Vol. 9 No. 3December 2010

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Midwest Region

Fisheries & Aquatic Resources ProgramFisheries & Aquatic Resources ProgramFisheries & Aquatic Resources ProgramFisheries & Aquatic Resources ProgramFisheries & Aquatic Resources Program

The NeoshoThe NeoshoThe NeoshoThe NeoshoThe NeoshoNFH VNFH VNFH VNFH VNFH VisitorisitorisitorisitorisitorCenter Center Center Center Center is Open foris Open foris Open foris Open foris Open for

BusinessBusinessBusinessBusinessBusiness

Ashland FWCOAshland FWCOAshland FWCOAshland FWCOAshland FWCOTTTTTeams upeams upeams upeams upeams upwith Northland Collegewith Northland Collegewith Northland Collegewith Northland Collegewith Northland College

WWWWWork Begins on aork Begins on aork Begins on aork Begins on aork Begins on aNew SturgeonNew SturgeonNew SturgeonNew SturgeonNew SturgeonRearing TRearing TRearing TRearing TRearing Trailerrailerrailerrailerrailer

2 Fish Lines / December 2010 Table of TontentsTable of TontentsTable of TontentsTable of TontentsTable of Tontents

The Mission of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plantsand their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

The vision of the Service’s Fisheries Program is working with partners to restore and maintain fish and other aquaticresources at self-sustaining levels and to support Federal mitigation programs for the benefit of the American public.Implementing this vision will help the Fisheries Program do more for aquatic resources and the people who value and dependon them through enhanced partnerships, scientific integrity, and a balanced approach to conservation.

Features4

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To view other issues of “Fish Lines,” visit our website at:http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/fishlines.htm

The Neosho NFH Visitor Centeris Open for BusinessOn December 9th, 2010, the doors to the new visitor center at the NeoshoNFH were officially opened.BY MELISSA CHEUNG, NEOSHO NFH

Ashland FWCO Teams up withNorthland CollegeIn the spring of 2004, a group started the formal process to gain recognitionfor a student subunit of the AFS.BY GLENN MILLER, ASHLAND FWCO

Work Begins on a New Sturgeon RearingTrailerThis winter we began construction on a non-traditional method of rearing lakesturgeon - a mobile lake sturgeon culture facility.BY DOUG ALOISI, GENOA NFH

Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Program - Midwest Region

-USFWSThis Dual-Frequency Identification Sonar (DIDSON) unit is capable ofproducing video images of fish in low-light and turbid water conditions.

3Fish Lines / December 2010Table of TontentsTable of TontentsTable of TontentsTable of TontentsTable of Tontents

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A Hatchery Hopeful from the Missouri RiverA Hatchery Hopeful from the Missouri RiverA Hatchery Hopeful from the Missouri RiverA Hatchery Hopeful from the Missouri RiverA Hatchery Hopeful from the Missouri RiverBY ANDREW PLAUCK & PABY ANDREW PLAUCK & PABY ANDREW PLAUCK & PABY ANDREW PLAUCK & PABY ANDREW PLAUCK & PATTY HERMAN, COLUMBIA FWCOTTY HERMAN, COLUMBIA FWCOTTY HERMAN, COLUMBIA FWCOTTY HERMAN, COLUMBIA FWCOTTY HERMAN, COLUMBIA FWCO

Great River National Wildlife RefugeGreat River National Wildlife RefugeGreat River National Wildlife RefugeGreat River National Wildlife RefugeGreat River National Wildlife RefugeGets a New CAPGets a New CAPGets a New CAPGets a New CAPGets a New CAPBY PBY PBY PBY PBY PAAAAATTY HERMAN, COLUMBIA FWCOTTY HERMAN, COLUMBIA FWCOTTY HERMAN, COLUMBIA FWCOTTY HERMAN, COLUMBIA FWCOTTY HERMAN, COLUMBIA FWCO

The Long Goodbye: Klondike Strain Lake TThe Long Goodbye: Klondike Strain Lake TThe Long Goodbye: Klondike Strain Lake TThe Long Goodbye: Klondike Strain Lake TThe Long Goodbye: Klondike Strain Lake TroutroutroutroutroutFind a New HomeFind a New HomeFind a New HomeFind a New HomeFind a New HomeBY CAREY EDWBY CAREY EDWBY CAREY EDWBY CAREY EDWBY CAREY EDWARDS, IRON RIVER NFHARDS, IRON RIVER NFHARDS, IRON RIVER NFHARDS, IRON RIVER NFHARDS, IRON RIVER NFH

Freshwater Drum Harvested at Neosho NFHFreshwater Drum Harvested at Neosho NFHFreshwater Drum Harvested at Neosho NFHFreshwater Drum Harvested at Neosho NFHFreshwater Drum Harvested at Neosho NFHBY MELISSA CHEUNG, NEOSHO NFHBY MELISSA CHEUNG, NEOSHO NFHBY MELISSA CHEUNG, NEOSHO NFHBY MELISSA CHEUNG, NEOSHO NFHBY MELISSA CHEUNG, NEOSHO NFH

