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Ross_Lake_from_the_Galene_Lakes_trail_thumbnailOne of SEEC's important roles is to serve as a repository for scientific information on the ecosystem on both sides of the U.S./Canadian border above Ross Dam. The following Bibliography catalogues the hundred-odd studies funded by SEEC in its first twenty years and lists other published scientific studies relating to the area. A brief abstract is given in both cases.
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Hybridization between native westslope Cutthroat Trout and introduced Rainbow Trout in the Stehekin River drainage.

Report
Ostberg, Carl O.; Rodriguez, Rusty
available at http://www.nps.gov/noca/scidaysabs03.htm
235
2003
non SEEC
Abstract from Third Annual "Science Days in the North Cascades" June 18-19, 2003 AbstractGenetic analysis of tissue samples collected non-lethally during 1999, 2001, and 2002 from the Stehekin River drainage, North Cascades National Park, indicated extensive hybridization between native westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi) and introduced rainbow trout (O. mykiss) throughout the Stehekin drainage. Only two non-hybridized westslope cutthroat populations were observed; both occur above potential barriers to upstream migration. Genetic analysis and water temperature data suggest that a partial thermal barrier may exist at the confluence of the Stehekin River and Bridge Creek that limits the upstream migration of fish composed of predominately rainbow trout genes. Colder water temperatures in the Stehekin River above the Bridge Creek confluence during the spawning times of rainbow and westslope cutthroat trout may limit the extent of hybridization and introgression of rainbow trout genes into native westslope cutthroat trout in the Stehekin River above the Bridge Creek confluence, while warmer temperatures within Bridge Creek and below the Bridge Creek confluence may be favorable for hybridization and introgression.

Distribution of native westslope cutthroat trout in the Stehekin River drainage, Washington, and hybridization with introduced rainbow trout

Report
Ostberg, Carl O.; Rodriguez, Rusty
Available at http://www.nps.gov/noca/sd2004a.htm.
232
2004
non SEEC
Abstract from Fourth Annual "Science Days in the North Cascades", June 15-16, 2004.

Skagit Valley Recreation Area

Report
Parks, British Columbia; Commission, Skagit Environmental Endowment
Seattle City Light
59
no date
93-02
miscellaneous

Analysis of the associations between macroinvertebrates and macrophytes in a freshwater pond.

Journal Article
Parsons, J. K.; Matthews, R. A.
See journal
218
1995
265-275
69
non SEEC
Northwest-Science
Some of the factors that affect macroinvertebrate-macrophyte relationships in the littoral zone of a freshwater pond were explored. A total of 53 macroinvertebrate taxa were found associated with 6 macrophyte species in Cannery Pond, a small, shallow eutrophic pond in Skagit Co., Washington, USA. A graphical inspection of the data revealed that the macroinvertebrate densities and biomasses on the emergent macrophyte species (Scirpus tabernaemontani, Typha latifolia and Polygonum hydropiperoides) were more similar to each other than to the submerged macrophyte species (Potamogeton natans, Ceratophyllum demersum and P. pusillus). Multivariate analyses (MANOVA) confirmed that there were significant differences among the plant taxa based on macroinvertebrate densities and biomasses. Cluster analyses (parametric and nonmetric) further revealed that the strongest grouping was into 2 groups (emergent and submerged plants) rather than the original 6. The greatest differences between submerged and emergent plants were due to differences in the abundances of Mollusca (e.g. Gyraulus and Anodonta), Annelida, Platyhelminthes, Crustacea (e.g. Hyalella azteca) and Diptera (e.g. Chironomidae), all of which were common taxa. Morphological similarities among plants appeared to influence macroinvertebrate -macrophyte associations, with the greatest abundances of macroinvertebrates being found on submerged plants that had a large surface-to-weight ratio and soft stems or leaves. Structural stability and persistence of vegetative structures throughout the year appear to be important for at least some of the macroinvertebrates. Most of the macroinvertebrate taxa in Cannery Pond were substrate generalists that are not confined to a particular species of macrophyte, but instead were found in similar abundances on all morphologically similar macrophytes.

