2025 Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference

W-06: Playing with Privilege: Unpacking Privilege & Power in the Outdoors
Pre-registration and additional fees are required for participation. Sign up will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis via the online registration form.

HALF DAY PM - 1PM-5PM
Fee: $10
Contact: Amy Bousman, Education Specialist, Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, amy.bousman@ks.gov
Co-organizer: Andrea Jones Klein - MN Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife - R3 Partnership Coordinator

Overview:
When it comes to identifying barriers to participation in the outdoors, the realization of inequity amongst underserved & non-traditional communities is often cumbersome & uncomfortable. In a new twist to diffuse the heavier aspects of equity engagement efforts, the co-organizers of this workshop will support attendees in unpacking some of the lesser-known barriers to accessing the outdoors through playful interaction & brave conversations.
Aspects of this workshop will include movement-based methods to address concepts of equity and inclusion in R3. The final hour of this workshop will offer a whole group debriefing space to discuss revelations or difficulties that arose during the workshop. From there, smaller breakout spaces for people who prefer smaller group conversations, or conversations geared toward specific populations will be available.

Intended Audience: Students and Professionals; beginner & intermediate, but all could benefit & are welcome. Notetaking supplies encouraged.

AUTHORS: Mike Kruse, Missouri Fly Fishing Guide

ABSTRACT: Salmonid fishes are not native to Missouri or any portion of the Ozarks, likely due to the region’s southerly latitude, low elevation and resulting scarcity of cold streams. The first salmonids were introduced in Missouri in 1878 when Pacific salmon were released. In the decades that followed, a number of species of trout, salmon and grayling were indiscriminately stocked throughout the state. Most releases were into waters unsuitable for tout and only a few populations of rainbow trout were established in springs or spring-influenced areas that maintained cold water temperatures throughout the summer. By 1937, when the Missouri Department of Conservation was established, trout hatcheries had been built near a number of large springs. Trout stocking was restricted to springs or stream sections adjacent to spring inflows that were suitable for trout survival. Hatchery production, and resultant stocking, gradually increased and created a demand for trout fishing and trout harvest. In the 1970s, the first restrictive harvest regulations were established. Initially, these restrictions applied to populations containing mostly hatchery trout, but later, to populations of naturally-reproducing trout. In 2003, the Missouri Conservation Commission approved a comprehensive trout management plan that resulted in hatchery expansions, habitat assessments, a statewide trout angler survey and a review of management approaches. Today, about 300 miles of Missouri streams are considered suitable for “coldwater sport fishery” and about half are actively managed for trout fishing by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The fisheries vary from intensively stocked “put and take” areas, to streams managed exclusively for naturally-reproducing rainbow trout. An important trout fishery is also found in Lake Taneycomo, a “tailwater” below Table Rock Lake. Seasonal trout fisheries, mostly in small municipal impoundments, have increased in number in recent decades.

AUTHORS: Blake Stephens, Missouri Department of Conservation

ABSTRACT: The cool springs of the Missouri Ozarks support dozens of riverine trout fisheries across the southern half of the state. These introduced fisheries provide year-round angling opportunity unique from the trout parks that produce these fish. Missouri’s trout management areas consist of three categories, the blue, red and white ribbon areas, each with a different management approach, stocking regime (if any) and regulations. This presentation references the twenty management areas that encapsulate Missouri’s ribbon system and the history of river trout management since the state’s first trout plan adoption in 2003. Management challenges and successes associated with these stream segments will be discussed as well including some examples of specific projects and programs that have moved Missouri’s riverine trout program from surviving to thriving.

AUTHORS: Jen Girondo, MO Dept of Conservation

ABSTRACT: The Meramec River in eastern Missouri is a north-flowing Ozark stream that has a section that is heavily influenced by ground-water contributions from a major spring, which provides limited salmonid habitat. In the riverine section which is fed by both spring branch and Ozark stream discharges, Brown Trout were introduced, a put-grow-and-take fishery was established, and has been enjoyed by anglers since the 1980s. Brown trout annual survival post-stocking has declined in recent years and several management strategies have been adjusted trying to regain some of the fisheries' previous success. Efforts have included adjusting rearing and stocking strategies, movement and mortality investigations, and ongoing water temperature evaluations. The issues facing this fishery are many, and climate change appears to be threatening its limit habitat. This presentation will provide an overview of past research efforts, results, and future management direction for this unique type of salmonid habitat.

AUTHORS: Ben Havens

ABSTRACT: Bennett Spring State Fish Hatchery in Lebanon, Missouri, is undergoing a significant multi-year renovation, funded and approved unanimously by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Commission. This project aims to modernize the hatchery, which has been vital for trout production for over a century, by enhancing infrastructure such as a new water intake structure, raceway reconstruction, and water quality improvements. Despite temporary disruptions in fish production, fishing will continue with trout supplied from other hatcheries in the MDC Coldwater system. This renovation not only supports local recreation and tourism but also contributes to the economy, with over 140,000 anglers visiting annually, generating an estimated $187 million in economic impact. The project reflects MDC's commitment to preserving outdoor traditions and ensuring future generations can enjoy fishing at Bennett Spring State Park.

