# **Annual Report**

# 

# **Wenatchee Basin Spring 2004 Steelhead Rotating Panel Survey**

## 

#### Abstract

In its first year, a random-design steelhead survey provided new
information about steelhead spawning locations and abundance in
Wenatchee basin. Redd detection probability appeared to vary with stream
attributes and survey method (wading, boat, etc.) and should be
explicitly considered in analysis. Year-one data reported here will
allow refinement of the sample selection protocol to better target the
desired population. These refinements to the protocol may enhance its
application in other stream systems.

## Introduction

The Wenatchee basin random-site steelhead redd survey is one component
of a larger research program which applies a rotating panel design to
collection of many aquatic physical and biological parameters throughout
Wenatchee basin (see Hillman 2004). We conducted steelhead redd surveys
on twenty-five stratified-randomly selected one-mile reaches in
anadromous-accessible waters throughout the Wenatchee basin.

Stratification was based on gradient and channel order. To enhance
consistency between steelhead, habitat, and snorkel sampling within the
larger project, the same random stratification and sites were used for
steelhead as for these other components. The stratification excluded
streams with gradients over 12%, excluded streams not found on a
1:100,000 scale hydrography layer, and emphasized lower gradient and
wadable (4^th^ order and smaller) streams. Steelhead surveys were done
on a sub-sample that was not above known anadromy barriers.

The protocol and survey timing was adopted from another project
component: existing WDFW steelhead surveys of non-random (trend) reaches
in Wenatchee basin, ongoing since 2001. However survey frequency was
lower on our random sites (bi-monthly) than on WDFW non-random reaches
(weekly).

## Methods

##### 

##### Reach Selection 

Our scope of work called for steelhead surveys in 25 one-mile reaches.
Because survey feasibility was uncertain for some very remote sites, we
began surveys on 26 reaches to ensure completion of at least 25 (figure
one).

To find 26 suitable sites, it was necessary to consider 72 sites from
the ordered list of stratified-random sites provided (i.e. 36% of the
stratified-random sites were suitable). The principal reason for
dropping a site was presence of an anadromous barrier downstream (table
A1). Other reasons for dropping sites included: 1) the site did not
contribute to fish or aquatic invertebrate production in any season (a
criteria for exclusion from the larger study); 2) safety; 3)
inaccessibility; 4) already surveyed weekly by WDFW; or 5) other
reasons. A full list of sites kept and dropped, and reason for dropping
each site, is provided in Appendix A.

Our scope of work called for each reach to receive at least 3, and
ideally 4, field visits. In 2004, 26 reaches received at least 3 visits,
and 22 received at least four visits[^1] (table one). In two reaches,
where new redds were seen on the 4^th^ visit, we made additional visits
to be certain we did not miss late spawning. In fact we did not find
additional redds on the extra visits. Five visits were made to Beaver
Creek and six to Chumstick Creek.

[*Data Collected*.]{.underline}

On each visit, redds were counted, flagged, and categorized, adult
steelhead were noted, and water temperature was recorded. Redds were
categorized as incomplete, complete, faded, or erased (see definitions
in Appendix B).

*[Training, Quality Control, and Calibration]{.underline}.*

All our crew members had prior experience with redd surveys; however not
all had prior experience with redd surveys for steelhead. Those without
prior steelhead experience accompanied an experienced WDFW crew on an
early season survey on the Wenatchee River. An additional training for
crew hired later in the year was conducted on Mission Creek. Our crews
were also trained and certified in first aid, CPR, avalanche beacon use,
and ATV and snowmobile operation.

Each crew received a Quality Control (QC) visit from one of two project
leaders. All crews were identifying redds accurately and consistently.

Handheld thermometers used to measure water temperature were calibrated
prior to the season (see Appendix C).

GPS purchased for the project were calibrated before the field season
(see Appendix D). We developed an explicit protocol for GPS use
specifying pre-planning, warm-up, projection, position-averaging, and
information recorded (see Appendix D). Due to timing of funding
availability, the project GPS's arrived mid-study, so some GPS
coordinates were collected on borrowed, uncalibrated GPS. The borrowed
GPS had no known problems, and coordinates collected appear correct.

[*Reach Access*.]{.underline}

The protocol we used was developed for non-random survey locations by
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). In Wenatchee basin,
most non-random (WDFW) steelhead surveys are conducted from pontoon
raft, and a few are conducted by wading. All WDFW sites have driving
access.

In contrast a random site may require many miles of non-driving access
over trails or closed (snow-filled) roads. Snowshoes, skis, snowmobiles,
and/or ATVs were variously used to access sites. A site that was
accessible with snow cover could become inaccessible later, with spotty
melt-out creating insufficient snow for snow access, but too much snow
in spots for vehicle/ATV access, and distance precluding walking.

The best method for conducting the survey depended on stream width,
gradient, instream obstructions, bank conditions, and flow. We used 4
methods: wading, pontoon raft, kayak, and bank-walking.

Wading, the most accurate method in smaller streams, was possible only
when streamflow allowed surveyors to move freely across and through the
stream. Many streams which are wadable at low flow are not wadable
during steelhead spawning season. Nine of our random sites (35%) were
wadable (table one).

Raft surveys are the preferred method in large systems, because while
one surveyor guides the raft, the observer stands on a platform; the
observer's eye level is several feet above the water surface, providing
excellent visibility. Key concerns for raft surveys are vehicle access
at put-in and take-out, and safety (which can vary with flow).

Kayaks, like rafts, have the advantage of being able to move across the
entire stream surface according to the observer's desires. Because
kayaks can be carried about ¼ mile on a trail, and are more easily
maneuvered than rafts over or around instream obstructions, a double
inflatable kayak was used when number of log jams, narrow stream width,
or lack of driving access precluded raft use. However from a kayak,
redds are less visible to the observer, because the observer's eye level
is typically only a few feet above water surface.

A fourth group of streams remains cannot be safely waded nor feasibly
kayaked/rafted. Bank-walking is a good method for some of these streams,
for example Negro and Marble Creeks, where the entire stream bed can be
clearly viewed from a single bank, and banks do not have dense
streamside brush.

In contrast, bank-walking seemed a much less effective redd survey
method in wider streams such as Nason and Chiwawa. At most of our 4^th^
order bank-walk sites, our access was limited to a single bank on all
visits. In these streams our view of substrate was limited along the far
bank, or behind obstructions such as boulders, even using binoculars.
Survey efficiency was further reduced when banks were extremely brushy.

Based on the above, redd detection probability is likely affected by
survey type and stream attributes and should be explicitly considered in
analysis. Detection probability may be lowest in wide, brushy systems
not surveyable from watercraft. Survey method used in each survey is
listed in table one.

#### Results

Steelhead activity was observed in 7 reaches in 5 streams (Nason Creek,
Peshastin Creek, mainstem Wenatchee, Beaver Creek and Chumstick Creek;
see table one). In addition 8 steelhead redds were seen in Mission Creek
between Sand Creek and East Fork Mission during a staff training (one
visit).