Effects of climate on radial growth of subalpine conifers in the North Cascade Mountains

Journal Article
Peterson, David W.; Peterson, David L.
Project Number: non SEEC
186
1994
1921-1932
24
Project Number: non SEEC
Canadian Journal of Forest Research
Dendroecological techniques were used to study the influence of climate on the growth of subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.), Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry), and subalpine larch (Larix lyallii Parl.) in the North Cascade Mountains of Washington state. Study sites were selected on different topographic features at three points along an elevation gradient (ridgetop, valley slope, and valley floor) to characterize site influences on growth response to climate. Mixed species stands were sampled to identify possible differences in species response to climate on a common site. Species differences account for most of the variability in radial growth patterns and response to climate. The greatest differences are between subalpine fir and subalpine larch, while the greatest similarities are between subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce. After species, aspect is the most significant factor affecting growth response to climate. Spring snowpack and summer temperature are the primary climatic factors influencing growth. Spring snowpack is negatively correlated with growth for all three species, but the relationship is strongest for subalpine fir and weakest for subalpine larch. Subalpine larch growth is positively correlated with June temperature. Subalpine fir growth is positively correlated with July-August temperature. Engelmann spruce growth is positively correlated with June-August temperature, but unusually warm July-August temperatures are associated with reduced growth the following year. The response of subalpine forests in the North Cascades to future climate change will depend on winter snowpack accumulations and spring snowmelt rates. Earlier meltouts and warmer summers would benefit growth on north aspect sites, but could also increase the frequency and severity of summer drought conditions on rid es and south-aspect sites, where summer soil moisture may already be limiting.

Climatic variability and natural resources in the Pacific Northwest.

Report
Peterson, David L.
available at http://www.nps.gov/noca/sd2002p.htm.
251
2002
non SEEC
Abstract from Second Annual _Science Days in the North Cascades_ June 17-18, 2002

Response of western mountain ecosystems to climatic variability and change: The western mountain initiative

Report
Peterson, David L.
Available at http://www.nps.gov/noca/sd2004a.htm.
229
2004
non SEEC

Goodell Creek cravel mine restoration: The response of native riparian terrace vegetation to mulch and soil amendment treatments.

Journal Article
Pond, Rodney
available at http://www.nps.gov/noca/scidaysabs03.htm
237
2003
non SEEC

Forest succession following fire along an altitudinal gradient, North Cascades National Park, Washington, USA

Conference Proceedings
Prichard, Susan J.; Peterson, David L.
174
332

Fire ecology and forest communities in Thunder Creek watershed.

Journal Article
Prichard, Susan; Case, Michael
available at http://www.nps.gov/noca/sd2002p.htm.
252
2002
non SEEC
In order to develop effective fire management plans, national park resource managers need to understand local fire regimes and their impacts on park resources. As part of the second largest contiguous wilderness in the conterminous United States, North Cascades National Park has a unique opportunity to manage for wildland fire. Our study quantifies spatial and temporal patterns of fire and forest succession in Thunder Creek watershed of North Cascades National Park. There are two main emphases within this research: a paleoecological reconstruction of Holocene fire frequency and forest assemblages and a spatial reconstruction of recent forest development following fire. TOPIC 1: Reconstruction of Holocene fire frequency and forest assemblages: Lake sediments were sampled from a small (0.3 ha) montane lake within a transitional climate zone of North Cascades National Park. Sediment cores were sliced into 1-cm sections which were then sieved into >500�m and 150-500�m f actions. Charcoal fragments from both fractions were counted in order to estimate the intensity of fire events over time. Macrofossils from the larger fragment were identified and tallied in order to estimate the relative abundance of different tree species over time and to link fluctuations in abundance with fire events. We are preparing samples for pollen counting, which will be completed in late 2002. Fire scars and forest patches surrounding our study lake will be used to corroborate recent (<400 years) fire frequency estimates from the lake sediments. Preliminary resultsThe lake sediment core 9.74 m long, with an average resolution of 10 years per centimeter. Thus, we have a 9000 yr record of fire and vegetation. A high concentration of charcoal and frequency of charcoal peaks in early Holocene sediments was followed by a decline in later Holocene sediments, beginning around 6800 years BP. Forest assemblages based on macrofossil conifer needles also differ from the early Holocene, in which subalpine fir and Douglas-fir are dominant, to the later Holocene, in which a diverse montane forest with more mesic species developed.TOPIC 2: Recent forest development following fire along an altitudinal gradient: Forest development along altitudinal transects was studied within a west-facing ridge near our study lake. The 4-km forested area is regenerating from a series of fires that occurred approximately 130 years ago. Four 1200-m altitudinal transects were established with plots spaced at 100-m intervals. Stand data within plots were collected to develop size (dbh and height) and age structures. Data are being analyzed to interpret how species distribution and dynamics along rugged, mountainous terrain. Preliminary resultsA distinct montane ecotone was found in each of the four transects. Species are not only distributed along an altitudinal gradient, from assemblages typical of low elevations to subalpine assemblages but are also responding to a moisture gradient between the four transects. Montane ecotones are recognized as "hotspots" of tree diversity, and this study demonstrates the interactions of tree species leading to areas of high species diversity.