AUTHORS: John Schulte, Ellie Prentice, Andrew Glen (Missouri Department of Conservation)

ABSTRACT: 

Missouri’s Urban Winter Trout Program (WTP) successfully provides close-to-home trout angling opportunities for residence of urban population centers in regions across the state including Kansas City (KC), Central (CR), and St. Louis (SL). The WTP stockings are administered and funded by the Missouri Department of Conservation, which stocks community and agency-owned lakes across Missouri’s major metropolitan spaces. This talk provides a brief overview of the MO WTP, including programmatic alignment with agency goals, stocking efforts, and recent insights into the region’s urban trout recent angler opinion and demographic surveys.

Community partner WTP lakes are stocked exclusively through the Community Assistance Program (CAP) which is a contractual agreement through which MDC agrees to monitor, stock, and maintain fish populations within the enrolled lakes. MDC’s WTP annually stocks 46 community lakes, November through February, with over 100,000 Rainbow Trout (RBT) and Brown Trout (BT) averaging a minimum 304-mm. Trout are primarily raised and distributed by state-agency owned cold-water hatcheries at Shepherd of the Hills, Montauk, Bennet Springs.

Continued interest in MO’s WTP has again been demonstrated by urban anglers from across the state through the recent WTP angler participation survey. During January- February 2024, MDC conducted a preliminary trout angler survey on 8 urban trout lakes in three regions (KC, Central, STL) to better understand angler usage, demographics, and inform recruitment efforts. Survey results from across participating regions showed most cooperating anglers; consumed what fish they caught, preferred traveling < 20 miles to trout fish, and KC anglers strongly supported expansion of trout angling opportunities. The survey inversely showed a clear need for better survey accommodations for non-English and ESL speaking anglers in future efforts.

However, there is still a clear need for expanded insight into agency efforts and the processes that benefit and are supported by the WTP, as to help better inform program reach and service to urban residents and underserved communities.

AUTHORS: Joseph E. Kaiser, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission; Christy Graham, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

ABSTRACT: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) primarily stock two strains of Brown Trout Salmo trutta into Arkansas’ trout fisheries. Those strains include the Plymouth Rock and Crawford strains, which were considered average regarding hatchery and post-stocking performance according to historic evaluations conducted for the USFWS’s Strain Registry. In 2021, we began a contemporary evaluation of both strains on the Spring River trout fishery located in north-central Arkansas. The evaluation coincides with current strategies used for managing Brown Trout on Spring River which include annually stocking approximately 10,000, 229-mm fish and regulating harvest with a daily limit of one fish over 356 mm. From 2021 to 2024, we uniquely marked all Brown Trout stocked in Spring River (2021-22 = Crawford; 2023-24 = Plymouth Rock). We collected and tagged Brown Trout seasonally (every 3-5 months) beginning in June 2021 to track growth and survival rates of each strain. We also collected data on seasonal diets, water temperatures, and Rainbow Trout stocking rates to incorporate into the current evaluation.

AUTHORS: Shane Bush, Missouri Department of Conservation

ABSTRACT: Lake Taneycomo was built in 1913 and is Missouri's oldest hydroelectric reservoir. The lake is riverine in nature, 22 miles in length and encompasses 2,080 surface acres. Prior to 1958, Lake Taneycomo supported one of Missouri's best warm-water fisheries. This changed in 1958 when Table Rock Dam, located in the headwater of Lake Taneycomo, began discharging cold hypolimnetic water into Lake Taneycomo. The discharge of cold water changed Lake Taneycomo into a cold-water environment, providing optimal conditions for trout. Rainbow trout were first stocked into Lake Taneycomo in 1958 and brown trout were first stocked in 1980. By the late 1960s, largely through the introduction of Gammarus pseudolimnaeus, rainbow trout were exhibiting growth rates up to 0.7 inch per month. Large rainbow trout were abundant, and the lake quickly earned a national reputation for producing trophy rainbow trout. By 1986, the G. pseudolimnaeus population had declined by approximately 90% and few rainbow trout larger than stocking size were present. This prompted an extensive 8-year study by MDC that led to regulation changes in 1997. These regulations have had a positive impact on both electrofishing and angler catch rates, as well as size structure of rainbow trout lakewide since they were implemented. At present day, 560,000 rainbow trout and 15,000 brown trout are stocked into the lake annually, making Lake Taneycomo Missouri's largest and most popular trout fishery. Additional work is currently being conducted to evaluate stockings of a new strain of brown trout into the lake, including triploid brown trout which resulted in two new state record brown trout being caught in 2019.

