
* Chironomus (Tribelos) sp.
Cladotany tarsus
Conchapelopia
Corynoneura
Cricotopus
Diamesa
Eukeifferiella
Metriocnemus
I Micropsectra
to Microtendipes
** Nanocladius
i Orthocladiinae in Nostoc sp.
Orthocladius
Polypedilum
Procladius
Prodiamesa
Pseudochironomus
Rheotany tarsus
Tanytarsus
Thienemanniella
Trichocladius
unidentified pupae
Biting Midges (Ceratopogonidae)
Dasyhelea
Dance Flies (Empididae)
Hemerodromia
Snipe Flies (Rhagionidae)
Atherix variegata
: Middle Fork Feather River (Flow ) : Tributaries
* 2 7 5 * * * *
: 2 : 7 : 9-1 : 10-11: 18 :-III :37-IV: 15-T: 19-T: 26-T
__ 1 A __ __
30 63
___ A ___ ___
11 13 52
1
28 272 19 2
1 2
4 2
___ ___ ___ i
._
1_ _
6 2 16 18
3 3
7 16 8 2
1___ ___ ___
. ,
8
14
4
12
10
9
27
6
2
34
14
15
18
9
25
18
2
23
12
4
18
18
12
1
2
r
2
29
26
1
3
9
35
2
33
2
5
4
4
1
6
86
11
17
19
2
7
5
1
85
1
18
12
42
131
41
8
17
1
44
8
6
21
.
1
5
2
6
15
153
2
27
43
1
1
5
2
-------
TABLE VII. BENTHIC INVERTEBRATES (.Continued)
STATIONS:
: Middle Fork Feather River (Flow
: : : : : :27.5 :
Taxa : 2 : 7 : 9-1 :10-II: 18 :-III :
House Flies (Muscidae)
Stoneflies (Plecoptera)
Acroneuria californica 3
7\ T 1 -.-. , , -k T -
Arcynopteryx (Skwala) sp. 8 1 17
Chloroperlinae (Alloperla , sp.) 1
N) Isoperla - 1
^" T Ql 1 /- +- V 3 ___ __ ___ ___
1 Nemoura (Malenka) sp.
Pteronarcella regularis .
Caddisflies (Trichoptera) "'
Cheumatopsyche 228 103
Glossosoma 1
TT 1" r-.i-.i-, Vi .-.
Hydropsyche ' 12 342 54
Hydroptila 1
Tl 1 A.
Rhyacophila - 1 1
8
10
2
1
1 x
1
69
1
'38
3
19
4
fifi
4
1
2
1
_ i
1
88
2
1
42
1
103
18
2
fi
) :
i <
i i
:37-IV:
10
8
3
1
11
2
1
5
62
3
41
59
17
1
8
2
>*>
: Tributaries
ป
: 15-T: 19-T: 26-T
5
8
9
1
1
12
1
203
1
1
156
324
1
3
i n
7
10
2
2
9
5
2
7
11
1
1
40
18
71
1
1
l R
8
2
3
7
7
16
2
1
12
8
7
116
5
17
-------
TABLE VII.
BENTHIC INVERTEBRATES (Concluded)
STATIONS:
to
a\
Taxa
Alderflies (Sialidae)
Sialis
: Middle Fork Feather River
' *
2:7:9-1 : 10-11: 18
Dobs oinf lies (Corydalidae)
Dysmicohermes crepusculus
SNAILS (GASTROPODA)
Lung Snails (Pulmonata)
Ferrissia
Gyraulus
Lanx
Lymnaea
Physa
Gill Snails (Prosobranchia)
Goniobasis
>
1
2
1
1
2_
-
(Flow
:27.5
1
1
) : Tributaries
:37-IV: 15-T: 19-T: 26-T
1
1
1
1
.
1
-
STATIONS:
total enumerated
fraction of sample
enumerated
computed total in sample
number of field screenings
stream area sampled
in sq. ft.
total number of organisms
per sq . f t .