Spatial and temporal dynamics of fire and vegetation change in Thunder Creek watershed, North Cascades National Park, Washington

Report
Prichard, Susan J.
available at http://www.nps.gov/noca/sd2004a.htm.
226
2004
non SEEC

A comparison of the effects of soil amendment and watering regime on germination and establishment of direct-seeded native plant species used In sub-alpine restoration at Cascade Pass, North Cascades National Park.

Report
Ramsay, Matthew
available at http://www.nps.gov/noca/scidaysabs03.htm
239
2003
non SEEC

The effects of soil amendment and watering regime on germination and establishment of direct-seeded native plant species ssed in sub-alpine restoration at Cascade Pass.

Report
Ramsay, Matthew
Available at http://www.nps.gov/noca/sd2004a.htm.
231
2004
non SEEC

Mapping and conversion of existing habitat maps

Report
Research, Keystone Wildlife
Currently available from author
107
2001
00-15
sensitive species

Recreational use of the Skagit Valley Recreational Area, fall 1991.

Report
Resources, Wild Stone
Ministry of Environment, Lands, and Parks, Surrey
6
1992
91-04
cultural
[Summary by author, formatted by compiler.]
recreation
hunting
deer

Distribution patterns of two montane stream amphibians and the effects of forest harvest: the Pacific giant salamander and tailed frog in southwestern British Columbia

Manuscript
Richardson, John S.; Neill, William E.
255
1995

Community composition and floristic relationships in montane wetlands in the North Cascades, Washington.

Journal Article
Risvold, A. M.; Fonda, R. W.
See journal
176
2001
157-167
75
non SEEC
Northwest Science
Montane wetlands in the North Cascades were dominated by small red peat moss, white marshmarigold, and many spiked cottongrass, the species with highest cover and frequency. Overall, 139 species were recorded in the 24 wetlands studied. Of the common species, nine were distributed independently of margin vs. central expanse locations, eight were more prominent in the margin habitat, and six were more prominent in the central expanse. Species diversity was described by species richness, and by Shannon-Wiener and Simpson`s indices. These data were interpreted according to three wetland sizes (<0.5 ha; 0.5-1.5 ha; >1.5 ha) and margin vs. central expanse location. Species richness was significantly correlated with wetland size and was significantly greater in the larger wetlands. The Shannon-Wiener index was significantly correlated with wetland size and was significantly greater in wetland margins vs. central expanse. Simpson`s index was unrelated to size or location in the wetland. Habitat heterogeneity in the wetlands was increased by buried logs, where conifer saplings were concentrated, even in the central expanse. North Cascades wetlands were distributed along gradients of elevation, annual precipitation, and degree of water movement. Lower elevation wetlands were characterized by higher annual precipitation and still water, whereas higher elevation wetlands were characterized by lower annual precipitation and moving water.

Decision in the north Cascades, Washington state USA. I. A forestry association's view of the proposal, western forestry and conservation association, Portland Oregon USA.