AUTHORS: Nick Peterson, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Community science has proven to be a remarkable tool for fisheries research and management in Minnesota waters of Lake Superior. The Minnesota DNR initiated three cooperative research projects that utilize volunteer anglers to collect samples from economically and ecologically important salmonids (steelhead Rainbow Trout, Coaster Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and salmon) to better understand the genetics and feeding ecology of the Lake Superior fish community. Angler collected samples increased the number, as well as spatial and temporal extents, of tissues and diet items for analyses. This effort provided novel insights into population genetics and feeding habits of multiple species, with significantly less resources (time and monetary commitments) from the state. Public education and outreach from these projects strengthened relationships between Minnesota DNR and fisheries stakeholders and improved public support for proposed changes to Rainbow Trout hatchery production, stocking, and management in Minnesota waters of Lake Superior. I will explore the processes and partnerships essential for implementing these projects, the valuable insights gained from involving anglers, and the critical role these programs have played in enhancing the resilience of fisheries in Minnesota Waters of Lake Superior.

AUTHORS: Sasha Tetzlaff, US Army ERDC-CERL; Aron Katz, US Army ERDC-CERL; Mark Johnson, US Army ERDC-CERL; Jinelle Sperry, US Army ERDC-CERL

ABSTRACT: Detecting environmental DNA (eDNA) of numerous organisms from the same samples has been revolutionized by metabarcoding. However, utilizing the vast amounts of data generated from metabarcoding to predict occupancy probabilities for co-occurring salmonids and their parasites is currently rare. Using established vertebrate and invert metabarcoding assays on replicate stream water samples collected on Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, we assessed ecological correlates of occurrence for eDNA of native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), its major ectoparasite (gill lice, Salmincola edwardsii), and non-native brown trout (Salmo trutta). Gill lice DNA occupancy was positively associated with brook trout biomass determined via electrofishing conducted near eDNA sampling sites, suggesting gill lice occupancy is dependent on host density. Leveraging site-specific molecular operational taxonomic units identified from metabarcoding, DNA occupancy of trout and gill lice was often positively predicted by species richness of aquatic insect orders trout commonly feed on, which are also environmental quality indicators. Thus, high-quality habitats that environmentally sensitive salmonids and their primary prey rely on may promote higher fish occupancy rates, further facilitating the spread of fish parasites. We suggest our methodological framework could be broadly implemented to enhance understanding of factors impacting distributions of co-occurring salmonids and their parasites to support management and conservation efforts.

AUTHORS: Heidi M. Rantala, MN Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Research; Nick Peterson, MN Department of Natural Resources, Lake Superior Fisheries; David R. Burge, St. Croix Watershed Research Station, Science Museum of Minnesota

ABSTRACT: Minnesota tributaries to Lake Superior are unique systems with glacial relict fish communities, including Brook Trout (BKT). Fish habitat in these streams is vulnerable to change, given the sensitivity of the systems. With limited groundwater inputs, hydrology is driven by precipitation and snow melt, and the streams lack buffering capacity to warming temperatures. Stream conditions are favorable to the mat-forming diatom, Didymosphenia geminata, which was detected in multiple of the northern-most streams along the Minnesota shoreline since 2018. Here, we present analyses of diets from BKT, naturalized Rainbow Trout, and several other fish species in four North Shore streams from three seasons in 2023. Fish diets were sampled from resident and migratory individuals, both young-of-year and older fish, from above (BKT only) and below natural barriers between Lake Superior and upland waters. Additionally, two of the four streams had prolific, localized Didymosphenia mats during the sampling period. As expected, we observed spatial and temporal variability in the both the diet items and amount of prey through the sampling season, as well along a stream reach. These data provide baseline information for managers to increase understanding of the ecology and status of these populations in Minnesota waters.

AUTHORS:  April Simmons, MI Department of Natural Resources; Jeffrey Jolley, PhD, MI Department of Natural Resources; Christopher Vandergoot, PhD, Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation System

ABSTRACT:  Angler reports have indicated a recent increase in lake-run Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) catches in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. This observation has garnered interest because Lake Huron stocking efforts ended in 2011 due to poor recruitment, but stocking has been maintained in some upstream tributary reaches. Genetic analysis of lake-run fish suggest fish observed in Saginaw Bay likely originated from ongoing stockings in the Rifle River. We will present the May 2024 pilot study phase results of an acoustic telemetry study scheduled to begin in spring 2025. The study aims to identify the source, strain, and migration patterns of lake-run Brown Trout, as well as assess their growth. This research may provide insights into future Brown Trout management strategies in the Great Lakes to benefit both river and lake anglers.

AUTHORS: Dylan K. Undlin, UW-Stevens Point; Justin A. VanDeHey, UW-Stevens Point; Joshua K. Raabe, UW-Stevens Point; Nick R. Peterson, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Salmonids represent an ecologically, culturally, and economically important fishery in Lake Superior and its tributaries. However, current fluvial conditions and climate projections forecast significant reductions in cold-water habitats in these systems. Salmonids such as native Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis, and non-native Steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss depend on these volatile tributaries for at least a portion of their life. Therefore, our research aims to 1) identify critical habitat (i.e. thermal refugia) for resident and migratory Salmonids across two watersheds, and 2) determine if movements of Salmonids are related to water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and discharge. Salmonid movement was investigated in the Knife and Stewart River watersheds using 16 stationary Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) arrays and active radio telemetry techniques. Data loggers measuring water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and discharge were dispersed across watersheds, and stratified among sub watersheds and natural habitat breaks. To date, we have PIT tagged 1100 wild Salmonids and implanted 15 radio transmitters. Preliminary results suggest Salmonids sought headwater tributaries with groundwater influence and overhead cover during periods of warmer air temperatures. Salmonids used precipitation events and cold fronts as windows for movements during times of low flows and relatively warmer water. Water temperature profiles in the lower reaches of the Knife River periodically surpassed the lethal threshold for Brook Trout, indicating an ephemeral thermal barrier between tributary headwaters and Lake Superior. More data are currently being collected to further assess movement and habitat use in these riverscapes to inform management and restoration efforts.