total number of organisms
identified
number of taxa
: 2
2,560
1/8
20,480
10
0
40
512
768
25
: 7
601
1/32
19,232
5
20
962
433
16
: 9-1
1,025
1/8
8,200
8
32
257
654
29
: 10-11
873
1/16
13,968
10
40
350
877
33
: 18
895
1/16
14,320
10
40
358
895
48
:27.5
711
1/8
5,688
10
40
143
780
47
:37-IV
820
1/6
4,920
10
40
123
847
55
*: 15-T
1,289
1/8
10,312
8
32
323
1,173
50
: 19-T
662
1/8
5,296
5
20
265
769
49
: 26-T
580
1/16
6,960
5
20
348
588
47
-------
TABLE VIII. BENTHIC INVERTEBRATES - MIDDLE FORK FEATHER RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
(PERCENT OCCURRENCE BY MAJOR GROUPS) September 1970
STATIONS:
Taxonomic Group , :
Flatworms (Turbellaria)
Segmented Roundworms (Oligochaeta)
Leeches (Hirudinea)
Scuds (Amphipoda)
Crayfish (Astacidae)
Water Mites (Hydracarina)
Insects (Insecta)
Mayflies (Ephemeroptera)
Stoneflies (Plecoptera)
Caddis flies (Trichoptera)
Alderflies (Sialidae)
, Dobsonflies (Corydalidae)
Dragonflies (Anisoptera)
!^ Damselflies (Zygoptera)
, Moths (Lepidoptera)
Beetles (Coleoptera)
True Flies (Diptera)
Crane Flies (Tipulidae)
Net- Winged Midges
(Blephariceridae )
Moth Flies (Psychodidae)
Black Flies (Simuliidae)
True Midges (Chironomidae)
Biting Midges (Ceratopogonidae)
Dance Flies (Empididae)
Snipe Flies (Rhagionidae)
Horse Flies (Tabanidae)
House Flies (Muscidae)
Snails (Gastropoda)
Middle Fork Feather River (Flow
97 S
ป f* J ~J
2:7: 9-1 :10-II: 18 :-III
96.4
.05
.1
.1
.8
.3
.05
.05
.05
1.8
.05
.05
.1
.1
-
37.2
_
.2
-
1.2
___
.5
-,
"
3.8
56.7
.2
.2
1.1
2.0
.1
.5
.2
25.9
.1
55.7
.1
.8
.5
1.6
_
4.0
7.2
.
.2
.2
1.0
.4
.1
54.5
2.4
18.1
.4
.1.
.1
.4
.1
11.9
10.3
^ *"* *
2.4
1.0
17.5
2.5
45.9
.1
---
2.8
1.5
6.8
19.5
___
ซ ป
-,
2.0
.1
24.2
1.2
37.1
.1
2.3
2.6
5.1
24.8
.1
.3
.1
:37-IV
1.4
-
28.7
4.4
27.3
.1
6.0
3.0
.5
8.3
19.7
.5
.1
: Tributaries
: 15-T: 19-T: 26-T
.2
___
11.4
1.9
55.1
.1
2.5
.7
4.5
23.5
___
.1
.6
.1
12.9
5.7
23.9
.1
.6
2.9
___
2.0
50.1
___
1.1
ป^
11.9
7.9
28.6
.2
_
2.4
2.5
.5
.5
45.2
.3
^m "*""
Total Percent
Number of Organisms
100.00 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
2,560 601 1,025 873 895 711 820 1,289 662 580
-------
material present. Their presence indicates a high stream
bottom concentration of organic matter (detritus and silt
were visually observed during the sampling). It also implies
a continuing deposition of organic material, since replenish-
ment of its food supply is necessary for development and
maintenance of such high populations.
Although environmental factors may modify invertebrate
community structure, a clean and swift flowing stream
normally will support an invertebrate community consisting
of immature insects dominated by the combined numbers of
mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies. Under the influence
of organic pollution the relative abundance of these groups
is reduced. There is a corresponding increase in the
tolerant groups such as segmented roundworms (Mackenthun,
1969).
'O
The invertebrate population densities or number of
organisms per square foot are presented in Table VIII and
Figure 6. The number of organisms per square foot at
Summit School (512) was almost doubled at Beckwourth (962).
These figures indicate enriched conditions in the Sierra
Valley. The stations above Portola, Delleker, and the
tributary streams (Sulfur Creek, Graeagle Creek, and Long
Valley Creek) show moderately high densities (257-358), /
indicating an abundant food source and a moderately high
level of enrichment. Only the Slpat and Milsap Bar stations
(27.5-III, 37-IV) supported the low benthic-invertebrate popula-
tion densities normally associated with a clean, mountain
stream (143 and 123).
The diversity of invertebrates,obtained per station was
low at the Sierra Valley stations, but increased at succes-
sive downstream stations, and attained its highest value at
Milsap Bar (Figure 7). There were 25 species at Summit
School and 16 at Beckwourth. Diversity steadily increased
from 29 species at Portola to 55 species at Milsap Bar,
indicating improving water quality as the River traveled
downstream (Wilber, 1969). The tributaries Sulfur, Graeagle,
and Long Valley Creeks supported highly diverse populations
numbered at 50, 49, and 47, respectively.
At Beckwourth, invertebrate density was high, but
diversity low. This occurrence is a classic response of
invertebrate communities to water pollution (Hynes, 1960).