####### Table One: Surveyed reaches

  ------- -------------- ----------- ------------ -------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----------- --------- ----------- ----------- ------- -------
  Reach   Site num       Watershed   Stream       Survey   Date first  Date last   Num of    First       Surveys   Date first  Date last   Total   Total
  num                                             Method   surveyed    surveyed    surveys   survey date with      obsvd ST    obsvd ST    Num     Num ST
                                                                                             with water  water     activity    activity    Redds   
                                                                                             temp \>=    temp \>=                                  
                                                                                             38.5 F      38.5                                      

  1       WC503432-001   Nason       Nason Creek  B/K      4/1/2004    5/3/2004    4         4/1/2004    all       4/14/2004   5/3/2004    4       2
                                     below Coles                                                                                                   
                                     C                                                                                                             

  2       WC503432-003   Wenatchee   Wenatchee at C        3/15/2004   5/24/2004   9         WDFW                  N/A         N/A         0       0
                                     Monitor                                                                                                       

  3       WC503432-038   Chiwawa     Chiwawa at   B/K      4/21/2004   5/26/2004   2         4/21/2004   all       N/A         N/A         0       0
                                     Big Meadow                                                                                                    

  4       WC503432-063   Chiwawa     Rock Creek   B        4/21/2004   5/3/2004    2         4/21/2004   all       N/A         N/A         0       0
                                     mouth                                                                                                         

  5       WC503432-009   Chumstick   Spromberg    W        4/1/2004    5/4/2004    4         4/1/2004    all       N/A         N/A         0       0
                                     Cyn                                                                                                           

  6       WC503432-011   Peshastin   Peshastin at B        4/1/2004    5/4/2004    3         4/1/2004    all       4/1/2004    5/4/2004    2       1
                                     mouth                                                                                                         

  7       WC503432-015   Chiwawa     Marble at    B        4/2/2004    5/27/2004   4         4/20/2004   2,3,4     N/A         N/A         0       0
                                     mouth                                                                                                         

  8       WC503432-060   Nason       Nason at     B/K      4/6/2004    5/24/2004   4         4/6/2004    all       4/6/2004    5/24/2004   1       0
                                     Butcher                                                                                                       

  9       WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in C        4/1/2004    5/27/2004   8         WDFW                  3/28/2004   5/16/2004   19      10
                                     Plain                                                                                                         

  10      WC503432-022   Chumstick   Chumstick at W        4/14/2004   5/11/2004   4         4/14/2004   all       N/A         N/A         0       0
                                     Moon                                                                                                          

  11      WC503432-024   Peshastin   Peshastin,   C        3/15/2004   5/31/2004   10        WDFW                  N/A         N/A         2       0
                                     Camas to                                                                                                      
                                     Mill                                                                                                          

  12      WC503432-025   Chumstick   Sunitsch Cyn W        3/24/2004   5/11/2004   4         3/24/2004   all       N/A         N/A         0       0

  13      WC503432-152   Tronsen     Tronsen at   W        3/26/2004   5/6/2004    4         3/26/2004   all       N/A         N/A         0       0
                                     Blewett Pass                                                                                                  

  14      WC503432-027   Peshastin   Middle       W        4/7/2004    4/30/2004   3         4/7/2004    all       N/A         N/A         0       0
                                     Shaser                                                                                                        

  15      WC503432-029   Tronsen     Tronsen at   W        3/26/2004   5/6/2004    4         3/26/2004   all       N/A         N/A         0       0
                                     Bonanza CG                                                                                                    

  16      WC503432-153   Nason       Nason at     B/K      4/13/2004   5/24/2004   3         5/24/2004   3,4       N/A         N/A         0       0
                                     Mill                                                                                                          

  17      WC503432-032   Nason       Nason at     B/K      4/6/2004    5/24/2004   4         4/6/2004    all       N/A         N/A         0       0
                                     Kahler                                                                                                        

  18      WC503432-035   Chumstick   Dry Creek    W        3/31/2004   4/29/2004   4         4/8/2004    2,3,4     N/A         N/A         0       0

  19      WC503432-042   Chumstick   Chumstick at W        4/1/2004    5/12/2004   6         4/13/2004   2,3       4/22/2004   4/22/2004   2       0
                                     Eagle                                                                                                         

  20      WC503432-046   Peshastin   Negro Creek  B        3/23/2004   4/30/2004   3         3/23/2004   unk, 2,3  N/A         N/A         0       0

  21      WC503432-047   White       White River  B/K      3/29/2004   5/26/2004   4         3/29/2004   all       N/A         N/A         0       0
                                     at mouth                                                                                                      

  22      WC503432-048   Chiwawa     Beaver at    W        4/2/2004    5/17/2004   5         4/2/2004    all       4/2/2004    5/17/2004   15      29
                                     mouth                                                                                                         

  23      WC503432-049   Mission     EF Mission   B & W    3/25/2004   5/10/2004   4         3/25/2004   all       N/A         N/A         0       0

  24      WC503432-054   Peshastin   Ingalls at   B        5/4/2004    5/27/2004   3         5/4/2004    all       N/A         N/A         0       0
                                     barrier                                                                                                       

  25      WC503432-058   Lake        Plainview at W        4/7/2004    5/25/2004   4         4/7/2004    all       N/A         N/A         0       0
                         Wenatchee   mouth                                                                                                         

  26      WC503432-065   Chiwawa     Chiwawa at   B/K      5/18/2004   6/2/2004    3         5/18/2004   all       N/A         N/A         0       0
                                     Willow                                                                                                        

  27      WDFW trend     Little      L. Wenatchee K        4/15/2004   5/21/2004   10        N/A         N/A       N/A         N/A         0       0
                         Wenatchee                                                                                                                 
  ------- -------------- ----------- ------------ -------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----------- --------- ----------- ----------- ------- -------

Survey method: W = wade, B = bank, B/K = surveyed from bank in 2004 but
suggested to kayak, K = kayak, C = cataraft.

#### Timing of surveys and steelhead activity

In our 7 reaches with ST activity, the date of first detected activity
was between 3/28/04 and 4/22/04. The date of last activity was between
5/3/04 and 5/24/04 (table one).

Based on 2004 data from these 6 reaches, most redds were visible
unfaded[^2] for 10-20 days and were visible (unfaded or faded) for 20-37
days (see table 2 below). In one stream (Beaver Creek) some redds were
completely erased (no longer visually identifiable as this year's redd)
in 11-12 days. In our other streams, redds were not erased until 20 or
more days after the first sighting of the redd . WDFW has more data on
time till fading and erasure in several Wenatchee basin streams over
several years.

In 19 of our reaches, the first survey occurred between 3/14 and 4/7
(table 1). In eight other reaches physical conditions, or a delay in
landowner permission, delayed the first survey until 4/13 -- 5/18. Our
last survey of each reach occurred between 4/29 and 6/2.