AUTHORS:  Alexandria Keiler-Klein, University of Nebraska at Kearney; Melissa Wuellner, University of Nebraska at Kearney; Keith Koupal, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and University of Nebraska at Kearney

ABSTRACT:  Nuisance and invasive species can, directly and indirectly, affect sport fisheries, but few agencies target these fishes in annual standard surveys. Understanding when and how to sample nuisance and invasive species is important to understanding their abundance and size structures. Determining optimal assessment techniques can provide management insight into interventions to address the impacts of nuisance and invasive fish abundance on salmonid species. The objective of this study was to determine which gear and time of year could be used to assess populations of invasive (Common Carp Cyprinus carpio) and/or nuisance (White sucker Catostomus commersonii) species in one Nebraska reservoir. Experimental gill nets, modified fyke nets, and nighttime boat electrofishing were employed at nine locations across Lake Ogallala monthly from April through September 2023. All individuals of the two species were enumerated and measured for total length (mm). This information was used to calculate catch per unit effort (CPUE), the coefficient of variation around CPUE, and a measure of length variability (Shannon-Weiner diversity based on 10-mm length bins) for each gear, month, and species. Additionally, we calculated the measurement of operational effort. Measurements were ranked across gears for each month and summed. The smallest ranks were used to identify the best gear and month for sampling each species. Preliminary results indicate electrofishing captures the best length diversity and operational effort for Common Carp and White Sucker in June and May respectively. CPUE for White Suckers and Common Carp was highest in April and July fyke netting respectively. Lastly, variability in CPUE was lowest with Common Carp July electrofishing and White Suckers May gill netting. The results from this study can be used by other states and provinces addressing similar and other nuisance and invasive species assessments to allow for more proactive, rather than reactive, management interventions to support salmonid fisheries.

AUTHORS: Jeremy L. Kientz

South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks

ABSTRACT: Pactola Reservoir in the Black Hills of South Dakota has historically been managed as a coldwater fishery for Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush. In 2003, Northern Pike Esox lucius were first sampled in fisheries surveys by South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (SD GFP) and have since become an established predator. Due to concerns of direct predation on stocked catchable (275 mm) Rainbow Trout, SD GFP partnered with South Dakota State University on a research project which evaluated Northern Pike diets and isotopes. The results of that study showed that fish smaller than 600 mm had δC13 isotope values similar to centrarchid prey species, whereas δC13 values for 600 mm and larger fish were similar to stocked Rainbow Trout. In response to this research and to reduce predation by Northern Pike, SD GFP increased the Rainbow Trout stocking size in Pactola Reservoir from 275 mm to 381 mm. The objective of this study was to evaluate Northern Pike isotope changes in response to the increased Rainbow Trout stocking size. Northern Pike (n=42) were captured in May 2021 with sizes ranging from 457 mm to 1,021 mm. δC13 values in Northern Pike smaller than 700 mm were similar to the centrarchid values seen in the previous study, suggesting that stocked Rainbow Trout had not become a major diet item for 700 mm and smaller individuals. This data was supported by an analysis of variance (ANOVA) among 100 mm size bins which revealed that significant differences in δC13 were detected between the 700 mm and 800 mm size bins, but not among 700 mm and smaller size bins. Furthermore, a piecewise linear regression technique in program R revealed a breakpoint value of 716 mm. These results indicate that the length at which Northern Pike prey upon stocked Rainbow Trout has increased by over 100 mm following the increase in trout stocking length.

AUTHORS: Natalie Coash, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit;
Ashley Hrdina, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit;
Craig Paukert, US Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit;
Emily Tracey-Smith, Missouri Department of Conservation;
Jason Persinger, Missouri Department of Conservation


ABSTRACT: Missouri’s cold and cool water stream systems face ecological challenges due to historical alterations, land use, and chronic climate pressures. Effective management of these systems requires an applied science-based approach that considers fundamental processes such as thermal regimes, flow variability, and knowledge of surrounding land use, all of which influence aquatic habitat and biotic distribution. Water temperature, in particular, plays a critical role in shaping fish assemblages and stream biota, affecting physiology, behavior, reproduction, and overall habitat suitability. Current data limitations, including a lack of comprehensive water temperature data and insufficient aquatic community data, hinder our ability to characterize and conserve cold and cool water stream habitats effectively in Missouri.
This study aims to address data gaps by estimating the distribution and extent of significant cold water stream habitats in Missouri by characterizing fish, macroinvertebrate, and macrophyte communities within these habitats and their thermal transition zones, while complementing sampling with continuous seasonal temperature monitoring and eDNA analysis. Through field sampling and analysis of existing spatial data, this research will refine our understanding of cold, cool, and warm water stream systems statewide. While this study can be useful in identifying thermal refugia and the extent of trout habitat in Missouri; the outcomes of this study will directly benefit stream resource management and conservation by providing critical data pertaining to the unique cold and cool water biological communities beyond our current policy criteria and classification of waters “that support a naturally reproducing or stocked trout fishery”.
This improved characterization will support the Missouri Department of Conservation in guiding the development of habitat criteria relevant to resource management, influencing thermal designations under Missouri’s Water Quality Standards, and protecting species of conservation concern. Join us to review the project’s impetus, objectives, site selection, field methods, next steps, and key deliverables.