The very high diversity of invertebrates and low population
densities obtained at Sloat and Milsap Bar follows the
classic response of invertebrate communities to clean water
of high quality.
- 28 -
-------
V)
o
z
5
'e
a
03
z
bO'
5O
4fr
30-
2O
10
0.
fiddle F'ork Feather .R ire r (Flout ป"/ _
e o
.
0 ' . .
o
. ' - - '
-
1 1 I* 1 1 I ' 1
2 7 9X IOJL 18 27.5HL 37.J3E
Trio atari es
., -
.
'
I ll
1ST I9T 26T
Eigure 6.
N UM BER OF KINDS OF
BENTHIC INVERTEBRATES'
MIDDLE FORK FEATHER RIVER
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGfON IX
'
- 29 -
-------
i,<:uu
1,000-
800-
ฃ
S 600-
Ul
CD '
2
=J 400-
200-
o
Middle Fork feather River .(Flo* >/
4>
.-"'
O ' '
0
..0
_ i
* . O 0
i i i i iii
Tributaries
-
.
^
0
o
1 1 I"
Station No. 2
9.1 IO.H 18 27.5nr 37.ur
1ST I9T 26T
Figure 7. NUMBER OF INVERTEBRATES
PER SQUARE FOOT
r
'- MIDDLE FORK FEATHER RIVER
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
. - ;REGION IX
- 30 -
-------
MICROBIOLOGY
The microbiological results of this study are pre-
sented in Table IX. Total coliform levels range from
350- 2700/100 ml; fecal coliforms vary from 20-380/100 ml
Although the total coliform counts were high for many sta-
tions, accompanying high fecal coliform levels ( 200/100 ml)
were noted only at 5-T, tributary to Middle Fork Feather
River off Marble Lane; 15-T, Sulfur Creek near mouth; and
18, Middle Fork Feather River above Graeagle Creek. Since
only one day's sample was gathered for each station, it is
impossible to say whether or not the water exceeds the
EPA-recommended limits for primary-contact recreation, i.e.
five samples over 30-day period shall not exceed a log
mean of 200 fecal coliforms/100 ml. In general, the high
total.coliform levels seem due to soil organisms of non-
fecal origin.
FURTHER NOTES
The results of this study have provided some background
data on the biology and microbiology of the Middle Fork
Feather River area. It has been reported that dense sub-
merged weed growths are present in Lake Davis, a new
reservoir, and that privately-owned lands upstream of the
reservoir and similar lands in Sierra Valley are being sold
for recreational home sites. Limited county planning for
these summer residences has not included collected waste-
water-disposal facilities. Therefore, individual septic
systems are still being used. In the spring, the impacts
of large crowds of fishermen (3000-to-5000 per day) at Davis
Lake and similar numbers at Frenchman Reservoir have
created wastewater-disposal problems. It is suspected
that this is contirbuting to the early eutrophication of
the basin. To temporarily check this problem, Plumas
County has placed a moratorium on new recreational tract
developmnets. However, additional observations and dis-
cussions of proposed development around the headwaters and
its effect on water quality in the Recreation and Scenic
Zones of the River may be useful.
- 31 -
-------
TABLE IX
BACTERIAL RESULTS
MIDDLE FORK FEATHER RIVER
September 1970
Station
Number
1-T
5-T
7
9-1
10-11
13
15-T
18
19-T
20
21-T
22
23-T
26-T
27.5-III
28
32
37-IV
Total Coliform
per 100 ml
760
,1600
2700
1600
1600
1600
1600
1600
1280
2700
1460
1600
350
1500
. "l600
1600
800
1600
Fecal Coliform
per 100 ml
33
370
100
. 33
33
130
380
215
33
67
63
33
33
33
78
33
20
33
- 32 -
-------
LITERATURE CITED
American Public Health Association. Standard Methods for
the Examination of Water and Sewage, 12th Edition. New
York, American Public Health Association, 1965. 769 pp.
Bain, Richard C. Algal Growth Assessments by Fluorescence
Techniques. Berkeley,California,Proceedings of the
Eutrophication-Biostimulation Workshop, June 1969.
Hynes-, H. B. N. The Biology of Polluted Waters. Liver-
pool University Press, 1960. 202 pp^
Mackenthun, Kenneth M. The Practice of Water Pollution
Biology. USDI, FWPCA, Division of Technical Support,
1969. 281 pp.
Pennak, Robert W. Freshwater Invertebrate's of the United
States. Ronald Press Company, 1953. 769 pp.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Federal Water Quality
Administration. "Water Quality and Aquatic Biology
East Fork Kaweah River, Mineral King Area, California."
August 1969.
Wilber, Charles G. The Biological Aspects of Water
Pollution. Charles G. Thomas, 1969. 296 pp.
- 33 -
------- |