Timing of steelhead spawning is thought to be linked to flow volume and
to water temperature. It is generally thought that in the Wenatchee
basin, steelhead do not begin to spawn until water temperature rises to
38.5 F or higher (M. Tonseth, WDFW, pers. comm.).

In 22 of our surveyed reaches, water temperature was above 38.5[^3] F on
each visit (table 1). In the remaining four reaches water temperature
did not exceed 38.5 F on the first visit, but did exceed 38.5 F on at
least 2 visits to the reach. Based on the above timing and temperature
data, we feel we were unlikely to miss the entire spawning run at any of
our sites.

In Chumstick Creek, water temperatures were well above 38.5 F on each
visit (44 F on the first visit 4/1/04). However spawning did not occur
until the 4^th^ visit (5/22) when flows were lower. A helpful landowner
who showed our surveyors last year's redds (this year's redds were dug
in nearly the same location) repeatedly told our surveyors on their
first visits that they were too early and the fish would not spawn until
the flow dropped; therefore this may be a typical pattern across years.
We may have observed only a small portion of the spawning in Chumstick
watershed, or Chumstick spawning may occur in a short time-window; a
5^th^ and 6^th^ visit to Chumstick Creek did not reveal any further
spawning.

Table 2 gives data on each redd observed. Redd locations are shown in
figure 2.

[Table 2: Steelhead Redd Summary]{.mark}

  -------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
  Site num       Watershed   Stream        Redd        Date first  Last date   First date  First date  Date of     Num_days   Num_days   Num_days
                                           numbers     seen        unfaded     faded       erased      last survey visible    visible    from first
                                                                                                                   unfaded    faded      seen until
                                                                                                                                         erased

  WC503432-001   Nason       Nason Creek   Nason 1-1   4/14/2004   5/3/2004    \--         \--         5/3/2004    20         \--        \--

  WC503432-001   Nason       Nason Creek   Nason 1-2   4/14/2004   5/3/2004    \--         \--         5/3/2004    20         \--        \--

  WC503432-011   Peshastin   Peshastin at  Peshastin   4/1/2004    4/15/2004   5/4/2004    \--         5/4/2004    15         19         \--
                             mouth         11-1                                                                                          

  WC503432-011   Peshastin   Peshastin at  Peshastin   4/1/2004    4/15/2004   5/4/2004    \--         5/4/2004    15         19         \--
                             mouth         11-2                                                                                          

  WC503432-060   Nason       Nason at      Nason 60-1  4/6/2004    4/21/2004   \--         5/13/2004   5/24/2004   16         \--        37
                             Butcher                                                                                                     

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   3/28/2004   4/22/2004   4/29/2004   \--         5/25/2004   26         27         \--
                             Plain         21-8                                                                                          

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   4/1/2004    5/25/2004   \--         \--         5/25/2004   55         \--        \--
                             Plain         21-9                                                                                          

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   4/22/2004   5/25/2004   \--         \--         5/25/2004   34         \--        \--
                             Plain         21-16                                                                                         

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   5/12/2004   5/25/2004   \--         \--         5/25/2004   14         \--        \--
                             Plain         21-31                                                                                         

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   5/12/2004   5/25/2004   \--         \--         5/25/2004   14         \--        \--
                             Plain         21-32                                                                                         

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   4/29/2004   5/25/2004   \--         \--         5/25/2004   27         \--        \--
                             Plain         21-33                                                                                         

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   4/29/2004   5/25/2004   \--         \--         5/25/2004   27         \--        \--
                             Plain         21-34                                                                                         

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   4/29/2004   5/25/2004   \--         \--         5/25/2004   27         \--        \--
                             Plain         21-35                                                                                         

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   4/29/2004   5/25/2004   \--         \--         5/25/2004   27         \--        \--
                             Plain         21-36                                                                                         

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   5/18/2004   5/25/2004   \--         \--         5/25/2004   38         \--        \--
                             Plain         21-40                                                                                         

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   5/12/2004   5/25/2004   \--         \--         5/25/2004   14         \--        \--
                             Plain         21-41                                                                                         

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   5/12/2004   5/25/2004   \--         \--         5/25/2004   14         \--        \--
                             Plain         21-42                                                                                         

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   5/12/2004   5/25/2004   \--         \--         5/25/2004   14         \--        \--
                             Plain         21-43                                                                                         

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   5/12/2004   5/25/2004   \--         \--         5/25/2004   14         \--        \--
                             Plain         21-44                                                                                         

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   5/12/2004   5/25/2004   \--         \--         5/25/2004   14         \--        \--
                             Plain         21-45                                                                                         

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   5/12/2004   5/25/2004   \--         \--         5/25/2004   14         \--        \--
                             Plain         21-46                                                                                         

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   5/18/2004   5/25/2004   \--         \--         5/25/2004   38         \--        \--
                             Plain         21-53                                                                                         

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   5/18/2004   5/25/2004   \--         \--         5/25/2004   38         \--        \--
                             Plain         21-54                                                                                         

  WC503432-021   Wenatchee   Wenatchee in  Wenatchee   5/25/2004   5/25/2004   \--         \--         5/25/2004   \--        \--        \--
                             Plain         21-55                                                                                         

  WC503432-024   Peshastin   Peshastin -   Peshastin   3/29/2004   5/31/2004   \--         \--         5/31/2004   63         \--        \--
                             Camas         24-1                                                                                          

  WC503432-024   Peshastin   Peshastin -   Peshastin   3/29/2004   5/31/2004   \--         \--         5/31/2004   63         \--        \--
                             Camas         24-2                                                                                          

  WC503432-042   Chumstick   Chumstick at  Chumstick   4/22/2004   4/22/2004   5/5/2004    5/12/2004   5/12/2004   \--        7          20
                             Eagle         42-1                                                                                          

  WC503432-042   Chumstick   Chumstick at  Chumstick   4/22/2004   5/5/2004    \--         5/12/2004   5/12/2004   14         \--        20
                             Eagle         42-2                                                                                          

  WC503432-048   Chiwawa     Beaver at     Beaver 48-1 4/2/2004    4/2/2004    \--         4/13/2004   5/17/2004   \--        \--        11
                             mouth                                                                                                       

  WC503432-048   Chiwawa     Beaver at     Beaver 48-2 4/13/2004   4/23/2004   \--         5/5/2004    5/17/2004   11         \--        22
                             mouth                                                                                                       

  WC503432-048   Chiwawa     Beaver at     Beaver 48-3 4/23/2004   5/5/2004    \--         5/17/2004   5/17/2004   13         \--        24
                             mouth                                                                                                       

  WC503432-048   Chiwawa     Beaver at     Beaver 48-4 4/23/2004   4/23/2004   5/5/2004    5/17/2004   5/17/2004   \--        12         24
                             mouth                                                                                                       