AUTHORS: Doug Dieterman, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Brian Beyerl, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Shawn Haase, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; John Hoxmeier, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Loren Miller, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Jason Roloff, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Vaughn Snook, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Dan Spence, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Melissa Wagner, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis, were the only salmonid native to the cold-water streams of southeast Minnesota but were presumed extirpated following European settlement and subsequent stream degradation. Research beginning in the mid-2000s identified genetic structure patterns that deviated from known stocking histories but consistent with expected geography of native populations, leading to the identification of a presumed native “Heritage” Brook Trout strain. Distribution of this Heritage strain was limited to three stream drainages. In an effort to better manage and expand the distribution of Heritage Brook Trout; managers, culturists and researchers have since implemented several novel approaches including removal of non-native Brown Trout; collection, propagation and stocking of wild Heritage Brook Trout; and implemented new studies to compare performance of Heritage and feral Brook Trout strains in streams. This talk will provide an overview and highlight the current status of these efforts as well as, the many challenges that have arisen.

AUTHORS:  Michael Siepker, Iowa DNR; Caleb Schnitzler, Iowa DNR; Dan Kirby, Iowa DNR

ABSTRACT:  Although Brook Trout were likely native to Northeast Iowa, early degradation of streams led to widespread extirpations along with regulations and stocking to restore and maintain populations. Brook Trout were a common part of early fish stockings, but disappeared from Iowa stocking records by 1956. Brook Trout remained largely absent from the trout program until 1993 when fingerling and catchable Brook Trout stockings resumed. The ancestry of Brook Trout used for early stockings is generally unknown; however, Brook Trout used for fingerling and catchable trout production that began in 1993 were acquired as eggs from the St. Croix Falls fish hatchery in Wisconsin. The first genetic evaluation of Iowa Brook Trout suggested the South Pine population was a unique population, but with low genetic diversity. As a result, South Pine fingerlings were used to restore Iowa Brook Trout fisheries beginning in the mid-1990s. Today, restoration stockings are conducted throughout northeast Iowa to expand wild Brook Trout populations.

AUTHORS: Gregory Gelwicks, Iowa DNR; Gregory Simmons, Iowa DNR; Michael Siepker, Iowa DNR

ABSTRACT: Wild trout have played an increasingly important role in trout management in Iowa over the last 20 years. Recent increases in self-sustaining trout populations has expanded and diversified opportunities for Iowa anglers to pursue trout. One of the major factors in this increase is the use of fingerling stocks derived from wild and local parents to establish wild trout populations in other streams. Such stockings have been so successful in expanding self-sustaining populations of Brown Trout in northeast (NE) Iowa that their full extent is currently unknown. Wild Brook Trout populations have also been successfully restored to several NE Iowa streams by stocking fingerling Brook Trout of South Pine Creek origin. Brook Trout is the only trout species believed to be native to NE Iowa’s coldwater streams, and fisheries managers in Iowa are interested in expanding these restoration efforts as well as protecting existing populations of the species. The purpose of this project is to assess the current distribution of Brook Trout and Brown Trout in northeast Iowa, and collect information needed to identify coldwater streams in northeast Iowa which have conditions necessary for successful restoration of wild Brook Trout populations. To efficiently target our sampling to only those stream reaches where thermal regimes are likely to be conducive to trout habitation, we are using methods developed in a recent study that used visually interpreted very high resolution (VHR) winter satellite imagery to identify coldwater stream reaches. Results of targeted sampling efforts in the Upper Iowa River watershed will be presented, and utility of using VHR winter satellite imagery to identify coldwater stream reaches will be discussed. In addition to informing wild trout management in NE Iowa, information gained from this project will also be used in an effort to update Iowa’s coldwater stream classifications.

AUTHORS: Caleb C. Schnitzler, Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Decorah Fisheries Management Office

ABSTRACT: Abstract: Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis are the only native salmonid to Iowa, and substantial effort has been directed toward protecting those populations. Culture of the Brook Trout from South Pine Creek, the only wild population in Iowa, began in 1996 and continued annually to restore additional populations. A more recent genetic evaluations confirmed that the South Pine Creek strain was unique and suitable for use as a brood source. The evaluations also identified five streams that had non-native Brook Trout ancestries. Of these, one population of domestic hatchery Brook Trout was identified and selected to be removed using electrofishing. Naturalized Brown Trout Salmo trutta are another threat to wild Iowa Brook Trout, with populations established in most quality coldwater streams. Two streams with barriers to prevent Brown Trout recolonization were selected for Brown Trout removal. The effectiveness of trout removal via stream electrofishing is reviewed and the use of fish culture to improve native Brook Trout restoration efforts is also discussed.

AUTHORS: Dr. Heidi Mehl, The Nature Conservancy

ABSTRACT: For much of the 20th century, the United States built thousands of large dams and other water projects to meet the nation’s growing need for water, food, flood risk reduction, hydropower and navigation. Since their construction, the operations of very few public dams have been fully reviewed and updated to meet environmental needs. Dams and other river infrastructure disrupt natural flow patterns that are critical to the health of rivers and the flora and fauna that depend on them. Seasonal patterns of high and low flows support animal and plant lifecycles, preserve water quality and maintain diverse habitats. By artificially stabilizing river levels across the seasons, dams can set off cascading effects that negatively impact whole freshwater ecosystems and the diverse array of benefits they provide to people. Science has shown that altered rivers systems are a major factor in 40 percent of the nation’s fish species and 70 percent of freshwater mussel species being listed as imperiled, and why many commercial fisheries have been decimated. To help address these negative impacts, The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—the largest water manager in the nation—launched a collaborative effort to find more sustainable ways to manage river infrastructure to maximize benefits for people and nature. Known as the Sustainable River Program (SRP), the program has grown to include 66 federal dams on 16 rivers in 15 states. This presentation will provide a history and overview of SRP.

AUTHORS: Sarah Peper, Missouri Department of Conservation; Ryan Swearingin, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Travis Moore, Missouri Department of Conservation

ABSTRACT: Lake Sturgeon are an endangered species in Missouri, Illinois and ten other states. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) began recovery efforts, centered around juvenile reintroduction, in 1984. In 2015 the first wild spawn of the reintroduced population was confirmed in the tailwaters of Mel Price Locks and Dam on the Mississippi River. Despite intense monitoring of the site over the next 5 years, no further spawning events were observed. In 2021, MDC and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) began working together to improve conditions for Lake Sturgeon spawning success at the site. The team received an SRP grant to fund monitoring efforts and to build a hydraulic model of the tailwaters. Using the hydraulic model as a guide, tailwater velocities were modified to mimic those recorded during the 2015 spawn. We observed successful Lake Sturgeon spawning in the first year the project was implemented. Continued success has brought interest in replicating this project at other dams. USACE is currently leading efforts to evaluate all 27 dams/tailwaters on the Mississippi River for Lake Sturgeon spawning habitat suitability.

AUTHORS: Annie Hentschke, Missouri Department of Conservation; Travis Moore Missouri Department of Conservation; Justin Garret, USACE

ABSTRACT: The Salt River in northeast Missouri is a tributary of the Mississippi River and was dammed in 1984 to create Mark Twain Lake. The Clarence Cannon Dam, operated by the Corps of Engineers and the Southwestern Power Administration, influences the flow out of the dam for water control and hydropower generation. In addition, there is a re-regulation dam below MTL, which was implemented to allow the reuse of downstream water for hydropower. While re-regulation is extremely rare, flows out of MTL and the re-regulation pool significantly impact the lower Salt River species. The river hosts various species of interest, including the state-endangered lake sturgeon, which has seen a recent aggregation below the re-regulation dam during the spawning season in some years. The Sustainable Rivers Project, a proactive initiative, has allowed the Missouri Department of Conservation, in coordination with the Corps of Engineers and SWPA, to evaluate and create consistent seasonal flows to promote native fish aggregation, successful spawning, and reproduction. The Sustainable Rivers Program has allowed for funding for modeling, monitoring, and assessment of existing conditions. In 2023, this SRP team successfully initiated optimal and consistent flows to attract lake sturgeon near the re-regulation dam on the Salt River.

AUTHORS: McKensie Vaske, Iowa State University; Ryan Hupfeld, Iowa DNR; Gene Jones, Iowa DNR; Rebecca Krogman, Iowa DNR; Daniel Paulson, Iowa State University; Michael Weber, Iowa State University; Michael Moore, U.S. Geological Survey

ABSTRACT: Environmental flows in large rivers are crucial for maintaining ecosystem health, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring the sustainability of water resources for human, wildlife, and fish populations. Low and rapidly fluctuating river levels due to drought and dam operations downstream of impoundments may adversely affect the reproduction of native fishes by disrupting migratory cues and the transport of larvae to downstream nursery habitats. The United States Army Corps of Engineers and The Nature Conservancy developed the Sustainable Rivers Program (SRP) to implement science-based management of 45 river ecosystems across the nation. At the Des Moines River SRP site in Iowa, partners hypothesized that implementing experimental spring flow pulses at Red Rock Dam could promote native fish reproduction, including Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) in low-flow years. However, it remains unclear whether these actions have been effective. Therefore, from 2021-2023 we conducted larval drift sampling to examine relationships between flow pulses, water temperatures, and reproductive timing of Shovelnose Sturgeon, a long-lived periodic spawning species found throughout the Mississippi River basin. We sampled four sites from April through June spanning ~84 river kilometers in ~15-20°C water temperatures 1-2 times each week. We collected 4 eggs/larvae in 2021, 17 in 2022, and 20 in 2023. There was a positive relationship with discharge and the number of Shovelnose Sturgeon eggs/larvae collected during 2021-2023. We conducted larval drift sampling again in 2024 in additional rivers to compare flow-reproduction relationships between the regulated Des Moines and Iowa rivers with the less-regulated Cedar River. These data may allow dam managers to adjust the timing and magnitude of flow pulses to benefit native fish reproduction without also promoting the reproduction of later spawning invasive carps.

