Bibliography Background About KRIS
West Marin-Sonoma
The information below describes data, maps, photographs, and bibliographic references currently found in KRIS West Marin-Sonoma. Each section is designed to be accessed directly from relevant topics in KRIS via the Info Links tab. A scan of this document will provide an overview of contents, and some detail about relevant data and studies not available in KRIS due to access or time constraints on integration.
Rainfall data available in KRIS West Marin-Sonoma come from several sources. The largest source is the National Weather Service, the California Data Exchange Center (CDEC) database, and the National Park Service. CDEC is a network of State and Federal agencies that collect and share climate data over the Internet, with real time gauges at some locations. Much of the data on CDEC is collected by the California Department of Water Resources (CDWR). The primary purpose of the cooperative project is to assess and monitor flood risk.
Point Reyes National Seashore (PORE) and Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GOGA): These divisions of the U.S. National Park Service have deployed a system of rainfall and flow gauges throughout the parks since 1997, as a part of the Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout Restoration Project (CSRP). See Flow Data and Studies below for more information. In addition, PORE has been monitoring rainfall data at stations throughout their boundaries for several decades. Data from these efforts available in KRIS West Marin-Sonoma come from the Bear Valley Headquarters and were collected from 1965-1998. Golden Gate National Recreation Area has also been monitoring rainfall at Muir Woods Ranger Station since the 1940s. Rainfall data for Muir Woods in KRIS was received from the California Department of Water Resources (CDWR).
Philip Williams & Associates, Ltd. (PWA): Analysis of climate data in Redwood Creek was conducted by PWA as part of a preliminary environmental assessment prepared for the California Department of Transportation District IV (PWA et al, 1994) regarding potential wetland restoration alternatives for Big Lagoon, located at the mouth of Redwood Creek.
Questa Engineering: This firm summarized historic rainfall data for the Americano and Stemple Creek watersheds (Questa, 1996) for the City of Santa Rosa and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Data were from Sonoma County Water Agency gauging stations (Erikson, Gerritson, and Two Rock).
For more information on this overall subject, see the Precipitation Background page.
Flow data in KRIS West Marin-Sonoma come from the U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS), the National Park Service (NPS), Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD), and private contractors. The most extensive flow data are from Lagunitas Creek and its tributaries, as well as Walker Creek, because of water storage and supply facilities in those basins and concerns regarding impacts on coho salmon and steelhead populations. Records of average daily flow are in cubic feet per second. Water years (WY) begin on October 1 of the prior calendar year. For example, the 1998 water year started on October 1, 1997.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): Continuous flow gauges are currently or have been historically maintained on Salmon Creek, Walker Creek, Lagunitas Creek, Abbotts Lagoon, Morses Gulch, and Pine Gulch. In addition, USGS measured annual peak flows in Redwood Creek and instantaneous flows twice per year in Redwood Creek and Green Gulch between 1985 and 1998.
Point Reyes National Seashore (PORE) and Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GOGA): GOGA and PORE have provided creek flow and rainfall data in KRIS West Marin-Sonoma from hydrologic monitoring stations established in 1997, as a part of the Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout Restoration Project (CSRP). Stations are located on Redwood, Pine Gulch, and Olema creeks (Lagunitas Creek, the fourth watershed in the CSRP, is monitored by USGS) and collect flow and rainfall data at 15-minute intervals. Data files were provided as raw data as well as daily and hourly summaries. Available analyzed data included mean daily flows, rainfall discharge (or flow) relationships in annual and monthly format, and the various rating curves that were used throughout the period of record. Mean daily discharge is calculated using the appropriate rating curve and the average water level for the 24-hour period. A more detailed description of this monitoring is available in Ketcham (1998). GOGA has also worked with consultants to complete hydrological studies on Redwood Creek (see below) and other National Park Service staff to evaluate the effects of well pumping on the creek (Martin, 2000). In addition, a water rights assessment was also conducted for Redwood Creek (Johns, 1993).
Philip Williams & Associates, Ltd. (PWA): This firm has conducted flow studies on Redwood Creek for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the California Department of Transportation District IV to evaluate creek restoration alternatives. PWA established the first continuous flow monitoring on Redwood Creek, which occurred from March 1992 through September 1993 at the Pacific Way Bridge, and derived a flow duration curve from historical data at Arroyo Corte Madera del Presidio to establish the recurrence interval of observed low flows (PWA et al, 1994). PWA also measured instantaneous flows during 1993-1994 to identify the effects of well pumping on the creek, as part of a larger study to analyze the impacts of various land use activities in the watershed on creek flows, water quality, and sedimentation (Schanz et al., 1995). In addition, they also established the return period of peak flow events and created a flood frequency curve for Redwood Creek at Highway One and compared this to estimates by Lehre (1974) (PWA, 2000).
Dr. Jerry J. Smith: The Golden Gate National Recreation Area has contracted with Dr. Jerry J. Smith of San Jose State University to monitor coho and steelhead populations in Redwood Creek. Smith (1994) related standing crops of juvenile salmonids to flow and water quality. See Bibliography and the South Marin/ Redwood Creek sub-basin for full access to all Smith documents.
Questa Engineering Corporation: This firm conducted a water balance analysis using monthly time steps to estimate stream flow for dry, average, and wet rainfall years for Americano Creek at Valley Ford and Stemple Creek at Highway One (Questa, 1996). Results of the water balance model were checked against spot streamflow measurements from several stream locations in mid-June 1995, as well as a regression model produced for a local watershed. Peak discharges associated with large storm events were not addressed by the water balance. Note that estimates do not take into account diversion of water for agricultural use and therefore may be higher than actual values. The study was conducted for the City of Santa Rosa and partially funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE).
Marin Municipal Water District and consultants (MMWD): Don W. Kelley and Associates conducted flow studies for Marin Municipal Water District on Walker Creek (Kelley, 1976) and Lagunitas Creek. The Lagunitas Creek studies were presented in several reports and summarized in D.W. Kelley and Associates and Entrix Inc., 1992. The objective of the studies was to determine flow needs for fish, particularly coho salmon and steelhead. Also, Balance Hydrologics, Inc. has been monitoring flow, as well as bedload sediment transport, on San Geronimo Creek at the Lagunitas Road bridge for MMWD and produces annual reports summarizing these data (Balance Hydrologics, Inc., 2001). In addition, MMWD records information relating to its dam operations on Lagunitas and Walker Creeks, including runoff and reservoir capacity. Specific flow releases for the protection of fishery resources in Lagunitas Creek are mandated by the California State Water Resources Control Board in Order WR 95-17 (CSWRCB, 1995). There has also been a MMWD-CDFG agreement regarding flow releases in Walker Creek.
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG): There have been flow studies conducted in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area to determine the in-stream flow needs of coho salmon and steelhead. These include Redwood Creek (Snider, 1984) and Lagunitas Creek (Smith, 1986). Snider (1984) calculated preferred flows for spawning and rearing of coho salmon and steelhead trout in six reaches of Redwood Creek, although one reach did not fit the needed criteria, using the Toe-Width Method (TWM) instream flow analysis. Toe-widths were measured at transects which characterized the condition within each reach. In addition, critical flow requirements for adult migration were determined using the Thompson method. The assessment in Lagunitas Creek was conducted using the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM) and four general habitat types with representative sample reaches.
For more information on this overall subject, see the Stream Flow Background page.
Fisheries Data from California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG)
The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) Region 3 has sampled many of the streams in the KRIS West-Marin Sonoma project area and shared data and reports. Sampling has included electrofishing, migrant trapping, creel census, redd counts and spawning surveys. CDFG is also responsible for oversight of hatchery operations and supplied data on planting of juvenile salmon and steelhead. In addition, CDFG has conducted many general stream surveys and reported on fish-kill incidents from pollution (See Bibliography for reports).
Electrofishing: CDFG has used electrofishing to sample streams in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area since about 1970. The table below shows where CDFG has electrofished to monitor populations and in what year. Some years may not be shown below due to missing records in the CDFG files.