  WC503432-048   Chiwawa     Beaver at     Beaver 48-5 4/23/2004   4/23/2004   5/5/2004    5/17/2004   5/17/2004   \--        12         24
                             mouth                                                                                                       

  WC503432-048   Chiwawa     Beaver at     Beaver 48-6 4/23/2004   5/5/2004    \--         5/17/2004   5/17/2004   13         \--        24
                             mouth                                                                                                       

  WC503432-048   Chiwawa     Beaver at     Beaver 48-7 5/5/2004    5/5/2004    \--         5/17/2004   5/17/2004   \--        \--        12
                             mouth                                                                                                       

  WC503432-048   Chiwawa     Beaver at     Beaver 48-8 5/5/2004    5/5/2004    \--         5/17/2004   5/17/2004   \--        \--        12
                             mouth                                                                                                       

  WC503432-048   Chiwawa     Beaver at     Beaver 48-9 5/5/2004    5/5/2004    \--         5/17/2004   5/17/2004   \--        \--        12
                             mouth                                                                                                       

  WC503432-048   Chiwawa     Beaver at     Beaver      5/5/2004    5/5/2004    \--         5/17/2004   5/17/2004   \--        \--        12
                             mouth         48-10                                                                                         

  WC503432-048   Chiwawa     Beaver at     Beaver      5/5/2004    5/5/2004    \--         5/17/2004   5/17/2004   \--        \--        12
                             mouth         48-11                                                                                         

  WC503432-048   Chiwawa     Beaver at     Beaver      5/5/2004    5/5/2004    \--         5/17/2004   5/17/2004   \--        \--        12
                             mouth         48-12                                                                                         

  WC503432-048   Chiwawa     Beaver at     Beaver      5/5/2004    5/5/2004    \--         5/17/2004   5/17/2004   \--        \--        12
                             mouth         48-13                                                                                         
  -------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------

[]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

#### Discussion

The year-one data from the rotating panel steelhead surveys brought to
light:

-   New biological information

-   Logistical concerns

-   Analysis concerns

-   Suggestions for future refinement of site selection

### New Biological Information

Steelhead activity was observed at seven locations (six reaches plus one
training site). Steelhead were already known to spawn at four of these
sites, but new information was gained at three sites.

At Peshastin site 11 (Peshastin Creek mouth), steelhead were known to
move above this site to spawn, but this was the first record of
Steelhead spawning this low in the river. In Chumstick Creek, radio
telemetry surveys conducted in 2000 had shown steelhead migrating
throughout the creek as early as 17 April (English et al. 2001), but
these were the first documented redd sites in Chumstick Creek. In Beaver
Creek, steelhead had been observed above the first culvert (C. Kamphaus,
YN, personnel communication), but this was the first documentation of
redd sites for Beaver Creek. Also, the number of steelhead adults and
redds in Beaver Creek was higher than previously recorded.

### Logistics

*1) Barrier information incomplete in a few locations.*

Although in general we have good barrier information throughout the
basin, some random sites fell in spots where barrier information was
incomplete, and infeasible to collect during the steelhead field season
due to large numbers of private landowners involved. In 2004 four
surveys were conducted on sites of uncertain barrier status (Spromberg,
Sunitsch, Chumstick at Moon, and Dry Creek; all small tributaries of
Chumstick Creek).

*2) Non-uniform detection probability*

Applying the non-random steelhead redd protocol at randomly selected
sites raises some new logistical concerns. Sites will vary much more
widely in 1) access method, timing, method and cost and 2) type of
survey (bank, wade or water) feasible. In the Wenatchee basin in 2004
random sites may also have varied more than WDFW sites in substrate
visibility and temperature regime. Survey type and detection probability
should be explicitly considered in analysis.

Future randomly-located steelhead surveys may wish to collect additional
data related to probability of detection, such as:

-   Percent of substrate visible (function of turbulence, turbidity,
    depth).

-   Percent of substrate observed (function of percent visible, survey
    method, stream width (and did survey cover entire width each visit
    or alternate sides on alternate visits), and side channels (were
    they surveyable with given survey method and how often were they
    surveyed).

-   Survey type should be recorded.

### 

### *3) Reduce reliance on bank-walking surveys, where safety and logisitics allows.*

### In wider streams, bank walking should be avoided if an on-the-water method can be safely utilized. 

Four 2004 random surveys were conducted by boat: Wenatchee-Plain,
Wenatchee-Monitor, Peshastin-Camas, and Little Wenatchee. 2004 surveys
that might have been more effectively surveyed by boat include:
Nason-Kahler, Nason-Butcher, Nason-Coles, White, Chiwawa-Big-Meadow,
Chiwawa-Willow, and Peshastin-mouth.

*4) Consider different survey lengths for different survey types.*

Given that survey probability likely already varies with survey method,
future surveyors may wish to consider varying length of survey with
method. Surveys done by boat can cost-effectively cover much longer
reaches than surveys by foot; boat surveyors will likely be constrained
by put-in and take-out logistics and may need to be on the water for
more than one mile in any case.

### Analysis

Of our 28 reaches, 6 had steelhead present and 22 did not. This high
proportion of "zero" (no steelhead activity) reaches will give low
statistical power and high standard deviation when analyzing trends over
time. "Zero" reaches do provide valuable information over time and are
of value in the steelhead reach database. Also, steelhead absence from
high quality habitat is different information than absence from low
quality habitat. Therefore we suggest refinement of the reach
stratification process.

Statistical power can be increased by sampling:

-   More sites

-   Longer sites

-   More likely sites

In 2004, stratification was largely based on stream gradient and order.
Stevens 2002 (cited from Hillman 2004) gives examples of stratification
based on habitat quality. Stevens emphasizes the need to sample all
strata (even lowest quality) although you need not sample all strata
with equal intensity. Stevens also emphasizes the need to post-check
habitat categorization though empirical measurements.

Here is one example of a 5-tiered habitat quality stratification. A
given basin might not contain all tiers, but could use those present.

-   Tier one: redds or adults previously detected in or above stream
    reach by radiotelemetry, redd survey, or direct observation of
    fisheries biologist.

-   Tier two: credible reports of current steelhead presence from
    fishermen, or other sources.

-   Tier three: credible reports of historic steelhead presence from
    fishermen, or other sources.

-   Tier four: Good habitat in professional opinion of biologists (use
    best pre-existing data to categorize). Develop field criteria for
    post-categorization. Field criteria could include parameters such as
    thalweg depth, spawning gravel presence, and stream temperature.

-   Tier five: Poor habitat based on the same pre-existing and
    post-categorization data as above.

To detect trends over time, the sites visited should be stable across
time, not constantly adaptively re-stratified. Therefore a
stratification based on habitat quality should allow for extra effort
for the first year of a given panel. Options include habitat assessment
field visits before the season; or plan for a "first" visit to many
sites from which the stable 25-site panel would be selected.

Assuming one wishes to include the greatest possible sampling universe
(for example all reaches of grad \< 12% that are not above definite
barriers), the use of varied survey methods (boat, wade, etc.) will be
unavoidable, and will unavoidably create different probabilities of
detecting redds should they be present (due to varying observer speed,
water depth, proportion of bottom visible, etc.).

Since detection probability may vary even with uniform reach length, and
will need to be explicitly considered in the analysis in any case, we
may wish to consider using different reach lengths for different survey
methods.

In any analysis of spawning timing, water temperature may be as or more
important than date. Water temperature should be explicitly considered
in field sampling and in analysis.

#### Acknowledgements

Funding was provided by Bonneville Power Administration. We thank
Washington Dept of Fish and Wildlife for assistance with training,
protocol, data formats, and raft surveys. Thanks also to Chelan County
Conservation District for contacting private landowners, and to the many
private landowners who allowed access across their property.

## Appendix A: Reach Selection

This list of random sites was generated from sites on 1:100,000 stream
layer with GIS-calculated gradient less than 12%. A weighting scheme was
used to emphasize selection of moderate gradient streams of 4^th^ order
and smaller.

Criteria for eliminating sites:

1.  Above an anadromous barrier.

2.  Line layer error; i.e. the point is actually within a lake or side
    channel and should not have been on the list.

3.  Sites falling within reaches already surveyed weekly by USFWS were
    dropped. Sites falling within reaches surveyed once annually by
    USFWS were retained. An exception was Chiwawa above Chikamin, which
    is surveyed from water once annually by USFWS; we attempted to
    survey this site once and determined it could not be effectively
    surveyed from the bank.

4.  The stream segment in question does not contribute to fish
    production (even through aquatic macro-invertebrate production) in
    any season.

5.  Safety.

6.  Accessibility.

Table A1 shows all sites considered and why sites were dropped.

###### Table A1: Steelhead Redd Site Selection

  -------------- -------------- ----------- ----------------- ------------- -------------------------- -------- ------- -------- ----------
  **SiteID**     **ST_Redd      **panel**   **description**   **Private**   **redd comment**           **GIS    **GIS   **GIS %  GIS
                 Site**                                                                                LOC**    SIN**   GRAD**   STRAHLER

  WC503432-001   1              Annual      Nason below Coles               Drive access. Bank walk.   MOUTH    1.14    0.32     4
                                            corner                          Could float?                                         

  WC503432-002   **DROP**       Annual      L. Wenatchee                    **drop \-- barrier**       TRANS    1.03    3.82     2
                                            below Meander                                                                        
                                            Meadows                                                                              

  WC503432-003   2              Annual      Wenatchee below   Y             WDFW surveyed for FS in    TRANS    1.00    0.29     5
                                            Monitor                         2004                                                 

  WC503432-004   **DROP**       Annual      ephemeral trib of               **drop from entire project SINGLE   1.02    10.71    1
                                            Derby                           \-- no fish production**                             

  WC503432-005   **DROP**       Annual      Ollalla                         **drop from entire project TRANS    1.03    1.03     3
                                                                            \-- no fish production**                             

  WC503432-006   **DROP 2004**  Annual      5 miles up French               **drop \-- barrier at      TRANS    1.06    1.67     3
                                            Ck                              hatchery for 2004 at                                 
                                                                            least**                                              

  WC503432-007   **DROP**       Annual      tributary of                    **Drop.** No access due to HEAD     1.09    11.35    1
                                            Brush Ck                        3 ft jump into culvert and                           
                                                                            several beaver ponds.                                

  WC503432-008   **DROP**       Annual      White above                     **drop \-- barrier**       TRANS    1.13    1.04     3
                                            Boulder Ck                                                                           

  WC503432-009   3              Annual      Spromberg         Y             Short walk                 TRANS    1.01    3.37     2

  WC503432-010   **DROP**       Annual      upper                           **drop \-- barrier**       SINGLE   1.07    11.95    1
                                            Hardscrabble                                                                         

  WC503432-011   4              Annual      Peshastin mouth   Y             Bank walk. Access along    TRANS    1.00    2.17     3
                                                                            gravel pit etc to avoid                              
                                                                            private impacts                                      

  WC503432-012   **DROP 2004**  Annual      Icicle near                     **drop \-- barrier at      TRANS    1.08    1.65     3
                                            Doughgod                        hatchery for 2004 at                                 
                                                                            least**.                                             

  WC503432-013   **DROP**       Annual      Twin Lakes outlet               **drop \-- barrier**       TRANS    1.05    3.35     2

  WC503432-014   **DROP**       Annual      upper Napeequa                  **drop \-- barrier**       TRANS    1.17    1.90     2

  WC503432-015   5              Annual      Half mile up                    Snowmo or drive then       SINGLE   1.14    4.87     1
                                            Marble                          snowshoe                                             

  WC503432-016   **DROP**       Annual      lower Napeequa                  **Drop because anadromous  MOUTH    1.23    1.41     3
                                                                            barrier occurs mid-reach**                           

  WC503432-017   **DROP**       Annual      lower Chiwawa     Y             **Already surveyed by      MOUTH    1.22    0.77     4
                                                                            WDFW**                                               

  WC503432-018   **DROP**       Annual      Icicle mouth      Y             **Already surveyed by      TRANS    1.13    0.13     4
                                                                            WDFW**                                               

  WC503432-019   **DROP**       Annual      Rock above                      **drop \-- barrier**       TRANS    1.06    7.21     2
                                            barrier                                                                              

  WC503432-020   **DROP**       Annual      Little Wenatchee                **drop from entire project OTHER    1.10    0.10     1
                                            side channel                    because in side channel**                            
                                            below Lost                                                                           

  WC503432-021   6              Annual      Wenatchee in      Y             WDFW surveyed for FS in    TRANS    1.13    0.40     5
                                            Plain                           2004                                                 

  WC503432-022   7              Annual      Chumstick above   Y             Drive access. Very small   TRANS    1.03    2.89     3
                                            Moon                            and poor habitat. Barrier                            
                                                                            analysis needed.                                     

