Wild Brook Trout Density and Streamflow Classification in Connecticut

Transcription

1 Wild Brook Trout Density and Streamflow Classification in Connecticut Chris Bellucci, Mike Beauchene, Mary Becker, and Neal Hagstrom Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection

2 Overview CT Streamflow Regulations DEP to Revise Regulations in consultation with advisory groups Expands Regulatory Authority to All Streams, Not Just Stocked Streams Recognize natural flow variability while providing for needs of aquatic life, public health, flood control, public utilities, water supply, public safety, agriculture, and other lawful uses of water

3 Overview CT Streamflow Regulations Streamflow Standards How much can you take out? How much do you leave in? Streamflow Classification Set Streamflow Classes for each stream in CT Streamflow Assessment Evaluate which streams are meeting management goals

4 Initial Approach to Assign Streamflow Classes Hydrologic Stressor Index (HSI) A. Existing Land Use B. Existing Permitted and Registered Diversions C. Existing Discharges of Water and Treated Wastewater D. Existing Dams and Reservoir Impoundments A + B + C + D = HSI Value

5 Initial Approach to Assign Streamflow Classes Preliminary Stream Flow Classifications CT HSI Class Class 1 Natural Class 2 Near Natural Class 3 Sufficient

6 Number of Polygons 10 Major Basin 2, Regional Basin 371 Subregional Basin Local Basin 6,845 Basin

7 CT HSI Example Metrics Basin Diversions Dams IC Return Flow HSI Streamflow Class Class Class Class Class 3

8 CT HSI Example CT HSI Index = Diversions + Dams + IC + Return Flow Basin 3 Basin 1 Basin Basin 4

9 CT HSI Example CT HSI Index = Diversions + Dams + IC + Return Flow Basin 3 Basin 1 Basin Preliminary Streamflow Class 1 Preliminary Streamflow Class 2 Preliminary Streamflow Class 3 Basin 4

10 Feedback Too simple Too complicated Modify HSI using other factors Incorporate biology into HSI

11 Modified Approach to Streamflow Classification Use HSI as initial measure of streamflow condition Modify HSI where other pre-determined data sources warrant a change in classification Map of classifications for public comment DEP Commissioner adopts streamflow class

12 What are the Other Factors to Consider? 1. Proposed changes in landuse 2. Existing streamflow conditions support exceptional ecological conditions 3. Anadromous fish restoration 4. USGS gages that are hydrologic references 5. State and Federal wild & scenic waters 6. Approved future water supply 7. Tributaries to public water supply

13 Existing streamflow conditions support exceptional ecological conditions Potential Indicator Species Fish Species Streamflow Native to CT Comment Brook trout All life stages Yes Widespread distribution and indicator of small streams Brown trout Some life stages No Non native, FD, fry stocking Fallfish All life stages Yes Affinity towards larger rivers conflicts with Index Cutlips minnow All life stages Yes Western CT Distribution only

14 Why Brook Trout?? Requires flowing water habitat throughout its lifecycle (fluvial specialist) Native salmonid that is widely distributed in the state Statewide coverage of data Wild brook trout are only lightly fished by anglers N= 637

15 Brook Trout Population Data High Populations Considered for Class 1 N= 637 High 1600/Ha (155 sites) Medium 350/Ha (319 sites) Low 75/Ha (477 sites)

16 Brook Trout and Streamflow Class

17 What are the Other Factors to Consider? 1. Proposed changes in landuse 2. Existing streamflow conditions support exceptional ecological conditions 3. Anadromous fish restoration 4. USGS gages that are hydrologic references 5. State and Federal wild & scenic waters 6. Approved future water supply 7. Tributaries to public water supply

18 Summary of Adoption of Streamflow Classes Factors Indicative of the Degree of Human Alteration of Natural Stream Flow Diversions Dams Impervious Cover Return Flow Unique Factors Develop Draft Stream Flow Classes Adopt Stream Flow Classifications Propose Stream Flow Classifications for Public Notice and Solicit Comment

19 Questions/Comments??? Chris Bellucci Mary Becker Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT