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Evaluation and Review of Ecology-Focused Stream Studies to Support Cooperative Monitoring, Fountain Creek Basin, Colorado

Scientific Investigations Report 2024-5074
Prepared in cooperation with Colorado Springs Utilities and Colorado Springs Stormwater Enterprise
By: , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245074

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Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Colorado Springs Utilities and Colorado Springs Stormwater Enterprise, synthesized previous studies and evaluated recent monitoring data to understand the distribution of fish and invertebrates in the Fountain Creek Basin and documented response to streamflow, water temperature, and water quality. The goal was to identify opportunities for aligning data collection to help maximize information gained from additional monitoring. Fifty-two publications were compiled from the literature that were completed within the study area between 1964 and 2022. Of these publications, 19 were fish and invertebrate focused. Overall, the distribution of fish and invertebrates in the Fountain Creek Basin has changed since the early 1900s. The occurrence of several fish species has increased or decreased since 2003, and a few species have not been collected in more than 100 years. Several mayfly, stonefly, and caddisfly taxa once common at several locations before 2000 are now rarely encountered, and those that now occur more frequently are associated with warmer-water streams. Decreasing invertebrate multimetric index values were noted at six locations, and the invasive Potamopyrgus antipodarum (New Zealand mud snail) is now established at two locations and occurs at several others, but in low numbers. Various streamflow characteristics were frequently noted to affect spatial and temporal patterns in fish and invertebrate communities, including early development and recruitment of Platygobio gracilis (flathead chub). Water quality and temperature contributed to patterns in aquatic communities, but less is known about the direct effects as these data were inconsistently available. Reach-scale habitat also contributed to patterns in aquatic communities, especially measures associated with the streambank, stream channel, and composition of streambed substrate. Moving forward, aligning consistent streamflow, water temperature, water quality, and geomorphic data collection at fish-, invertebrate-, and habitat-monitoring locations could maximize information gained from monitoring efforts and potentially inform evolving management activities and interests within the basin.

Suggested Citation

Zuellig, R.E., Wahl, C.F., Hennessy, E.K., Jouney, A., and Foutz, P., 2024, Evaluation and review of ecology-focused stream studies to support cooperative monitoring, Fountain Creek Basin, Colorado: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2024–5074, 30 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245074.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Supplemental Evaluation and Review of Ecology-Focused Stream Studies
  • Major Results
  • Summary
  • References Cited
  • Appendix 1. References from Literature Review
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Evaluation and review of ecology-focused stream studies to support cooperative monitoring, Fountain Creek Basin, Colorado
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2024-5074
DOI 10.3133/sir20245074
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Colorado Water Science Center
Description Report: vii, 30 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State Colorado
Other Geospatial Fountain Creek Basin
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details