They are sometimes used as an indicator of water quality. Water quality below the Solomon could affect trout populations given an episodic event where metals content increased above the 200 ppb point. It is agreed that this volatile condition on East Willow Creek below the Solomon is where the WCRC needs to address a major part of its reclamation effort. Areas above the Solomon appear to be in great shape. Almost all fish are Brook trout with the odd Brown trout in the mix.
Brook trout are more tolerant of metals than other species.
We will not do a fish count during our May High Flow sampling event. We will again be sampling for macro-invertebrates at the same sites as last September because it has been shown in other areas that fluctuations due to seasonal differences can be significant. Laura pointed out that we obtained good data at our September Low Flow event but that this was just one sampling at one time and that as we continue through our characterization process, a clearer picture concerning the biological health of all portions of the creek will steadily develop. Photocopies of this fish and macroinvertebrate data will be available at the next meeting.