Journal Article
Roberts, A.M.
See journal
207
1968
521-526
66
non SEEC
Journal of Forestry

Density and population size estimates for North Cascade grizzly bears using DNA hair-sampling techniques

Journal Article
Romain-Bondi, Kimberly A.; Wielgus, Robert B.; Waits, Lisette; Kasworm, Wayne F.; Austin, Matt; Wakkinen, Wayne
172
2004
417-428
117
Biological Conservation
We used non-invasive DNA hair-sampling and catch per unit effort (CPUE: grizzly bears detected per 1000 trap nights) to estimate relative density and population size for a threatened grizzly bear population in the North Cascade Ecosystem of Washington and British Columbia. We used linear, logistic, and linear through the origin regression analyses to estimate the relationship between catch per unit effort and grizzly bear density for seven other grizzly populations. One grizzly bear was detected during 5304 trap nights (CPUE = 0.19) over 3 years in the North Cascades. This CPUE was much lower than in the other seven populations, including two threatened grizzly populations in the Cabinet-Yaak and Selkirk Mountain Ecosystems. The logistic model (curvilinear relationship) best fit the data (R2=0.927), and yielded density and population size estimates of 0.15 bears/100 km2 (90% CI = 0.03-0.71) and six bears (90% CI = 1-27), respectively. Natural recovery seems unlikely for the North Cascade grizzly bear population because the population has a high likelihood of extinction due to demographic and environmental stochastic effects associated with extremely small population numbers. We recommend population augmentation. DNA hair-sampling and catch per unit effort models can be a useful method to evaluate relative densities and numbers of animals in small, threatened grizzly bear populations when sample sizes are too small to yield traditional mark recapture analysis. Copyright 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Author Address: Institution: no org, 33 View Rd, Twisp, WA, 98856, USA.Document Location: See journalProject Number: non SEECField of Study:

An assessment and stocking evaluation of rainbow trout in the Sumallo River

Report
Rossenau, Marvin L.; Slaney, Pat A.
Seattle City Light
38
1990
89-19
fisheries
An investigation of rainbow trout populations in the Sumallo River, a major upstream tributary of the Skagit River, British Columbia, was conducted to assess the survival, size and abundance of two hatchery strains of rainbow trout (Skagit and Blackwater, stocked in 1988 and 1989, respectively) and to examine life history patterns of wild rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Dolly Varden chaff (Salvelinus malma). A fish enumeration fence was operated to monitor emigrants and immigrants, and a mark-recapture survey was conducted on a representative 3 km section. Fishable sections were intensively angled and minnow-trapped, and growth patterns were analyzed from samples of fish scales. Few hatchery fish of either strain were captured in the Sumallo and Skagit Rivers; all were captured by angling and electroshocking and none by trapping. Both strains were stocked at a mean length of 134 mm, while average lengths at recapture were 315 (Skagit) and 194 mm (Blackwater); the larger increase of the Skagit strain probably resulting from accelerated growth in Ross Lake. Estimated numbers of Blackwater trout remaining in the Sumallo River during September, 1990, were very low (162 fish; 0.3% of all rainbow trout or 2.3% of those stocked). The downstream migration of wild rainbow trout was comprised of four age classes including 1 + (mean length, 97 mm), 2+ (126 mm), 3+ (149 mm) and 4+ (187 mm). Based on scale analysis, length-frequency distributions, and a comparison of age and growth with a nearby non-migratory fluvial of rainbow trout (upper Skagit), most adult rainbow trout (>200 mm) in the Sumallo were migratory and had undergone a period of lake growth before returning to their natal stream to spawn or feed, or adfluvial-lacustrine. Back-calculations from scale samples indicated there was a strong positive relationship between size and survival, thereby the larger and older juveniles disproportionately contributing to the adult trout. The density and biomass of juvenile rainbow trout and Dolly Varden chaff during late September were 0.032 fish/m2 and 0.53 g/m2, and 0.040 fish/m2 and 0.62 g/m2, respectively, which are low compared to most trout streams. Extreme phosphorus deficiency �1-2 ppb concentration in summer) and, secondarily, a relatively low summer temperature regime (ca. 10 C) are the main limitations to production of trout and chaff of the Sumallo River. Management implications and options are summarized.
Rainbow Trout
Fisheries
migration
dynamics

Heritage resource inventory and mitigation for the Ross Lake Provincial Park campground expansion project, upper Skagit Valley, B.C.

Report
Rousseau, Mike K.
Seattle City Light
33
1988
88-14
cultural
In March of 1988, the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission retained the Department of Archaeology at Simon Fraser University to undertake an heritage resource inventory, impact assessment, and mitigation study for the 1988 Ross Lake Provincial Park Campground Expansion Project in the Skagit Valley Recreation Area of British Columbia.Two prehistoric lithic scatter sites were identified during this study. One site, DgRg 2, lay directly within the impact zone associated with the excavation of a large artificial bay, and was threatened by unavoidable, direct, adverse impact. It was mitigated by collecting all surficially evident lithic artifacts eroded out onto the beach lying within the present Ross Lake reservoir drawdown zone, and by conducting a brief judgemental test excavation program. DgRg 2 was completely destroyed in April of 1988.The second lithic scatter site, DgRg 3, does not lie within the proposed Provincial Park expansion development project area. However, some intact cultural deposits along the northeastern edge of the site continue to be impacted by wave action of Ross Lake during periods of high water. However, because only a small part of the site appears to be intact, and the density of artifacts is assessed to be relatively low, no further archaeological research is recommended.A future research priority should be the initiation of a detailed heritage resource inventory and impact assessment along the entire extant Ross Lake reservoir shoreline and drawdown zone in British Columbia. Such a study would undoubtedly contribute valuable information needed to help advance our presently poor understanding of prehistoric subsistence arid settlement patterns in the Canadian Upper Skagit Valley.
archaeology

Quantifying fuel loads and classifying vegetation in the Skagit Valley Recreational Area

Report
Rusel, Greg
67
1994
BC Parks initiated a fire management planning process in 1992 by commissioning a Fire Management Plan for the Skagit Valley Recreation Area and EC Manning Provincial Park. This report is a collection of various scientific material and critical recommendations necessary for the formulation of an ecologically sound Fire Management Plan.During the following year, it was determined to expand on the recommendations and to continue the strategy for development of a detailed plan. In order to ensure ecologically competent decisions were being made in the field, a more comprehensive study involving the inventory of fuel accumulations and standing live fuel was conducted during the summer of 1994. This document is the result of this inventory and will be the supporting data for future prescriptions regarding fire management activities.The data collected includes surface fuels and ladder fuels combined for a total fuel load in tonnes per hectare. This figure in association with stand classification, stand characteristics, physiographic features, soil analysis and weather considerations will enable fire behaviour predictions for future planning purposes.The field data for this study was collected within 49 plots that were located in five biogeoclimatic subzones or variants (IDFww, CWHdsl, CWHmsl, MHmm2 and ESSFmw). Plot locations were determined by selecting representative stands within each biogeoclimatic subzone, access and aspect. Representative sampling of all subzones in the study area was obtained.For the purpose of this study, only pre-bum assessment methodology for measuring fuel loading was used from the Field Handbook for Prescribed Fire Assessments in British Columbia: Logging Slash Fuels (1987). Stand characteristics, height and diameter, stems per hectare etc. were collected by constructing an additional plot using the line A of each plot and measuring 5 metres on either side of the 30 metre length (line A - B). This generated ladder fuels by inclusion of the standing live trees.The fuel plots use a line intercept method, starting from post A and moving in a counterclockwise direction along lines A, B and C. All dead and down woody debris (material separated from its` origin) was tallied into diameter classes.The data was then entered into the Ministry of Forests` Fuel Loading and Consumption Program, to obtain fuel loads (tonnes/ha.) for each plot.Wildlife sightings and signs were recorded, as well. These data include identification of tracks, scat, burrows, wildlife trees, nests, marked trees, diggings and squirrel tables.In addition to valuable data collected on the forest and its fuel loading, this plot information and accompanying photos can be used as a photo guide in estimating fuel loading in similar forest types using classification, stand characteristics and understorey species.[Users of this study should assess whether the methodology produced results suitable for their purposeDocument Location: British Columbia Parks, North VancouverProject Number: 94-05Field of Study: fire ecology
fire
fuel plots

Vegetation and wildlife findings for three ecological reserves in the Skagit River valley.