AUTHORS: Daniel Paulson, Iowa State University; McKensie Vaske, Iowa State University; Michael Moore, U.S. Geological Survey, Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Michael Weber, Iowa State University

ABSTRACT: Alterations to natural flow regimes from hydroelectric dams, channelization, and land-use practices degrade riverine habitats for native lotic fish. For instance, over the course of multiple summers, including 2024, more than 10,000 Shovelnose Sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus have died on the Des Moines River, IA predicted to be from river alterations creating suboptimal habitat conditions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through the Sustainable Rivers Program has expressed interest in restoring environmental flows and providing heat relief pulses which could improve available habitat for native lotic species. Since Shovelnose Sturgeon habitat requirements have not been studied on the Des Moines River, our objective is to quantify their habitat use and selection to determine the environmental conditions that contribute to survival during the summer months. From 2022-2024, we acoustically tagged 69 Shovelnose Sturgeon and actively tracked them 2-3 times a week from June-September 2024 (31 total events). At each fish location, we measured macrohabitat (main-channel, main-channel border, side-channel, pool, backwater, or tailwater) and microhabitat characteristics (water temperature, surface water velocity, substrate, and depth). We identified 84 Shovelnose Sturgeon locations (23 individuals; mean detections per fish = 4). These sturgeon occupied water velocities ranging from 0.23 m/s to 1.56 m/s (mean = 0.87 m/s) and water depths between 0.6 m to 3.7 m (mean = 2.01 m). Sand was the most occupied substrate (50% observations) with gravel and cobble evenly split (25% observations). We will repeat this work during 2025 to gain a better understanding of habitat use and selection on this altered river. This research could help guide management efforts on regulated rivers to promote better resiliency for downstream biota by giving insight onto what conditions are critical for Shovelnose Sturgeon during this stressful period.

AUTHORS: Victoria Fasbender, Iowa State University; Stephen Dinsmore, Iowa State University

ABSTRACT: Migratory birds rely on stopover sites as a place to rest and refuel before continuing their migration. One site, Lake Red Rock in central Iowa, has implemented a water drawdown by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to benefit migrating waterbirds as part of the Sustainable Rivers Program (SRP). Our objectives are to document space use and movement patterns and estimate residency time of fall migrating Pectoral Sandpipers (Calidris melanotos) in relation to the drawdown timing. We fitted Pectoral Sandpipers with GPS satellite tags to gather local and global movement information in 2023 and 2024. Of the 25 birds tagged in 2023, seven stayed at Lake Red Rock during their battery life duration, seven made landfall in either Colombia, Venezuela, or the Dominican Republic, and eleven had their battery die while making a long movement south. Pectoral Sandpipers at Lake Red Rock had an average home range of 10.5 km2 (SD = 11.7) and a mean minimum stopover duration of 8.4 days (SD = 3.4). The average distance traveled at Lake Red Rock per day was 3.4 km (SD = 2.0). The average flight speed of departed birds (n = 18) was 47 km per hour (SD = 5.9). Those that left and made landfall (n = 7) flew an average of 4,788 km (SD = 607) with an average nonstop flight time of 98 hours (SD = 17). Our work showed that sandpipers closely tracked the shallow water/mud interface during their stopover and that their refueling efforts were sufficient to fuel a non-stop flight to northern South America. This work highlights the benefits the SRP can have for migrating waterbirds and encourages similar management at other dammed lakes.

AUTHORS: T. Rickey, USACE Mobile
R. Allen, USACE Mobile

ABSTRACT: The USACE Mobile Disrict has been participating in the Sustainable Rivers Program for three years. In those three years the District has worked across three states to improve fish passage, improve water quality, improve mussel habitat, and create spawning habitat using existing federal infrastructure. Using in field operational experimentation and biological and hydrological survey techniques the team has been able to study changes to projects and how to benifit species.