Stream |
1970 |
1977 |
1979 |
1980 |
1981 |
1982 |
1983 |
1984 |
1985 |
1986 |
1987 |
1988 |
1990 |
2001 |
Salmon |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tannery |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X |
Fay |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Walker |
|
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
X |
Lagunitas |
X |
|
|
X |
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
San Geronimo |
X |
|
|
X |
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Devils Gulch |
X |
|
|
X |
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Olema |
X |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Redwood |
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lagunitas Creek: CDFG used electrofishing to sample the estimated number of fish per 30 meter reach in 1970, 1980 and 1982-1988, and 1990. In 1970, Millard Coots sampled six 100 foot reaches (30 m) in Lagunitas Creek, four in San Geronimo Creek, one in Devils Gulch and four in Olema Creek. Coots found coho present at only two sites (Devils Gulch and one of the San Geronimo sites). He also recorded on August 11, 1970 a maximum water temperature of 72 degrees F near Tocaloma Bridge. Surveys in 1982 covered 22 sites in the Lagunitas Creek watershed, including the use of block nets. This allowed extrapolation by CDFG to calculate populations of all fish species (Emig, 1982), although since sites were not randomly selected, estimates may not be accurate. Nine of these sites were revisited in the 1983-1985 surveys and the number was dropped to eight for the 1986-1988 surveys. These electrofishing surveys all used blocking nets and multiple passes to generate reliable measure of fish per 30 meters for sampled sites. The results provide a useful index of fish abundance that can be used to track changes among years. However, sample sizes are very low in some years and for some tributaries were often two sites. Much of this earlier work by CDFG has been summarized in more recent reports by the Marin Municipal Water District (Ettlinger et al., 2001). Note though that values reported in the KRIS 1970-2000 Abundance topics differ from those in the 1982-1986 Abundance topics because a different number of sites were used to calculate average abundance to allow comparison among years and varying sampling methods. Also, topics were created just for 1982-1986 because fish community numbers were not available for the CDFG 1970, 1980, 1987, 1988, and 1990 sampling. See Bibliography for associated electrofishing memos. Note that some memos were missing for CDFG files and therefore are not currently available in KRIS.
Walker Creek: CDFG conducted electrofishing surveys during October 1981 in Walker Creek to determine salmonid populations produced as a result of enhancement flows released from Soulajule Reservoir in the upper drainage by Marin Municipal Water District. The method used included multi-pass sampling with a backpack electroshocker and block-nets at six 30-m sections and followed Price and Geary, 1979. Fish were identified, counted, weighed by volumetric displacement, and measured to fork length, including both salmonids and a sample non-game species. Water quality measurements were also taken before areas were surveyed for fish. After electrofishing, stream widths and depths were measured and cover, flow, streambed composition, pool-riffle-run ratio, and canopy were estimated. The results of this sampling can be found in Emig (1984). Walker Creek was sampled again by CDFG in 2001 (CDFG, 2001) to determine coho presence or absence. No coho were found.
Redwood Creek: This stream, which drains the Muir Woods watershed, has been sampled by CDFG using electrofishing in 1977, 1979, and 1983. Sampling has been in response to concerns over diminishing habitat for coho and steelhead juveniles as a result of flow depletion and channel alteration.
Salmon Creek: This southern Sonoma coastal tributary flows into the Pacific Ocean north of Bodega Bay. Salmon Creek was sampled in 1982 (data and memo not available in KRIS), while tributaries Tannery and Fay Creek were sampled as part of CDFG presence/absence surveys for coho salmon juveniles in 2001. A modified "ten pool protocol", using a single pass electrofishing, in ten pools of three reaches was carried out on Tannery Creek on September 6, 2001 (CDFG, 2001) and Fay Creek on September 14, 2001 (CDFG, 2001).
Pine Gulch Creek: CDFG electrofished this tributary of Bolinas Lagoon in 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2002. However, this was done to remove fish from a sediment detention basin prior to dredging and not with the aim of sampling populations.
Adult Spawning Surveys: CDFG has documented limited salmonid spawner information in many creeks in KRIS West Marin-Sonoma for several decades (See Bibliography). However, more comprehensive data has also been collected. Bill Cox of CDFG conducted spawning surveys in Lagunitas Creek, San Geronimo Creek, and Devils Gulch during the years 1985/86, 1989/90, 1991/92, 1992/93, and 1993/94. The surveys were made in late December or January and recorded numbers of live coho salmon, carcasses and redds, as well as incidental observations of steelhead. Eleven reaches were identified in the three streams and surveyed once each year. In the initial year of work, CDFG received help from the Lagunitas Creek Citizen Advisory Committee and also surveyed Olema Creek. CDFG surveyed Redwood Creek in 1968/69, 1977/78, and 1985/86 and Salmon Creek in 1967/68.
Migrant Trapping: Migrant traps were operated on Nicasio Creek from 1960-1971 and on Lagunitas Creek from 1983-1985. After construction of the dam on Nicasio Creek in 1960, the Marin Municipal Water District financed CDFG operated traps above and below the dam to move migrating fish. There was one upstream trap below the reservoir and two downstream traps above the reservoir on Nicasio and Halleck Creeks. To learn more about these traps see the Operations and Objectives memo (CDFG, n.d.) and other documents in the Bibliography. In Lagunitas Creek, a fyke-net with impassable deflectors was used to trap downstream migrants during the spring months of the years 1983-1985. The fyke-net was placed 150 meters upstream of Nicasio. Trapping commenced on April 14, 1983, and on March 7 and March 6 in the two following years. Trapping terminated in late June of each year after few fish were captured. High flows overwhelmed the trap deflectors on nine days in 1983, six days in 1984, and five days in 1985. On these occasions, the total number of fish captured was estimated using the actual catch times the proportion of sampled water going around the traps. Lagunitas Creek trapping efforts were reported by Don Kelley who monitored the traps in coordination with CDFG (D.W. Kelley & Associates and Entrix, Inc., 1992). The purpose of the trapping was to plot out-migrant timing and relative abundance. Incline-plane smolt traps were also operated by Don Kelley and CDFG in San Geronimo and Devils Gulch Creeks in 1983.
Angler Creel Census: Warden Al Giddings recorded anglers catches of steelhead trout and coho salmon in Walker Creek from 1949-1974. The original source of this data is from the dairies of Warden Giddings, however information used in KRIS was taken from a report on Walker Creek by Don Kelley (Kelley, 1976).
Stocking of Hatchery Fish: CDFG provided data on the numbers of coho salmon and steelhead trout stocked in the Lagunitas Creek and Drakes Bay watersheds from 1958-1987. If more releases occurred, this information is not available. Fish were also planted in Pine Gulch Creek, Walker Creek, and Salmon Creek.
For more information on fisheries data collected in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area, see Fisheries Data from MMWD, Fisheries Data from NPS, and Coho Presence and Absence Surveys on this page. For more general information on this overall subject, see the Fish Populations Background page.
Fisheries Data from Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD)
The Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) collects data and produces reports on fisheries in the Lagunitas Creek basin. Juvenile populations of coho and steelhead trout have been estimated during an annual fall electrofishing survey, beginning in 1993. Annual coho spawner surveys beginning in 1995/1996 were conducted in an effort to track the adult coho population while other salmonid spawning activity was also documented. Both surveys are conducted in Lagunitas Creek and its tributaries Devils Gulch and San Geronimo Creek (but do not include Nicasio Creek). These activities are in fulfillment of requirements of MMWD ordered by the California State Water Resources Control Board (CSWRCB, 1995) for the purpose of monitoring and mitigating the effects of permitted diversions from the watershed. MMWD has also taken measures to reduce sedimentation, improve riparian vegetation and woody debris, conduct specific flow releases, and maintain flow gages to improve fishery habitat as mandated by this order. Other fish data collected by MMWD has included downstream migrant trapping in the 1980's.
Electrofishing: Juvenile salmonid sampling has been conducted in the Lagunitas Creek watershed by Marin Municipal Water District and their consultants since 1993. All the monitoring has been conducted by electrofishing sample sites with the use of block nets and multiple passes, at sample sites initially established by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) in the 1970's. The 1993 surveys were conducted by Sierra Fisheries, which attempted to relocate sample sites used by CDFG in previous surveys. The 1994-1996 data were collected by Trihey and Associates, Inc. (Trihey & Associates, Inc., 1994, 1995, 1996). Starting in 1997, juvenile salmonid data was collected by fisheries staff at MMWD (2000). The total catch data from electrofishing surveys has been used to extrapolate a population estimate for the entire creek, incorporating habitat typing survey data. Although sample sites are not selected randomly, a population estimate is extrapolated comparing fish numbers in sample site habitats to the entire lengths of riffle, run, and pool habitats in the creek. Results also are expressed as fish per 30 meters to provide a useful index for population abundance that can be compared to earlier data. Note that values reported in the KRIS 1970-2000 Abundance topics differ from those in the 1982-1986 Abundance topics because different numbers of sites were used to calculate average abundance to allow comparison among years and varying sampling methods.
Walker Creek: During the summer of 1975 MMWD contracted with Don W. Kelley and Associates to determine the presence/absence of coho salmon and steelhead trout and to evaluate the amount and quality of salmonid rearing habitat at low flows in Walker Creek (Kelley, 1976). Electrofishing was conducted in the mid and upper reaches of the creek and seining was conducted from Highway One upstream to the upper end of tidal influence. In addition, the amount and quality of salmonid rearing habitat was evaluated at flows of 1-5-3.0 cfs, recorded at the USGS gage near Tomales. Summer water temperatures were also measured throughout Walker Creek as a part of this study.
Migrant Trapping: Don W. Kelly and Associates helped with operation of a downstream migrant trap on Lagunitas Creek just upstream of Nicasio Creek from 1983-1985 in cooperation with CDFG (D.W. Kelley and Associates and Entrix Inc., 1992). See Fisheries Data from the California Department of Fish and Game above for more information on this trapping, as well as prior trapping in Nicasio Creek.
Spawner and Redd Surveys: Adult coho salmon live fish, carcasses and redds were counted in Lagunitas Creek and its tributaries by MMWD and their consultants during 1982/83, 1983/84, and annually since the 1995/1996 spawning season. These survey efforts were assisted by the National Park Service (NPS) and the Salmon Protection and Watershed Network (SPAWN) in smaller tributaries of Lagunitas Creek and San Geronimo Creek. The purpose of these surveys was to document timing, magnitude and trends in spawning by coho salmon. Other salmonid spawning activity by chinook and chum salmon and steelhead trout have also been documented. See Ettlinger and Andrew (2001) and previous reports in the KRIS Bibliography for more information.
For more information on fisheries data collected in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area, see Fisheries Data from CDFG, Fisheries Data from NPS, and Coho Presence and Absence Surveys on this page. For more general information on this overall subject, see the Fish Populations Background page.
Fisheries Data from the National Park Service (NPS)
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GOGA), Point Reyes National Seashore (PORE), and their consultants have conducted fisheries surveys in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area.
Regional: The most comprehensive NPS fisheries studies began in 1997, when GOGA and PORE initiated the Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout Restoration Project (CSRP) to assess the habitat and condition of coho salmon and steelhead trout populations within NPS managed watersheds. The goals of the CSRP were to identify problems limiting salmonids and implement comprehensive programs to restore these populations. The major streams of interest were Olema Creek and its tributaries, Cheda Creek, and Devils Gulch, all three which are tributaries to Lagunitas Creek, as well as Muddy Hollow Creek, Pine Gulch Creek and Redwood Creek. Methods for monitoring fish included electrofishing, dive observation, outmigrant trapping, and spawner and carcass surveys for adults. Other activities of the CSRP included fish genetic analyses, habitat assessments, water quality and benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring, stream flow and rainfall monitoring, and habitat restoration. More information on these activities can be found in Fong and Shook (1997) and Annual Section 10 Permit Data Reports (Brown et al., 1998, 1999 and NPS, 2000, 2001, 2002). In addition, spawner survey results for the first year's studies can be found in Manning et al. (1999). Also, monitoring activities in Pine Gulch Creek, a tributary of Bolinas Lagoon where coho salmon were documented in winter 2000-2001 for the first time since 1968, are reported in Brown and Ketcham (2002) and Ketcham and Brown (2003). The remaining data are currently being analyzed and summarized by NPS. The only CSRP fisheries data that is presently available in KRIS are spawner survey data. For fisheries monitoring information prior to or outside the scope of CSRP see below.
Redwood Creek: The first sampling conducted by National Park Service staff in Redwood Creek seems to be limited seining in September 1954 (May, 1954), which included the collection of coho salmon, steelhead trout, crayfish, and yellow-legged frog. From 1967 through 1968, Sonoma State University, under contract with NPS, used seine sampling to gauge population levels of coho and steelhead juveniles. Two to five seining efforts were made in up to 38 pools from the mouth of Redwood Creek to upper reaches in Muir Woods. Fish were identified to species and measured as to fork length. Simultaneous studies were also made of sculpin and the researchers also observed the plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates associated with the stream. Those doing the sampling noted that steelhead and sculpin avoided the net after the first pass, likely by going to the bottom into the substrate and under the net. These results are reported in Arnold, 1971.
In 1988, eight stations along Redwood Creek, its tributary Fern Creek, and pools adjacent to Muir Beach were sampled for fish using a 12- volt backpack electro-shocker by Redwood National Park staff on loan to GOGA (Hofstra and Anderson, 1989). At sampling Stations 1-4 a multiple pass removal method using block nets was used to estimate fish numbers. At these sites captured fish were also identified to species, length, and weight. At the remaining stations (A, B, C, D, Fern Creek, and Muir Beach) only a species' presence or absence was noted. Water quality data (water temperature, conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH) was also collected at Stations 1-4 and the Muir Beach pool.
GOGA also completed electrofishing, beach seining, and snorkel surveys in lower Redwood Creek and Big Lagoon in 1995 (Fong, 1996). The purpose of this sampling was to determine habitat use by juvenile salmonids during the late winter in Big Lagoon and to estimate juvenile salmonid abundance between late winter and fall in Big Lagoon and lower Redwood Creek. Length class, species, and abundance were recorded, as well as physical information including stream discharge, air and water temperature and habitat dimensions.
Dr. Jerry J. Smith (1994a) of San Jose State University also conducted electrofishing, along with some seining surveys, from 1992 to 2001 on Redwood Creek in order to monitor the distribution and abundance of juvenile coho and steelhead. Darren Fong of GOGA has assisted Dr. Smith with the effort since 1998. See the KRIS Bibliography for access to Smith reports beginning in 1994. Fish monitoring information from 1992 and 1993 was reported in a preliminary environmental assessment for the restoration of Big Lagoon, at the mouth of Redwood Creek (PWA et al., 1994).
Casual observations of spawning salmonids have been made in Redwood Creek since 1944. However, more detailed surveys began in 1994 (Fong, 1996, 1996, 1997). Live and carcass salmonid counts using sampling protocol developed for the Redwood Creek watershed in Humboldt County (Redwood National Park) were followed as closely as possible, with emphasis on coho salmon observations. The purpose of these surveys was to develop an index of annual escapement of coho salmon for analysis of long-term trends, to gather distributional information of spawning coho, to determine population characteristics of returning coho adults, and to measure certain hydrologic conditions related to the salmon runs.
GOGA has also completed outmigrant trapping in Redwood Creek beginning in 1996. The first year's results can be found in Fong (1997), however the data is not present in KRIS.
Bolinas Lagoon tributaries: The tributaries along the east-side of Bolinas Lagoon were sampled for fish by GOGA during 1998-2000 (Fong, 2002). Fish were counted using electrofishing and snorkel surveys, and juvenile steelhead were observed by noting presence or absence during habitat inventories within 100 meter reaches. Redd surveys were also conducted during the spring of 1999 and 2000.
Lagunitas Creek and tributaries: Limited fisheries surveys were conducted by NPS in tributaries to Lagunitas Creek before the initiation of CSRP in 1997. Spawner surveys occurred on Olema Creek beginning in 1993 by PORE staff and volunteers with the Tomales Bay Association. Cheda Creek and Devils Gulch were surveyed for spawning salmonids in 1996/97. Electrofishing and snorkel surveys were also conducted in Olema and Cheda Creeks in 1995 and are reported in Fong (1996).
For more information on fisheries data collected in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area, see Fisheries Data from CDFG, Fisheries Data from MMWD, and Coho Presence and Absence Surveys on this page. For more general information on this overall subject, see the Fish Populations Background page.
Coho Presence and Absence Surveys
The presence or absence of coho salmon in streams historically inhabited by the species has become one of the main measure of coho status in northwestern California. Data in KRIS West Marin-Sonoma come from The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS or NOAA Fisheries) as reported in Adams et al., (1999) and the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), which did an exhaustive survey of northwestern California to determine the status of coho (CDFG, 2002). The CDFG database includes all previous CDFG samples back to 1988, data from Brown and Moyle (1991), and data from presence and absence studies funded by NMFS (Brownell et al., 1999). Brown et al. (1994) used presence and absence and other data to characterize the status of coho salmon in California up to 1994. (NMFS 2001) also reassessed California coho status based on data collected through the year 2000. NMFS (2001) offers the following caveat for understanding the use of presence/absence data: "It is important to note that a record of 'presence' does not necessarily indicate persistent populations. Nor does a record of 'absence' preclude the possibility of coho salmon within the system, only that they were not detected during sampling." Because the varying returns of different year classes of coho, three consecutive years of survey are needed for definitive presence/absence information. Coho persist in Marin County streams in the southern extent of the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project but they are missing from Salmon Creek and other streams in the northern project area. Eli Asarian of IFR KRIS project created an ArcView shape file from the a CDFG non-spatial database. See the metadata file in the KRIS Map Viewer for more detailed information on the spatial data.
For more information on fisheries data collected in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area, see Fisheries Data from CDFG, Fisheries Data from MMWD, and Fisheries Data from NPS on this page. For more general information on this overall subject, see the Fish Populations Background page.
Habitat Studies by Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD)
Stream habitat typing surveys were conducted on the Lagunitas Creek watershed in 1992, 1995, and 1997-1999 through the Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) and various consultants. The protocols for surveys, beginning in 1995, are from the California Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual (CDFG, 1998). Habitat typing was conducted in the summer months. Some extremely large pools were subdivided into multiple units when the substrate or bank composition changed significantly over the length of the pool. In addition, the 1997-1999 surveys describe shelter in more detail than the CDFG protocols.
In 1992, Don W. Kelley and Associates surveyed Lagunitas Creek from Nicasio Creek to Shafter Bridge and the data weree compiled by Entrix, Inc. The only data collected for this survey were habitat type (pool, run, riffle, glide, and cascade) and lengths of habitat units. In 1995, Trihey & Associates surveyed San Geronimo Creek from its mouth to an impassable fish barrier four miles upstream called Dixon Weir and Devils Gulch from its mouth to 7,400 feet upstream. MMWD staff then began surveying the Lagunitas Creek Watershed in 1997. The first year they surveyed Lagunitas Creek from Tocaloma Bridge to Peter's Dam. Due to the El Nino storms of 1997-1998, MMWD had to conduct additional surveys in 1998 and 1999. In those years they surveyed San Geronimo Creek and Lagunitas Creek from Highway One to Peter's Dam. The data from all years and methods are incorporated in Ettlinger et al. (2000).
For more information on habitat surveys conducted in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area, see Habitat Studies by MSC and Habitat Studies by NPS on this page. For more general information on this overall subject, see the Habitat Types Background page.
Habitat Studies by Merritt Smith Consulting (MSC) for the City of Santa Rosa and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The City of Santa Rosa and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commissioned a series of studies by Merritt Smith Consulting (MSC) for the Santa Rosa Sub-Regional Long-Term Wastewater Project, to examine areas for potential locations where wastewater could be disbursed. KRIS West Marin-Sonoma contains information collected during this scoping project on Americano and Stemple Creeks. Many aspects of these two watersheds were analyzed, including aquatic habitat surveys, water quality monitoring and macroinvertebrates (see Water Quality Monitoring by MSC and Aquatic Insect Data below).
Habitat surveys included a 1988 riparian condition assessment of Americano Creek and its tributaries with three categories of habitat distinguished: 1) grazed pasture with no trees, 2) grazed willows other trees (mostly Eucalyptus along tributaries), and 3) ungrazed willows. Tributaries only included those north of Bloomfield and south as far as Two Rock. In addition, during 1994-1995, aquatic habitat in Americano and Stemple Creeks was surveyed and classified into six categories, four stream types, ponds, and estuaries. The stream habitat categories were based on fish species and other habitat parameters:
Stream Habitat Category |
Description |
Coolwater A |
higher gradient, perennial flow and suitable for salmonids |
Coolwater B |
higher gradient, seasonal flow, may support salmonids |
Warmwater A |
low gradient, perennial flow and has warm-adapted native and non-native fishes |
Warmwater B |
low gradient, seasonal flow, unsuitable for fish and other aquatic vertebrates |
Ponds |
Ponds, fish species similar to Warmwater A |
Estuaries |
Lower reach of stream with salt intrusion and tidal flux |
Surveys consisted primarily of visual descriptions and estimates of parameters. Access issues and a change in project description prevented a more in-depth study. Further description regarding the habitat categories is provided in MSC (1996) and the results are available in MSC (1996).
For more information on habitat surveys conducted in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area, see Habitat Studies by MMWD and Habitat Studies by NPS on this page. For more general information on this overall subject, see the Habitat Types Background page.
Habitat Studies by the National Park Service (NPS)
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GOGA) has conducted habitat studies in Redwood Creek and Bolinas Lagoon tributaries. In Redwood Creek, GOGA's objective was to collect baseline stream habitat information in order to gage its suitability for coho salmon and steelhead trout. In 1995, surveys were conducted in Redwood Creek on channel entrenchment, distribution of habitat types, woody material, pool volumes, streamside cover, riparian canopy density, as well as substrate composition, water temperature, and benthic macroinvertebrates (Fong, 2002). These data were assessed along six reaches of mainstem Redwood Creek and one reach of Fern Creek, a tributary. Protocol used for the stream habitat inventory was from the California Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual (CDFG, 1998) and work that preceded it.
Between 1997 and 2000, GOGA also completed habitat surveys on tributaries to Bolinas Lagoon, including Easkoot Creek, Stinson Gulch, McKinnon Gulch, Morses Gulch, and Wilkins Gulch. The specific focus of these studies was to describe habitat conditions pertinent to aquatic life, in order to better understand juvenile salmonid rearing habitat conditions. Data collected included habitat types and dimensions, canopy cover, landform slope and mass wasting hazard, location of culverts, bank protection and slides, counts of woody materials, presence of non-native vegetation, and bankful width and depth. This information is presented in Fong (2002).
Habitat studies have also been conducted by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the Point Reyes National Seashore as a part of the Coho Steelhead Restoration Project (CSRP). See Fisheries Data from NPS above for more information.
For more information on habitat surveys conducted in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area, see Habitat Studies by MSC and Habitat Studies by MMWD on this page. For more general information on this overall subject, see the Habitat Types Background page.
Longitudinal Profiles by Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GOGA)
Longitudinal profiles have been surveyed for Redwood Creek from the Highway One bridge to the Muir Woods Road bridge by a consultant in 1999 (Bennett, 1999) and by Americorps staff from the Muir Woods Road bridge to "Bridge 4" in Muir Woods National Monument (Paulson et al., 2000) for GOGA.
Sediment Monitoring by Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD)
Lagunitas Creek sediment data in KRIS West Marin-Sonoma come from annual monitoring reports from the San Geronimo Bedload Sediment Reduction Program, started in 1993 by Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD). Streambed monitoring is part of MMWD’s Final Sediment and Riparian Management Plan, Lagunitas Creek, Marin County, California (MMWD, 1997) and is in accordance with the Aquatic Resources Monitoring Workplan for the Lagunitas Creek Drainage, Marin County, California: Final Report (Trihey and Associates, 1996). Both were mandated by the California State Water Resources Control Board (CSWRCB, 1995) for the purpose of monitoring and mitigating the effects of MMWD's permitted diversions from the watershed. Monitoring reports are prepared by Prunuske Chatham, Inc. in association with Balance Hydrologics, Inc for MMWD and the Marin Resource Conservation District. The latest report is San Geronimo Bedload Sediment Reduction Program, 2000 Monitoring Report (2000). Monitoring data in this report include changes in mean streambed elevation, embeddedness, bed surface composition, and bed core composition. Click here for methodology.
Sediment studies were begun by MMWD in 1979 when it entered into an agreement for interim operation of Kent Lake with the California Department of Fish and Game. The latter required that studies of biological, hydrological, and geomorphic conditions of Lagunitas Creek and its tributaries take place. Initial studies were structured as three phases, a reconnaissance and scoping study, development of a bedload transport simulation model, and field studies for model calibration and verification (Hecht, 1992). The studies concluded that the Lagunitas Creek system is sediment limited by the elimination of coarser sediment sources from above the Nicasio Reservoir and Lagunitas Creek above Peters Dam. Coarse sediment sources were identified as coming from San Geronimo Creek, Devils Gulch, other large tributaries and bank erosion along the lower reach of Lagunitas Creek. Fine sands and gravels emanating from San Geronimo Creek were found to be the primary source of habitat-impairing sediments in Lagunitas Creek.
Data collected from Phases II and III of the study were used to develop a bedload transport model specific to the Lagunitas Creek system. Modeling of sediment-transport within the State Park was conducted in 1988. Model results suggested that sediment would not accumulate within the reach between Kent Lake and Tocaloma if bedload delivery from San Geronimo Creek were reduced by 10 to 20 percent (Hecht, 1988). The above findings led to the development of the San Geronimo Bedload Sediment Reduction Program in 1993. This program was developed by MMWD and is based on a study by Prunuske Chatham, Inc (1990), San Geronimo Creek Watershed Bedload Reduction Opportunities, which inventoried and prioritized erosion sites in the San Geronimo watershed. This program focuses on erosion source control and annual monitoring of bedload transport.
In 1995, California State Water Resources Control Board issued Order WR 95-17 (CSWRCB, 1995) directing MMWD to prepare a sediment and riparian management plan as one of several mitigation measures for enlarging Kent Lake in 1982. The sediment management plan objected to reduce sedimentation and provided improvement in the fisheries habitat within the Lagunitas Creek watershed. Implemented mitigation measures included: source control of sediment, use of sediment traps, planting of large gravel and cobble, monitoring, and public outreach (MMWD, 1997).
Additional monitoring has been conducted on San Geronimo Creek by Balance Hydrologics, Inc. with continuous streamflow and bedload transport data collected since 1979. Annual reports summarize a water year's data. The latest report is Annual Hydrologic Record and Bedload-Sediment Transport Measurements of San Geronimo Creek at Lagunitas Road Bridge, Marin County, California: Data Report for Water Year 2000.
For more information on sediment studies conducted in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area, see Sediment Studies by NPS, Erosion Studies etc. by MRCD, and Road and Trail Related Erosion on this page. For more general information on this overall subject, see the Sediment Background page.
Sediment Studies by the National Park Service (NPS)
The National Park Service, including both Point Reyes National Seashore (PORE) and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GOGA), have collected some data regarding sediment in streams. A sediment study was conducted on Olema Creek by Questa Engineering Corporation under contract to NPS (Questa, 1990). Data were collected on streamflow, sediment discharge, and erosion sources from 1986-1989. Questa evaluated the main sources of sediment and compared their results to earlier studies of Olema Creek, as well as regional studies from similar watersheds. Sediment data were collected primarily during storm events at established monitoring sites. Depth-integrated suspended sediment samples were obtained using a hand-held modified DH-48. Bedload samples were collected using a modified Helley-Smith pressure-differential sampler. Total sediment discharge was collected at tributaries using grab samples and a wide-mouth 1-litre plastic sample bottle. The mass wasting assessment utilized aerial photo analysis and field reconnaissance. Results of these studies allowed for the rough, order-of-magnitude estimation of sediment yield from the upland portion of Olema Creek watershed.
GOGA studied sediment as in Redwood Creek as part of a comprehensive salmonid habitat study in 1995, including channel entrenchment, residual pool volume, and substrate composition (Fong, 2002). Measurements include longitudinal profiles and cross sections. GOGA also contracted with the University of San Francisco to perform bulk gravel samples and other physical and biological measurements (Podlech et al., 1994 and 1995). Phillip Williams Associates Ltd. studied suspended bed load in Redwood Creek in 1993 as part of a larger flow related study (see Flow Data above). In addition, Pacific Watershed Associates (PWA, 2002) has completed a study for GOGA on sediment yield related to roads and trails in the Redwood Creek watershed (see Road and Trail Related Erosion below).
For more information on sediment studies conducted in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area, see Sediment Studies by MMWD, Erosion Studies etc. by MRCD, and Road and Trail Related Erosion on this page. For more general information on this overall subject, see the Sediment Background page.
Erosion Studies, Enhancement Plans, and Restoration Projects by Marin Resource Conservation District (MRCD)
The Marin Resource Conservation District (MRCD) is a special district made up of locally elected landowners whose mission is to conserve natural resources. It is believed that the health of the natural landscape is dependent upon a robust agricultural economy and the preservation of agricultural heritage. It is also their firm conviction that the agricultural productivity of the county is dependent upon the diligent application of practices, which conserve and enhance natural resources.
The Marin RCD receives funding from local, state and federal grants to implement watershed-wide planning, implementation, and monitoring of restoration projects. Programs are implemented by MRCD, consultants and/or the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff, formerly known as the Soil Conservation Service. In addition to the projects below, MRCD has completed past erosion inventories and restoration projects for the Stemple, Walker, and Lagunitas Creek watersheds (See Bibliography for citations).
Stemple Creek: The Marin and Southern Sonoma County Resource Conservation Districts sponsored an enhancement plan for this watershed (PCI, 1994), which lies partially in Sonoma and Marin Counties. The studies of this project addressed biological assessments, vegetation and habitat restoration, erosion and sediment, water resources, and geomorphic and hydrodynamic analysis. Information in KRIS from these studies include sediment yields from surface and channel erosion sources, identified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service (currently the Natural Resources Conservation Service), a map of the historical shoreline of the estuary produced by Philip Williams & Associates Ltd., and habitat types and potential restoration maps produced by Golden Bear Biostudies.
In addition, bank stabilization and gully erosion abatement projects photos were provided by MRCD. Also in KRIS, are photos and a map showing areas of restored and natural riparian vegetation, as well as potential restoration areas, produced by NRCS for the Stemple Creek Watershed Project, which is also sponsored by the Marin and Southern Sonoma County RCDs.
Walker Creek: MRCD also sponsored an enhancement plan for this watershed (PCI, 2001), which included an erosion site inventory and riparian assessment by Prunuske Chatham Inc. Information in KRIS from the erosion inventory includes erosion sites and priorities identified by sub-watershed and from the riparian assessment includes habitats classified using the California Wildlife Habitat Relationships (WHR) system. Photos from the plan depicting the watershed and maps which show the results of the erosion and riparian assessments are also available in KRIS. MRCD also sponsored an assessment of fishery resources habitat conditions in Walker Creek during 1989 (Rich, 1989).
Lagunitas Creek: MRCD and Prunuske Chatham Inc. are also currently involved with the Marin Municipal Water District and Balance Hydrologics Inc. in the San Geronimo Bedload Sediment Reduction Program (see Sediment Monitoring by MMWD). Additional information in KRIS includes photographs from a channel evaluation of Lagunitas and San Geronimo Creeks (PCI, 1996) conducted by Prunuske Chatham Inc. for MRCD as a part of this program.
For more information on sediment-related studies conducted in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area, see Sediment Studies by MMWD, Sediment Studies by NPS, and Road and Trail Related Erosion on this page. For more general information on this overall subject, see the Sediment and the Watershed Restoration Background pages.
Data on roads in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area are not completely mapped. Road data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) at the 1:100,000 and 1:24,000 scale may both be dated as only roads built at the time the USGS topographic maps were made are currently shown. Roads are a major source of sediment to streams. Surface erosion from roads can produce chronic sources of fine sediment which can diminish salmon and steelhead spawning success. Failure of roads during major storm events can lead to large landslides which can overwhelm streams with sediment, thus filling pools and diminishing habitat diversity.
The only available study of potential and existing sediment yield related to roads and trails in KRIS West Marin-Sonoma was conducted by Pacific Watershed Associates (2002) for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in the Redwood Creek watershed. The study's purpose was to identify sources that are impacting fish bearing streams and to develop prescriptions aimed at reducing sediment impacts. Marin Municipal Water District has also been working with other agencies on road improvements in the Lagunitas Creek watershed.
For more information on sediment-related studies conducted in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area, see Sediment Studies by MMWD, Sediment Studies by NPS, and Erosion Studies etc. by MRCD on this page. For more general information on this overall subject, see the Sediment and the Roads and Erosion Background pages.
Water Quality Monitoring by California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG)
As part of the Marin and Sonoma Counties Agricultural Runoff Influence Investigation (MSCARII), CDFG monitors water quality at 40 sites in the Americano Creek, Stemple Creek, and Lagunitas Creek watersheds, and along the eastern and southern shoreline of Tomales Bay (as well as in the Petaluma Creek watershed). The objective of this program is to determine agricultural impacts on water quality. Water quality parameters were generally measured bi-weekly during the rainy season and include dissolved oxygen, conductivity, turbidity, pH, temperature, ammonia, and BOD. Sampling began at some of these sites during 1991 and the program is still active. Results of this monitoring can be found in Rugg (2000 and 2002). CDFG has also provided notes describing sampling conditions for individual sites and days.
Temperature charts in KRIS show reference values that draw upon the best available literature for understanding optimum temperatures and possible temperature thresholds. Reference values on average, minimum, and maximum water temperature charts come from McCullough (1999). These values were chosen by KRIS project staff to facilitate interpretation of charts but have no absolute or regulatory implications. References for other water quality parameters come from the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (NCRWQCB) Basin Plan (2001), the NCRWQCB Stemple Creek TMDL (1997), the San Francisco Bay Region Water Quality Control Board (SFRWQCB) Basin Plan (1995), or the 2002 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Recommended Water Quality Criteria (http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/pc/revcom.pdf).
For more information on water quality studies conducted in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area, see Water Quality Monitoring by MMWD, Water Quality Monitoring by NPS, Water Quality Monitoring by RWQCBs, Water Quality Monitoring by MSC, Bodega Marine Lab Studies, and Other Water Quality Monitoring on this page. For more general information on this overall subject, see the Water Quality Background page.
Water Quality Monitoring by Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD)
The Marin Municipal Water District monitors water quality parameters, at several stations in the Lagunitas Creek and Walker Creek watersheds and water temperature in the Lagunitas Creek watershed. Data available in KRIS include temperature measured at various locations from 1997-2002 (some sites were monitored for a shorter period of time) using continuous data recorders placed in flowing water in shaded areas. Monitoring was conducted in part to determine suitability for coho salmon and steelhead juvenile rearing as outlined in the Aquatic Resources Monitoring Work Plan for the Lagunitas Creek Drainage, Marin County (Trihey Assoc., 1996), prepared for State Water Resources Control Board Order 95-17 (CSWRCB, 1995). Other water quality parameters available in KRIS were measured from 1995-2002 and include pH, turbidity, alkalinity, hardness, copper, total suspended solids, and settleable solids.
Temperature charts in KRIS show reference values that draw upon the best available literature for understanding optimum temperatures and possible temperature thresholds. Reference values on average, minimum, and maximum water temperature charts come from McCullough (1999). The reference values on floating weekly average charts come from Welsh et al. (2001) and Sullivan et al. (2000). These values were chosen by KRIS project staff to facilitate interpretation of charts but have no absolute or regulatory implications. References for other water quality parameters come from the San Francisco Bay Region Water Quality Control Board (SFRWQCB) Basin Plan (1995).
For more information on water quality studies conducted in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area, see Water Quality Monitoring by CDFG, Water Quality Monitoring by NPS, Water Quality Monitoring by RWQCBs, Water Quality Monitoring by MSC, Bodega Marine Lab Studies, and Other Water Quality Monitoring on this page. For more general information on this overall subject, see the Water Quality Background page.
Water Quality Monitoring by the National Park Service (NPS)
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GOGA), the Point Reyes National Seashore (PORE), and their consultants have collected water quality data as part of their monitoring programs. Data available in KRIS West Marin-Sonoma include GOGA monitoring in Redwood Creek and Bolinas Lagoon tributaries and PORE monitoring in Olema Creek, Bear Valley, Cheda Creek, and Devils Gulch (all tributaries of Lagunitas Creek), as well as tributaries to Drakes Bay.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GOGA): GOGA has been engaged in numerous water quality studies in waterbodies throughout their jurisdiction. The following is data available in KRIS. Philip Williams & Associates, Ltd. (PWA) and Dr. Jerry J. Smith of San Jose State University conducted water quality monitoring in lower Redwood Creek and Big Lagoon for the California Department of Transportation, District IV and GOGA in 1992-1993 (PWA et al., 1994). Water quality parameters included salinity, dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, nutrients, and water temperature monitored in the tidal lagoon and further upstream. Rainfall and flow were also collected (see Flow Data above). PWA continued water quality studies in 1993 and flow studies till 1994 to analyze the impacts of various land use activities in the watershed on creek flows, water quality, and sedimentation (Schanz et al., 1995).
GOGA contracted with the Institute for Chemical Biology of the University of San Francisco (USF) from 1994-1997 to conduct aquatic monitoring in Redwood Creek to complete a baseline study of physical, chemical, and biological components. The ultimate aim was to help solve problems that have resulted in the deterioration of Redwood Creek. In the spring of 1994 and 1995, USF measured air and water temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, nutrients, coliform bacteria, and various common chemical elements. In addition to this water quality monitoring, they conducted stream surveys and measured stream flow, sediments, benthic macroinvertebrates, and periphyton abundance. The results of this data can be found in two reports (Podlech et al., 1994 and 1995). USF conducted more limited monitoring of Redwood Creek, as well as Rodeo Lagoon and Tennessee Valley, in 1996-1997 (Leach et al., 1997).
Water quality studies pursuant to suitability for salmonids have also been conducted by GOGA in east-side Bolinas Lagoon tributaries (Fong, 2002). GOGA used continuous recorders to monitor temperature in Easkoot Creek from 1999-2001 and Laurel Creek in 2000, and dissolved oxygen and specific conductance in Easkoot and Laurel Creeks during 2000. Note that dissolved oxygen readings from continuous data recorders can be skewed if algae or detritus hangs up on the probe.
Point Reyes National Seashore (PORE): PORE has also been engaged in several water quality studies throughout their jurisdiction. In 1999, Point Reyes National Seashore (PORE) began a comprehensive water quality monitoring program (NPS, 2001). The objective of this program was to inventory the condition of the water resources throughout the managed area. Sampling sites were located in Olema Creek, Cheda Creek, and Devils Gulch, as well as tributaries of Drakes Bay and Abbots Lagoon. The water quality parameters measured were fecal coliform, total suspended solids, nitrite, nitrate, ammonium, total phosphorous, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, conductivity, and salinity. Benthic macroinvertebrates were also collected (See Aquatic Insect Data below). Stream temperatures have been monitored by PORE in Olema Creek from 1999-2000, and limited data collected for Pine Gulch and Point Reyes peninsula creeks from 1997 and 1998. PORE used Onset Optic Stow Away Loggers for this monitoring.
Temperature charts in KRIS show reference values that draw upon the best available literature for understanding optimum temperatures and possible temperature thresholds. Reference values on average, minimum, and maximum water temperature charts come from McCullough (1999). The reference values on floating weekly average charts come from Welsh et al. (2001) and Sullivan et al. (2000). These values were chosen by KRIS project staff to facilitate interpretation of charts but have no absolute or regulatory implications. References for other water quality parameters come from the San Francisco Bay Region Water Quality Control Board (SFRWQCB) Basin Plan (1995), the SFRWQCB Tomales Bay pathogen TMDL (CRWQCB, 2002), or documents provided by the National Park Service pertaining to this data (NPS, 2001 and Podlech et al., 1994, 1995).
For more information on water quality studies conducted in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area, see Water Quality Monitoring by CDFG, Water Quality Monitoring by MMWD, Water Quality Monitoring by RWQCBs, Water Quality Monitoring by MSC, Bodega Marine Lab Studies, and Other Water Quality Monitoring on this page. For more general information on this overall subject, see the Water Quality Background page.
Water Quality Monitoring by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCBs)
Both the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (SFRWQCB) and the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (NCRWQCB) have monitored water quality in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma region. The territory of the former includes Stemple Creek/Estero de San Antonio and the watersheds to the north and the latter includes the remaining watersheds to the south. Although some reconnaissance monitoring has occurred in the past, recent efforts are mostly associated with either the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) for a particular impaired water body or the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). In addition, important reference documents pertaining to water quality and watershed management were produced by the Regional Boards: the SFRWQCB (CRWQCB, 1995) and NCRWQCB Basin Plans (NCRWQCB, 2001) provide information on water quality and quantity problems, beneficial uses, water quality objectives, relevant plans and policies, implementation, and monitoring activities and the SFRWQCB (CRWQCB, 2002) and NCRWQCB Watershed Management Initiatives (http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/rwqcb1/download/01_17_2002_WMI2002a.pdf) describe activities planned by the Regional Boards to support a watershed management approach.