  WC503432-023   **DROP**       Annual      middle Napeequa                 **drop \-- barrier**       TRANS    1.06    1.51     3

  WC503432-024   8              Annual      Peshastin near    Y             bank walk.                 TRANS    1.03    1.91     3
                                            Camas                                                                                

  WC503432-025   9              Annual      Sunitsch          Y             Very unlikely habitat.     HEAD     1.13    5.64     1

  WC503432-026   **DROP**       Year1       Trout at lake                   **drop \-- no winter       HEAD     1.04    8.03     1
                                            outlet                          access**                                             

  WC503432-027   10             Year1       Middle Shaser     ?             May snowshoe or ski early  HEAD     1.03    9.79     1
                                            about 1/2 mi                    surveys, drive access                                
                                            above mouth                     later surveys.                                       

  WC503432-028   **DROP 2004**  Year1       Icicle near       Y             **drop \-- barrier at      SINGLE   1.09    0.36     1
                                            Sleeping Lady                   hatchery for 2004 at                                 
                                                                            least**                                              

  WC503432-029   11             Year1       Tronsen below                   Drive access.              TRANS    1.00    2.64     2
                                            Bonanza                                                                              
                                            Campground                                                                           

  WC503432-030   **DROP**       Year1       unnamed trib W of               **drop \-- barrier**       TRANS    1.01    6.73     1
                                            Monitor                                                                              

  WC503432-031   **DROP**       Year1       Cougar Creek                    **drop \-- barrier**       SINGLE   1.06    6.89     1

  WC503432-032   12             Year1       Nason above       Y             Bank walk with drive       TRANS    1.29    0.69     4
                                            Kahler                          access. Could float?                                 

  WC503432-033   **DROP**       Year1       Napeequa River                  **drop \-- safety**        TRANS    1.01    3.19     3

  WC503432-034   **DROP**       Year1       French Potholes                 **drop \-- no winter       SINGLE   1.09    10.75    1
                                            outlet                          access**                                             

  WC503432-035   13             Year1       Dry Creek         Y             Drive access. Very small   HEAD     1.01    7.34     1
                                            (Chumstick)                     and poor habitat. Barrier                            
                                                                            analysis needed.                                     

  WC503432-036   **DROP**       Year1       Ingalls just      Y             **Already surveyed by      TRANS    1.02    3.98     2
                                            above mouth                     WDFW**                                               

  WC503432-037   **DROP**       Year1       Little Wenatchee                **drop \-- barrier**       TRANS    1.11    1.48     4
                                            below Lake Ck                                                                        

  WC503432-038   **(DROP)**     Year1       Chiwawa above                   Made one visit. Could not  TRANS    1.29    0.00     4
                                            Chikamin                        be effectively surveyed                              
                                                                            from bank. WDFW floats one                           
                                                                            annual visit, has never                              
                                                                            found redds.                                         

  WC503432-039   **DROP**       Year1       White above       ?             **Already surveyed by      TRANS    1.09    0.36     4
                                            Napeequa                        WDFW**                                               

  WC503432-040   **DROP**       Year1       1/2 mile up                     **drop \-- barrier at      SINGLE   1.00    8.39     1
                                            Solomon (trib of                hatchery for 2004 at                                 
                                            Jack)                           least**.                                             

  WC503432-041   **DROP**       Year1       Anderson Canyon   Y             **drop \-- barrier**       MOUTH    1.07    4.61     1

  WC503432-042   14             Year1       Chumstick at      Y             Drive access. Wadable.     TRANS    1.05    1.39     3
                                            Eagle                                                                                

  WC503432-043   **DROP**       Year1       Icicle above                    **drop \-- barrier**       HEAD     1.03    6.87     1
                                            Trapper                                                                              

  WC503432-044   **DROP**       Year1       Sunnyslope trib                 **drop \-- no surface      SINGLE   1.01    11.93    1
                                                                            connection**                                         

  WC503432-045   **DROP**       Year1       Snow Creek                      **drop \-- barrier**       TRANS    1.05    9.90     2

  WC503432-046   15             Year1       Negro near RM 3                 Snowshoe. Bank walk.       MOUTH    1.25    6.96     2
                                            below barrier                                                                        

  WC503432-047   16             Year1       White at mouth    ?             Should be float survey     TRANS    1.22    0.03     4
                                                                            (kayak).                                             

  WC503432-048   17             Year1       Beaver near mouth Y             Wadable.                   TRANS    1.25    1.76     2

  WC503432-049   18             Year1       East Fork Mission               Drive access.              TRANS    1.04    2.76     3
                                            Ck RM 1                                                                              

  WC503432-050   **DROP**       Year1       Slawson Cyn                     **drop from entire         SINGLE   1.01    8.83     1
                                            (lower Mission                  project. No surface                                  
                                            trib)                           connectivity.**                                      

  WC503432-051   **DROP**       Year2       Cabin Creek                     **drop \-- barrier**       TRANS    1.06    4.17     2

  WC503432-052   **DROP**       Year2       Jack Creek                      **drop 2004 (hatchery      MOUTH    1.05    4.38     3
                                                                            barrier)**                                           

  WC503432-053   **DROP**       Year2       White River                     **drop \-- barrier**       TRANS    1.04    0.21     3

  WC503432-054   19             Year2       Ingalls below BT                Very difficult access.     TRANS    1.02    3.28     2
                                            barrier                                                                              

  WC503432-055   20             Year2       Chiwawa at Big                  Should be float survey     TRANS    1.07    0.91     4
                                            Meadow                          when flows allow.                                    

  WC503432-056   **DROP**       Year2       Chiwaukum above S               **drop \-- barrier**       TRANS    1.03    4.22     4
                                            Fk                                                                                   

  WC503432-057   **DROP**       Year2       Little Wenatchee                **drop \-- barrier**       TRANS    1.07    0.98     4
                                            at Theseus                                                                           

  WC503432-058   21             Year2       Plainview Creek   ?             Very small, very unlikely  HEAD     1.04    3.94     1
                                                                            habitat. In \< one mi,                               
                                                                            gradient exceeds 12%.                                

  WC503432-059   **DROP**       Year2       White R                         **drop \-- barrier**       TRANS    1.03    4.99     2
                                            headwaters                                                                           

  WC503432-060   22             Year2       Nason at Butcher  Y             Bank walk with drive       TRANS    1.07    0.22     4
                                                                            access. Could float?                                 

  WC503432-061   **DROP**       Year2       Little Wenatchee                **Already surveyed by      TRANS    1.05    1.78     4
                                            below falls                     WDFW**                                               

  WC503432-062   **DROP**       Year2       Poison Ck                       **drop from entire project SINGLE   1.03    5.94     1
                                            headwaters                      \-- no fish prod**                                   

  WC503432-063   23             Year2       Rock Creek near                 Snowmobile early season;   MOUTH    1.07    3.01     3
                                            mouth                           late season access                                   
                                                                            uncertain (patchy meltout)                           

  WC503432-064   **DROP-NFP**   Year2       Douglas Creek                   **Drop from entire         SINGLE   1.04    4.94     1
                                                                            project. No fish prod.**                             
                                                                            No surface connectivity at                           
                                                                            mouth. Dry by June.                                  

  WC503432-151   **DROP**       OverSamp    Little Wenatchee                **drop \-- barrier**       TRANS    1.10    0.93     4
                                            above Rainy                                                                          

  WC503432-152   24             OverSamp    Tronsen along Hwy               road access                TRANS    1.03    4.33     2
                                            97 about 2 mi N                                                                      
                                            Swauk Pass                                                                           

  WC503432-153   25             OverSamp    Nason at Mill     ?             Snowshoe bank survey. Use  TRANS    1.09    1.70     3
                                                                            great caution on steep                               
                                                                            banks with rotten snow.                              