Report
Schilberg, Krista; Barrett, Scott
Seattle City Light
137
No date
93-04
miscellaneous
Ecological reserves are areas of land which have been protected from consumptive resource use under the Ecological Reserves Act. Three of the Skagit Valley`s ecological reserves were studied during this project. Vegetation, soil, topographic, habitat and wildlife data was collected in the Skagit River Cottonwoods reserve, the Ross Lake reserve and the Skagit River Forest reserve. This inventory was done to find out what animals may be using the reserves, what vegetation presently exists in the reserves, and what vegetation may exist in the reserves in the future.The reason that the three reserves were established was also considered. The Skagit River Cottonwoods reserve was established to protect the black cottonwoods growing on the floodplain of the Skagit River. The Ross Lake reserve was established to protect a stand of ponderosa pines. The Skagit River Forest was established to protect a piece of land within a transitional zone. The Skagit Valley has a climatic regime that is transitional between that of the coast and the interior of B.C.The purpose of the Ross Lake reserve and the Skagit River Forest reserve are clearly being met. In order to determine whether the purpose of the Skagit River Cottonwoods reserve is being met, further studies are required.The data which was collected revealed that the habitat in the reserves was being used by a variety of animals such as bears, deer, coyotes, raccoons and many forest birds. The plant communities were diverse and several site associations, or potential vegetation communities, were identified for each reserve.It is recommended that further wildlife and vegetation studies be conducted in these reserves, as well as in the Skagit River Rhododendron reserve. Due to time limitations the survey crew was unable to do any studies in this fourth reserve, the Skagit River Rhododendrons. Since the vegetation in the Skagit Valley lies in a transitional climatic zone, the findings in the vegetation inventory did not match well with the expected vegetation listed in BC`s classification systems. It is recommended that further vegetation studies be done in order to refine the sections for transitional zones in the Vancouver Forest Guide. [Studies contains a limited amount of quantitative data, and it is not clear how these relate to the conclusion that the _purposes [of the reserves] are clearly being met_. Users of this study should evaluated whether the field methods and design provide data suitable for their purposes.]
Conservation
Plant ecology
cottonwood

The paper dam: The role of the USA Canada International Joint Commission in the resolution of the Skagit River - High Ross dam controversy

Journal Article
Schwartz, A. M.
See journal
167
1986
237-243
8
non SEEC
Environmental Professional

Angler catch and use survey of Ross Reservoir and the Canadian Skagit River, 1985.

Report
Scott, K.J.; Peterson, G.R.
BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Surrey
11
1986
Reg. Fisheries Report No. LM-102
85-05
fisheries
At Ross Reservoir, from June 14 to October 31, 1985, angler effort was estimated at 65,673 hours (14,550 days). An estimated 21,979 rainbow trout were caught of which 83% were harvested. The estimated total catch of Dolly Varden char, brook trout and cutthroat trout was 2,065, 421 and 24, respectively. Angler effort at Ross Reservoir was greatest during the opening week of the fishery; angler catch rates were high during the opening week and in October.At the Canadian Skagit and Sumallo Rivers, from June 14 to September 30, 1985, angler effort was estimated at 16,548 hours (4,142 days). An estimated 3,579 rainbow trout were caught of which 2,307 (65%) were harvested. The estimated total catch of Dolly Varden char, brook trout and cutthroat trout was 56, 87, and 0, respectively. Angler effort was heaviest during June, particularly on opening weekend. Rainbow trout tagging studies showed that only a portion of the migratory reservoir stock remained in the Skagit River to contribute to the fishery in 1985.
Fisheries
harvest
trout
char
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