AUTHORS:  Teresa Newton, US Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center; Jeff Cole, US Geological Survey, Pennsylvania Water Science Center; John Young, US Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center; Jordan Allison, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission; Nate Welker, US Forest Service; Kristi Dobra, US Army Corps of Engineers; Molly Reif, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center

ABSTRACT:  The Sustainable Rivers Program, a national partnership between The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, was created to modernize water infrastructure to maximize ecological benefits. In the Allegheny River (PA), resource managers are considering modifying flows at the Kinzua Dam but are concerned about effects of altered flows on sensitive species, such as native freshwater mussels. Prior to implementing a revised flow regime, resource managers requested baseline data on existing mussel resources. We developed a robust sampling design to (1) understand how mussels are spatially distributed across the riverscape, (2) estimate density, population size, and recruitment strength of mussels, and (3) obtain remotely-sensed habitat data across a 135 km reach of the Allegheny River downstream of the Kinzua Dam. In June 2024, divers obtained data on mussels from 300 systemically placed quadrats across the reach. From the quadrat data, multiple metrics of the relative health of mussels will be estimated (e.g., species richness, mortality, age and length demography, recruitment). From high-resolution aerial and boat-borne sensors (e.g., bathymetric lidar, hyperspectral imagery, sonar), characterization of in-channel mussel habitat will be obtained and used to create hydrodynamic and habitat models to explain patterns of mussel distribution at a variety of flows. Currently, resource managers rely on data obtained from project-specific studies to make management decisions. The addition of systemic baseline data on mussels across an entire reach of the Allegheny River will facilitate more informed decisions about how mussels may respond to proposed changes in river flows.

AUTHORS: Liam Wallace, US Army Corps of Engineers; Joan Stemler, Liam Wallace, US Army Corps of Engineers ; Dave Busse, Liam Wallace, US Army Corps of Engineers Lane Richter, US Army Corps of Engineers

ABSTRACT: Environmental Pool Management (EPM), beginning as a request by natural resource partners, is a strategy for improving environmental benefits above navigation dams on the Mississippi River while maintaining a mandated nine-foot navigation channel depth. For the past 30 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District has worked with resource agencies to implement pool drawdowns during the growing season that promote emergent and aquatic plant development over more than a thousand acres above the three locks and dams (approximately 100 river miles) on the Upper Mississippi River between Louisiana, MO and West Alton, MO. The timing and duration of these drawdowns change annually based on environmental conditions and partner input which results in varied plant response. EPM has been successfully implemented in at least one of the three pools in 25 of 30 years. In recent years, operational changes have been evaluated to expand the plant response from annual emergent plants to aquatic plants in portions of the pools. Monitoring of plant response has shown high productivity and seed production from plants with high value for migratory waterfowl as well as the return of formerly more abundant perennial aquatic species.

AUTHORS: Marvin Boyer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District; Laura Totten, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District

ABSTRACT: The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have partnered to form the Sustainable Rivers Program (SRP) to examine opportunities to optimize reservoir releases and river flows to benefit river ecology while maintaining the federal mandates of the reservoir systems within the United States. The mission of the SRP is to improve the health and life of rivers by changing water infrastructure operations to restore and protect ecosystems, while maintaining or enhancing other project benefits. The USACE Kansas City District and TNC Kansas and Missouri added the Kansas River and the Osage River to the SRP. Workshops were held with regional biology and hydrology experts to help guide the process of identifying e-flows and e-pool management measures. Literature reviews and data mining exercises were undertaken for the Kansas and Osage River systems to identify flow-dependent fish, mussels, and other species and their habitats, examine changes in these species over time, and propose the likely causes of these changes. This information was used to better understand reservoir operation impacts and examine possibilities for reservoir management modifications within the range of authorized reservoir releases that would create flows beneficial to the Kansas and Osage Rivers ecosystems. SRP expanded from traditional e-flows work and began funding projects that targeted managing pool levels at USACE reservoirs, raising and lowering the water surface elevation of wetlands, lakes, or river pools for the purpose of stimulating aquatic seed germination, improving aquatic plant and animal diversity, consolidating wetland soils, and other ecological and environmental effects. The SRP USACE team is currently working to find opportunities to implement test flows outlined in workshops and incorporate recent Kansas and Osage Rivers e-flow and e-pool information into ongoing reservoir Water Control Manual Updates.

AUTHORS: Brian Johnson, US Army Corps of Engineers - St. Louis

ABSTRACT: The US Army Corps of Engineers is one largest water resource management agencies in the United States, managing over 460 reservoirs and providing over 50% of the nation’s entire flood storage capacity. In addition, the Corps manages 237 navigable locks throughout the country. All told the Corps operates and maintains approximately 740 dams and associated structures which directly impact over 52,000 miles of rivers. In recognition of the magnitude and breath of the impact of USACE water infrastructure across the country, the Corps began partnering with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in 2002 on the Sustainable Rivers Program (SRP). The SRP Program has the clear mission of working at Corps operating projects to improve the health and life of rivers by changing infrastructure operations to restore and protect ecosystems, while maintaining or enhancing other project benefits. To date the program has worked on over 40 rivers impacting over 12,000 miles. Within the Midwest there are active SRP projects in at least 8 states, including Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. The Corps has continued to partner with TNC to deliver the SRP Program, most recently with the release of TNC’s Resilient & Connected Network analysis of the USACE sites, which helps identify those sites with the highest resilience and biodiversity. The results of that work show there is still abundant need and potential for new projects and opportunities within the Midwest region. This presentation will discuss that potential, delve into the SRP process, and discuss how to work with USACE to submit and propose new projects.