  WC503432-154   **DROP**       OverSamp    Turnpike (Ingalls               **drop \-- barrier**       SINGLE   1.04    5.35     1
                                            trib)                                                                                

  WC503432-155   26             OverSamp    Peshastin at      Y             WDFW surveyed for FS in    TRANS    1.00    1.70     3
                                            Larsen                          2004                                                 

  WC503432-156   **DROP**       OverSamp    Icicle at Rat Ck  ?             **drop \-- barrier**       TRANS    1.03    3.16     4

  WC503432-157   **DROP**       OverSamp    trib of Cady Ck                 **drop \-- barrier**       SINGLE   1.04    5.05     1
                                            flowing from Lake                                                                    
                                            Sally Ann                                                                            

  WC503432-158   **DROP**       OverSamp    White Pine Creek                **drop \-- barrier**       HEAD     1.04    4.89     1
  -------------- -------------- ----------- ----------------- ------------- -------------------------- -------- ------- -------- ----------

#### Appendix B: Redd Categorization Definitions

Incomplete: A steelhead has disturbed the substrate, but there is not a
clear pit and tail.

Complete: Gravels are clean due to fish activity and there is a distinct
pit and tail.

Faded: Still visible, but may be "flattened out" or no longer bright
(algal growth).

Erased: A surveyor would not identify it as this year's redd had it not
already been surveyed.

#### Appendix C: Thermometer Calibration

  --------------- ----------- ------ ----------- ------ ----------- ----------- ------- ------- ----------- ------- -----------
  **Handheld                                                                                                        
  thermometer                                                                                                       
  calibration for                                                                                                   
  2004**                                                                                                            

  All                                                                                                               
  temperatures in                                                                                                   
  F                                                                                                                 

                              Ice                                               Water                               
                              bath                                              bath                                

                              June               June                           June    June                June    
                              1,04               8,04                           1,04    8,04                8,04    

  therm type      purchase    ice    deviation   ice    deviation   deviation   water   water   deviation   water   deviation
                  yr - num    bath 1 from 32F    bath 2 from 32F    from unit   bath 1  bath 2  from unit   bath 3  from unit
                                                                    02-1                        02-1                02-1

  taylor digital  02-1                           32.5   0.5         0.0                 54.9    0           60.6    0

  taylor digital  04-01       30.7   -1.3        30.9   -1.1        -1.6        64      53.2    -1.7        59      -1.6

  taylor digital  04-02       30.7   -1.3        30.7   -1.3        -1.8        63.9    53.2    -1.7        58.8    -1.8

  taylor digital  04-03       30.9   -1.1        31.1   -0.9        -1.4        64.2    53.6    -1.3        59      -1.6

  taylor digital  04-04       30.7   -1.3        30.7   -1.3        -1.8        64      53.4    -1.5        58.8    -1.8

  taylor digital  00-1                           34.0   2.0                             55.4    0.5         61      0.4

                                                                                                                    

                  range 04-01 0.2                0.4                            0.3     0.4                 0.2     
                  to 04-04                                                                                          

                  average                                           -1.7                        -1.6                -1.7
                  deviation                                                                                         
                  from 02-1                                                                                         

                                                                                                                    

  Conclusions:                                                                                                      

  The thermometer                                                                                                   
  purchased in                                                                                                      
  2002 is                                                                                                           
  relatively                                                                                                        
  accurate near                                                                                                     
  freezing and                                                                                                      
  was used as the                                                                                                   
  reference                                                                                                         
  thermometer.                                                                                                      

  The                                                                                                               
  thermometers                                                                                                      
  purchased in                                                                                                      
  2004 were                                                                                                         
  relatively                                                                                                        
  consistent and                                                                                                    
  probably all                                                                                                      
  read about 1.5                                                                                                    
  F low across a                                                                                                    
  range of                                                                                                          
  temperatures.                                                                                                     

  The thermometer                                                                                                   
  purchased in                                                                                                      
  2000 was 0.5 -                                                                                                    
  2 F high                                                                                                          
  depending on                                                                                                      
  temperature and                                                                                                   
  should not be                                                                                                     
  used.                                                                                                             
  --------------- ----------- ------ ----------- ------ ----------- ----------- ------- ------- ----------- ------- -----------

#### Appendix D: GPS Protocol and Calibration

**[GPS Protocol:]{.underline}**

The following six requirements must be met every time you use your GPS.

1.  Make sure you have spare batteries for your survey day. Most
    handhelds will run 10 hrs on a set of batteries.

2.  Run the Trimble planning software to see what your gps satellite
    coverage is going to be during the period you are planning to be in
    the field. Go to the station menu item and pick Leavenworth out on
    the map display. Set today as the date (or whatever date you want to
    evaluate). You need to decide what is the angle of your horizon is
    for your sites and enter that in the software. I would recommend
    that you look at both 20 and 30 degrees. The graph you want is under
    Graphs, Horizontal DOP (dilution of precision). A dop of 5 or higher
    isn't very good, but you should be aware that the display is just an
    approximation since your angle to the horizon is not going to be
    uniform. Rather than not attempting to log a position at a certain
    time I would use the graph as a " if I am having trouble getting a
    good fix, then I can look at the graph to see when I might get a
    better fix."

3.  Make sure your gps is set to display and log data using WGS 84 datum
    and decimal degrees. (Gps systems native position format is WGS 84
    lat and long. Any other map projection needs to be reprojected by
    the gps unit itself and thus is another variable affecting
    accuracy.) and that your gps is set to position average for at least
    2 minutes. Figure out how your gps needs to be held to get the best
    signal strength. The Garmin e series needs to be held flat, most
    others do better held up and down.

4.  When you are getting ready to log a position or navigate to an
    already established position, turn the gps on in a spot with a good
    view of the sky and wait for it to lock onto as many satellites as
    it can before you go into a location with a poor view of the sky.
    The receiver needs to download a complete set of orbital data for
    each satellite before it can lock on and use that satellite for
    navigation. If it can't download that initial info under heavy
    canopy or if the downloads keep getting interrupted the receiver
    will never be able to lock onto that satellite. When all of the
    satellite bars have turned solid then the receiver has downloaded
    all the info it needs from each satellite and is using each
    satellite for navigation. Four satellites are the minimum needed for
    navigation. More than 7 is usually good. You will also be able to
    tell when the gps is ready by watching the epe (estimated position
    error) display. As more satellites are locked onto and the satellite
    position info is downloaded then the epe value should decrease. When
    it stabilizes you are ready to go. An epe value of 30' or less is
    good, above 50' is not very good and beyond 100' is probably not
    very usable. Likewise if the epe is varying widely 30' to 80' to
    150' and back, then that isn't very good either. In one recent test
    several gpses wandered up to 1 km while stationary due to poor
    accuracy of the time signals from the satellites (atmospheric
    interference, poor satellite geometry, few satellites, etc).
    Fortunately this situation is rare but the signs of it are a high
    epe (above 100') and lat, long position that is changing rapidly.
    (0.0001° lat =36', and 0.0001° long = 21' )

5.  When are ready to log a point use the waypoint averaging feature on
    your gps if you have one. I would recommend at least 2 minutes of
    averaging, up to 10 minutes. If you don't have waypoint averaging
    then you can watch the display for 2 minutes and record the range of
    values that the machine displays. Before you start logging wait
    several minutes after you turn the gps on to let it lock onto as
    many satellites as it can and download all the satellite position
    data that it needs described in section 4 above. On the satellite
    screen you can find which satellites are in the sky and which it is
    currently receiving (grey bar or clear bar) and which it has locked
    onto (black bar).