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL): Stemple Creek was originally listed as an impaired waterbody under the federal Clean Water Act, Section 303(d) for high ammonia and low dissolved oxygen. The development of a TMDL and attainment strategy were adopted in 1997 (Salisbury, 1997) based in part on staff monitoring from 1992-1993 (CRWQCB, 1995). During this time, twelve sites were sampled for various water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, pH, specific conductance, water temperature, stream flow, and nutrients. The amount of sampling at any one location varied from 13 times at one site to only one spot check at four sites. Sampling locations were chosen to bracket areas of concern, for sampling practicality, and from recommendations from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and their consultant Tetra Tech. Stemple Creek is now listed as impaired for nutrients and sediment (CRWQCB, 2002).
Tomales Bay is listed as an impaired waterbody under the federal Clean Water Act, Section 303(d) for pathogens, mercury, sediment, and nutrients. The SFBWQCB has developed a preliminary project report for a pathogen TMDL which proposes numeric and interim targets, and load allocations for fecal coliform in Tomales Bay and its tributaries (CRWQCB, 2002). This report summarizes past bacteriological water quality studies. Data from these studies currently available in KRIS are from 2000-2001 monitoring conducted in Tomales Bay and the Lagunitas and Walker Creek watersheds by the SFRWQCB, in conjunction with the Tomales Bay Shellfish Technical Advisory Committee. This study completed monitoring during five sampling events, two dry-weather and three wet season events.
For a complete list of additional waterbodies in KRIS West Marin-Sonoma currently on the Section 303(d) as impaired, as well as a proposed TMDL completion dates, see CRWQCB (2002).
Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP): SWAMP was initiated in 2000 and is a state-wide program with the aim of developing comprehensive water quality information for California. During 2001, both Regional Boards began water quality monitoring for SWAMP. Watersheds sampled in KRIS West Marin-Sonoma included Salmon Creek by the NCRWQCB in 2001, as well as Walker Creek and Lagunitas Creek by the SFRWQCB in 2002. The data currently available in KRIS for Salmon Creek includes specific conductance, pH, dissolved oxygen, water and air temperature, and turbidity. The data currently available in KRIS for Lagunitas and Walker Creeks includes benthic macroinvertebrate and summary data for continuous monitoring of conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature. Additional data collected included nutrients, pathogens, toxic pollutants, as well as sediment and tissue studies. The 2001-02 Workplan (CRWQCB, 2002) outlines monitoring completed in Lagunitas and Walker Creeks and the 2002-03 Workplan (CRWQCB, 2002) provides information for the subsequent years' monitoring. For more information about SWAMP protocols, the associated Quality Assurance and Control Plan is available at www.swrcb.ca.gov/swamp/qapp.html.
Temperature charts in KRIS show reference values that draw upon the best available literature for understanding optimum temperatures and possible temperature thresholds. Reference values on average, minimum, and maximum water temperature charts come from McCullough (1999). These values were chosen by KRIS project staff to facilitate interpretation of charts but have no absolute or regulatory implications. References for other water quality parameters come from the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (NCRWQCB) Basin Plan (2001), the NCRWQCB Stemple Creek TMDL (1997), the San Francisco Bay Region Water Quality Control Board (SFRWQCB) Basin Plan (1995), and the SFRWQCB Tomales Bay pathogen TMDL (CRWQCB, 2002).
For more information on water quality studies conducted in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area, see Water Quality Monitoring by CDFG, Water Quality Monitoring by MMWD, Water Quality Monitoring by NPS, Water Quality Monitoring by MSC, Bodega Marine Lab Studies, and Other Water Quality Monitoring on this page. For more general information on this overall subject, see the Water Quality Background page.
Water Quality Monitoring by Merritt Smith Consulting (MSC)
Merritt Smith Consulting (MSC) monitored water quality during 1988-1990 and 1994 in Stemple and Americano Creek watersheds for the City of Santa Rosa and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pertaining to the Santa Rosa Sub-Regional Long-Term Wastewater Project. Water quality and aquatic life information were collected at eight stations in Americano Creek and five stations in Stemple Creek generally at most monthly from February 1988 through September 1990 and in May 1994. Note that stations E1 through E-5 in the Americano Creek watershed and S2 through S-6 in the Stemple Creek watershed were estuarine. Water quality parameters collected included salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, nutrients, metals, chlorophyll a, turbidity, total dissolved solids, and total suspended solids. In addition, flow was monitored at Station E-6 in Americano Creek. Aquatic life monitoring at the stations included zooplankton, epibenthos, benthos, and fish sampling. However, these data are not currently represented as topics in KRIS. During sampling, the sandbar at the mouth of Estero Americano, the estuary of Americano Creek, was always open, while the sandbar of Estero de San Antonio, the estuary of Stemple Creek, was both open and closed during various sampling events. The results of these studies can be found in MSC (1996). Aquatic insects were also collected at potential reservoir sites (see Aquatic Insect Data below).
Temperature charts in KRIS show reference values that draw upon the best available literature for understanding optimum temperatures and possible temperature thresholds. Reference values on average, minimum, and maximum water temperature charts come from McCullough (1999). These values were chosen by KRIS project staff to facilitate interpretation of charts but have no absolute or regulatory implications. References for other water quality parameters come from the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (NCRWQCB) Basin Plan (2001), the NCRWQCB Stemple Creek TMDL (1997), the San Francisco Bay Region Water Quality Control Board (SFRWQCB) Basin Plan (1995), or the 2002 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Recommended Water Quality Criteria (http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/pc/revcom.pdf).
For more information on water quality studies conducted in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area, see Water Quality Monitoring by CDFG, Water Quality Monitoring by MMWD, Water Quality Monitoring by NPS, Water Quality Monitoring by RWQCBs, Bodega Marine Lab Studies, and Other Water Quality Monitoring on this page. For more general information on this overall subject, see the Water Quality Background page.
Bodega Marine Lab Salmon Creek Studies
Students at Bodega Marine Laboratory, which is part of the University of California, measured water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, hardness, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate, and suspended solids in Salmon Creek during 1996 and compared them to conditions in Lagunitas Creek (Brouwer and Hall, 1996). Similarly, habitat characteristics such as stream bed composition, bank vegetation, and percent shading were also measured on Salmon Creek. Data from existing studies on Lagunitas Creek were used for comparison. The purpose of the study was to determine if unsuitable water quality or aquatic habitat conditions may be a factor in the loss of coho salmon in Salmon Creek and to examine the effects that livestock may have had in the stream system. Measurements were taken in seven reaches of Salmon Creek. Both nitrate and ammonia concentrations were too low to be accurately measured by the equipment, therefore those results are inconclusive.
Temperature charts in KRIS show reference values that draw upon the best available literature for understanding optimum temperatures and possible temperature thresholds. Reference values on average, minimum, and maximum water temperature charts come from McCullough (1999). These values were chosen by KRIS project staff to facilitate interpretation of charts but have no absolute or regulatory implications. References for other water quality parameters come from the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (NCRWQCB) Basin Plan (2001).
For more information on water quality studies conducted in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area, see Water Quality Monitoring by CDFG, Water Quality Monitoring by MMWD, Water Quality Monitoring by NPS, Water Quality Monitoring by RWQCBs, Water Quality Monitoring by MSC, and Other Water Quality Monitoring on this page. For more general information on this overall subject, see the Water Quality and Riparian Stream Conditions Background pages.
Other Water Quality Monitoring Data
Many agencies and groups have collected water quality data throughout the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma area. KRIS does not currently represent a comprehensive collection of all available historic and contemporary data that has been collected. In order to access additional data go to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's STORET online database at http://www.epa.gov/STORET/dbtop.html.
For more information on this overall subject, see the Water Quality Background page.