6.  On the data sheet, record the datum you are using (WGS84 is the
    suggested one to use but put down what you used), number of
    satellites that the machine has locked onto at the beginning and end
    of the period (more than 7 is good, 4 is the bare minimum), the epe
    (estimated position error) or accuracy or fom (figure of merit,
    another measure of accuracy for some garmin receivers) at the
    beginning and end of the period, and the model of gps, and the
    latitude, longitude, (and the range of latitude, longitude values if
    your gps doesn't position average).

**[GPS Calibration:]{.underline}**

Before purchasing our GPS's in 2004, we undertook a GPS brand comparison
that included a literature search and a field comparison under
moderately dense coniferous canopy (details below).

Once we selected a model to purchase, we put each unit through a
two-step calibration.

[Step one]{.underline}: Comparison to survey-grade post-processed site.

Forest Service Engineering Department has collected a post-processed
latitude-longitude at a known location with an open view of the sky
using survey grade Trimble Geo-Explorer. All of our units were tested at
this location; all had two-minute averages within 20 ft of the
post-processed position.

[Step two]{.underline}: Group comparison in gully under canopy of a
densely stocked 3-10-inch-dbh Douglas Fir stand; gully walls obscured
horizon 25-30 degrees in all directions. At this site, each unit was
logged each second for at least 2 hours. Both the
2-minute-moving-average and the total average for all units agreed to
within 10 m.

**[GPS Brand Comparision]{.underline}**

At the time of our research,
[www.gpsinformation.net](http://www.gpsinformation.net/) reported that
the Magellan Sport Trak Pro was one of the most accurate
non-survey-grade units they had ever tested. Comparison with a variety
of other units at the above-described densely-stocked gully site
confirmed that this brand outperformed others in forested field
conditions. (See table below.)

  ------------- ---------- ----- ---------- -------- -------- ---------- ------------ --------- ------------ --------- ---------
  GPS                            MODERATE                                                                              
  COMPARISONS                    TREE                                                                                  
                                 CANOPY W                                                                              
                                 REDUCED                                                                               
                                 VIEW OF S                                                                             
                                 AND W                                                                                 
                                 HORIZON                                                                               

                                                                                                                       

                                 LOGGING    ERROR    MEAN POS BEARING    MOVING AVG   MOVING    ALL POS ERR  TIME      
                                                                         ERR          AVG                    UNTIL AVG 
                                                                                                             POS       

  MAKE          MODEL      REP   LEN        RANGE    ERR                 94%          PERIOD    95%          IS WITHIN 
                                                                         Percentile             Percentile   x M OF    
                                                                                                             FINAL     

                                 hr:min     meters   meters              meters       min:sec   meters       5 M       10 M

                                                                                                             min:sec   min:sec

  Magellan      Sport Trak 1     1:02       9        0.3      220        5.8          0:50      1.7          0:01      0:01
                Pro                                                                                                    

                           2     0:16       11       1.8      65         2.8          0:50      5.1          0:01      0:01

                           3     2:08       10       3.3      61         2.9          0:50      5.9          10:00     0:01

                           4     0:22       11       3.8      33         5.2          0:50      6.9          0:01      0:01

                           5     2:14       11       3.9      47         3.4          0:50      7.1          0:30      0:01

                                                                                                                       

                Meridian   1     1:20       10       5.1      39         5.7          0:50      6.0          2:00      0:01
                Color                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                       

  CMT           March II   1     1:44       100      3.5      131        6.9          0:51      15.0         0:01      0:01

                                                                                                                       

  Garmin        12xl       1     1:51       130      5        342        6.6          1:00      25.0         10:00     5:00

                12gc       1     3:24       150      2.2      149        21.4         1:35      20.0         3:00      1:30

                                                                                                                       

                3-Plus     1     3:24       120      3.7      149        21.4         1:35      20.0         2:00      1:30

                           2     0:35       25       2.5      35         10.3         1:40      11.0         0:30      0:01

                                                                                                                       

                Map76S     1     3:04       120      2.2      21         13.7         1:40      20.0         0:30      0:01

                           2     1:42       40       1.1      117        8.6          1:40      9.6          2:00      0:01

                                                                                                                       

                Etrex      1     1:16       110      0.7      319        6.3          1:40      15.0         10:00     8:00
                Venture                                                                                                

                Etrex      1     1:15       16       2.1      133        5.4          1:40      7.1          5:00      1:30
                Summit                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                       

                                                     2.7      124.0667                                                 
  ------------- ---------- ----- ---------- -------- -------- ---------- ------------ --------- ------------ --------- ---------

#### References

English, K.K., C. Sliwinski, B. Nass, and J.R. Stevenson. 2001.
Assessment of adult steelhead migration through the mid-Columbia River
using radio-telemetry techniques, 1999-2000. LGL Limited Environmental
Research Associates, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada.

Hillman, T.W. 2004. Monitoring Strategy for the Upper Columbia Basin.
Upper Columbia Regional Technical Team, Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery
Board, Wenatchee, WA.

Stevens, D.L. 2002. Sampling design and statistical analysis methods for
the integrated biological and physical monitoring of Oregon streams.
Report No. OPSW-ODFW-2002-07, The Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds,
Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife, Corvallis, OR. *Cited from Hillman
(2004).*

[^1]: Reaches receiving only three visits: Three reaches were remote and
    required several miles of travel over snow (Ingalls near the bull
    trout barrier, Rock Creek, and Chiwawa near Phelps). We attempted to
    access these reaches on four days (5 days in the case of Chiwawa
    near Phelps) but were only able to reach the site and conduct the
    survey on the final three visits due to access/snow conditions. The
    other reach receiving only 3 visits was Chiwawa at Big Meadow, where
    high flows precluded a 4^th^ visit due to safety concerns.

[^2]: See definitions of "faded" and "erased" in Appendix C.

[^3]: All water temperatures reported here are as recorded by the
    instrument. However certain thermometers, including those used at
    sites 38, 63, 9, 15, 22, 25, 153, 35, 42, 46, 47, 48, 49, 54, and
    65, may have read about 1.5 F too low (see Appendix A).