Aquatic insect communities make excellent indicators of the health of aquatic ecosystems and are widely used as an index of water quality. Aquatic insect data for the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project come from several sources including the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the Point Reyes National Seashore, and Merritt Smith Consulting for the City of Santa Rosa and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Merritt Smith Consulting: In 1995, this firm collected aquatic invertebrates from the Stemple and Americano Creek watersheds (MSC, 1996). The method of collection varied from standard California Stream Bioassessment Procedure (CSBP), as samples were examined in the field and most invertebrates released back to the stream. The number of species of mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies were noted as well as the overall number of aquatic invertebrate taxa present. Only the best remaining sections of these streams were surveyed as the study was focused on potential indicator species of good water quality that might still inhabit the stream. August samples were from isolated pools in some cases if the riffle areas were dry as a result of low flows. Note that the data appendix in the above report includes more detailed identifications than available in the associated KRIS topics, in many cases to genera or to species. This study also included aquatic vertebrate observations.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area: Benthic macroinvertebrate samples were collected in the Redwood Creek watershed in August 1995 and November 1997 (Fong, 2002). A standard Surber sampler (one foot square) was used to collect aquatic invertebrates, which varied from the standard methods of the California Stream Bioassessment Procedure (CSBP). The study checked for correlations of insect communities to substrate and other habitat variables. The two years of collection cannot be directly compared because they were collected at different times of year which could change the community structure of insects present. Another thrust of this study was to begin a species list of aquatic invertebrates for Redwood Creek. Surveys of tributaries' of the east-side of Bolinas Lagoon were also conducted in November 1995 (Fong, 2002). A D-frame dipnet was used in sampling representative riffle and pool habitats. The original intent of was to collect specimens and not serve as a bioassessment tool. However, equivalent sampling effort was spent at all sites.
Point Reyes National Seashore: The benthic macroinvertebrate studies conducted by Point Reyes National Seashore and Jon Lee Consulting did follow methods according to California Stream Bioassessment Procedure (CSBP) on Olema Creek and tributaries to Drakes Bay, with three transects collected with a kick net across each riffle at twelve sites. Samples were evaluated from fall 1999 and spring 2000 surveys. See NPS (2001) for more details about this study.
Charts in KRIS make comparison to regional aquatic insect data and specifically those values associated with "highly impaired" conditions. These values were derived from preliminary scoring criteria developed by the California Department of Fish and Game for the Russian River Index of Biological Integrity (RRIBI) for first to third order streams (Harrington et al., 1999). RRIBI scoring requires that data be collected by the California Stream Bioassessment Procedure (CSBP).
For more information on this overall subject, including CSBP and RRIBI, see the Aquatic Insects Background page.
Maps of the Estero de San Antonio and Estero Americano by California Department of Fish and Game
Maps shown in KRIS of the Estero de San Antonio and Estero Americano, estuaries of Stemple Creek and Americano Creek, respectively, were produced by Madrone Associates for the California Department of Fish and Game. These images are available in Madrone (1977), a reference which documents the natural resources of the esteros, discusses problems and conflicts associated with their use, and recommends measures to protect, maintain, and enhance their protection.
Historical images allow us to see channel conditions and landscapes to gain valuable insight into eras before scientific data were collected. They also provide a window on the culture and life styles of the region in times past. Included in KRIS West Marin-Sonoma are selected images from the collections of the Tomales Regional History Center, Jack Mason Museum of West Marin History, Al Giddings' (California Department of Fish and Game) personal collection, Stinson Beach Historical Society, Fairfax Historical Society, Marin History Museum, Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin Municipal Water District, and the National Park Service Archives. In addition, historian Dewey Livingston was instrumental in providing knowledge and assisting with the acquisition of photographs.
Watershed, Stream and Restoration Photos and Restoration Activities by the National Park Service
Both the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GOGA) and the Point Reyes National Seashore (PORE) have useful photos of landscapes, land uses, and aerial views, many of which were generously shared with the KRIS project. They also provided channel and riparian restoration photos related to the Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout Restoration Project (CSRP), which began in 1997.
Regarding restoration, many analyses and activities have been performed by GOGA for Redwood Creek, including lower Redwood Creek and Big Lagoon (PWA et al., 1994, PWA, 2000 and 2002, NPS, 2003), the Muir Woods area (MCC and GOGA, 1996, Kimball and Kondolf, 2002), and the general watershed area (Shoulders, 2000). More information about GOGA restoration activities can be found at http://www.nps.gov/goga/admin/planning/. Some completed PORE restoration projects include Cheda Creek (NPS, 2001), Muddy Hollow (NPS, 2001), and an evaluation of wetland restoration on the Giacomini Ranch at the mouth of Lagunitas Creek (PWA et al., 1993)
Bodega Land Trust Conservation Easement and Restoration Photos
The Bodega Land Trust (BLT) is very active in land conservation in the Salmon Creek watershed and they graciously provided photographs to the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project. Photos included were taken for easements on Coleman Valley, Fay, and Finley Creeks. The captions reflect both descriptions from those who provided photos from BLT and observations of KRIS staff generating captions. For more information and pictures of the Fay Creek restoration project sponsored by BLT go to http://www.bodeganet.com/FayCreek/.
Vegetation and Timber Types of CalWater Planning Watersheds
The vegetation and timber types used in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project were derived from Landsat multi-spectral images taken in 1994. The U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region Remote Sensing Lab, in cooperation with the California Department of Forestry, analyzed the Landsat images to formulate a California wide electronic map layer of vegetation as part of the Northwest Forest Plan (Warbington et al., 1998).
Stand conditions are represented with approximately 75% accuracy on a one hectare scale by the USFS vegetation data. Data is quarried for tree size or community type in ArcView (KRIS West Marin-Sonoma Maps). This allows quantitative assessment of vegetation types for seral stage based on tree size for geographic areas such as CalWater planning watersheds in the KRIS database. Not all watersheds within the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area are forested; consequently, only those CalWaters with some portion of the landscape in forest are characterized using these data. The EPA Land Cover data, also derived from the 1994 Landsat, is used to analyze watersheds comprised largely of grassland, pasture, agriculture or urbanizing areas (see below).
For use in KRIS, vegetation and timber types were simplified into ten classifications. Vegetation classifications are:
Very Large Trees = 40" in diameter or greater
Large Trees = 30-39.9" in diameter
Medium/Large Trees = 20-29.9" in diameter
Small/Medium Trees = 12-19.9" in diameter
Small Trees = 5-11.9" in diameter
Saplings = 1-4.9" in diameter
Non Forest = Non tree species such as shrubs, grasses or bare soil
The KRIS vegetation classification system is used in all KRIS West Marin-Sonoma planning watersheds to characterize riparian conditions. Ninety meter (297 ft.) zones of riparian influence are assigned to the 1:24000 stream layer in ArcView and only the vegetation within this zone is displayed and analyzed. This analysis tool indicates whether streams have trees bordering them or grass extending right up to the streams edge. Areas where livestock have open access to stream channels may be devoid of trees which would otherwise stabilize banks and provide a cooling influence through shade and microclimatic influences.
For more information on this overall subject, see the Vegetation Types Background page.
The 1992 Land Cover data from the U.S. Environmental Protection agency was derived in cooperation with the U.S. Geologic Survey to produce a consistent, land cover data layer for the conterminous United States. The pixel resolution of the Landsat thematic mapper (TM) data is 30 meters. The coverage is useful in determining land use and landscape condition. One focus of this project is urbanizing or industrial areas because those types of land use have the greatest impacts on nearby streams. Classifications from EPA have been condensed to 14 categories from 20 by the IFR KRIS project to make for easier use in analysis. Both classifications are available in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma Map project so they can be compared. Crop types in the irrigated areas were difficult to reliably distinguish; consequently, row crops are likely to be under represented. Since the image is now ten years old, the landscape may have changed considerable in the intervening years in some locations. For complete information, see the raw metadata dispensed with this project.
Maps available in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma draw from many different sources of spatial data (see Cooperators). If you highlight a theme in the built-in KRIS Map viewer, a right click on the theme will allow access to full metadata. Data represent pertinent information for understanding conditions for anadromous fish and their habitat, including water quality. Map images are static on the Internet, although there may be clickable hot links to data or photos. When installed from CD on your computer, KRIS contains many features for working with spatial data (see Helps). The equivalent of complete Views (projects in ArcView) are represented in the database (from CD) in "MapMaster" topics, which are not available on the Internet. For people with ArcView, separate KRIS Maps CD can be acquired.
Note about documents in KRIS