New Larval Brook TNew Larval Brook TNew Larval Brook TNew Larval Brook TNew Larval Brook Trout Rearing Facilityrout Rearing Facilityrout Rearing Facilityrout Rearing Facilityrout Rearing FacilityCompleted at Genoa NFHCompleted at Genoa NFHCompleted at Genoa NFHCompleted at Genoa NFHCompleted at Genoa NFHBY JENNY BAILEYBY JENNY BAILEYBY JENNY BAILEYBY JENNY BAILEYBY JENNY BAILEY, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH

Where in the Midwest Should WWhere in the Midwest Should WWhere in the Midwest Should WWhere in the Midwest Should WWhere in the Midwest Should Weeeeebe Addressing Habitat?be Addressing Habitat?be Addressing Habitat?be Addressing Habitat?be Addressing Habitat?BY ROB SIMMONDS, CARTERVILLE FWCOBY ROB SIMMONDS, CARTERVILLE FWCOBY ROB SIMMONDS, CARTERVILLE FWCOBY ROB SIMMONDS, CARTERVILLE FWCOBY ROB SIMMONDS, CARTERVILLE FWCO

Fishers Farmers Make “WFishers Farmers Make “WFishers Farmers Make “WFishers Farmers Make “WFishers Farmers Make “Waves of Hay”aves of Hay”aves of Hay”aves of Hay”aves of Hay”BY HEIDI KEULER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY HEIDI KEULER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY HEIDI KEULER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY HEIDI KEULER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY HEIDI KEULER, LA CROSSE FWCO

Along the Winding Road to Recovery-Along the Winding Road to Recovery-Along the Winding Road to Recovery-Along the Winding Road to Recovery-Along the Winding Road to Recovery-Bigger is BetterBigger is BetterBigger is BetterBigger is BetterBigger is BetterBY MARK STEINGREABER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY MARK STEINGREABER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY MARK STEINGREABER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY MARK STEINGREABER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY MARK STEINGREABER, LA CROSSE FWCO

DIDSON: Keeping an Eye on the CADIDSON: Keeping an Eye on the CADIDSON: Keeping an Eye on the CADIDSON: Keeping an Eye on the CADIDSON: Keeping an Eye on the CAWSWSWSWSWSBY BRAD ROGERS, CARTERVILLE FWCOBY BRAD ROGERS, CARTERVILLE FWCOBY BRAD ROGERS, CARTERVILLE FWCOBY BRAD ROGERS, CARTERVILLE FWCOBY BRAD ROGERS, CARTERVILLE FWCO

Columbia FWCO Outreach: A YColumbia FWCO Outreach: A YColumbia FWCO Outreach: A YColumbia FWCO Outreach: A YColumbia FWCO Outreach: A Year in Reviewear in Reviewear in Reviewear in Reviewear in ReviewBY COLBY WRASSE, COLUMBIA FWCOBY COLBY WRASSE, COLUMBIA FWCOBY COLBY WRASSE, COLUMBIA FWCOBY COLBY WRASSE, COLUMBIA FWCOBY COLBY WRASSE, COLUMBIA FWCO

Asian Carp Monitoring ContinuesAsian Carp Monitoring ContinuesAsian Carp Monitoring ContinuesAsian Carp Monitoring ContinuesAsian Carp Monitoring ContinuesBY HEABY HEABY HEABY HEABY HEATHER CALKINS & ADAM MCDANIEL,COLUMBIA FWCOTHER CALKINS & ADAM MCDANIEL,COLUMBIA FWCOTHER CALKINS & ADAM MCDANIEL,COLUMBIA FWCOTHER CALKINS & ADAM MCDANIEL,COLUMBIA FWCOTHER CALKINS & ADAM MCDANIEL,COLUMBIA FWCO

Congressman Karl Maple’Congressman Karl Maple’Congressman Karl Maple’Congressman Karl Maple’Congressman Karl Maple’s Staff Ts Staff Ts Staff Ts Staff Ts Staff Talks Asian Carpalks Asian Carpalks Asian Carpalks Asian Carpalks Asian CarpMarketingMarketingMarketingMarketingMarketingBY SAM FINNEYBY SAM FINNEYBY SAM FINNEYBY SAM FINNEYBY SAM FINNEY, CAR, CAR, CAR, CAR, CARTERTERTERTERTERVILLE FWCOVILLE FWCOVILLE FWCOVILLE FWCOVILLE FWCO

And They’re Back on the Ice at Genoa NFH!And They’re Back on the Ice at Genoa NFH!And They’re Back on the Ice at Genoa NFH!And They’re Back on the Ice at Genoa NFH!And They’re Back on the Ice at Genoa NFH!BY ANGELA BARAN, GENOA NFHBY ANGELA BARAN, GENOA NFHBY ANGELA BARAN, GENOA NFHBY ANGELA BARAN, GENOA NFHBY ANGELA BARAN, GENOA NFH

Recruiting for the FutureRecruiting for the FutureRecruiting for the FutureRecruiting for the FutureRecruiting for the FutureBY WYBY WYBY WYBY WYBY WYAAAAATT DOYLE, COLUMBIA FWCOTT DOYLE, COLUMBIA FWCOTT DOYLE, COLUMBIA FWCOTT DOYLE, COLUMBIA FWCOTT DOYLE, COLUMBIA FWCO

Regional Dive TRegional Dive TRegional Dive TRegional Dive TRegional Dive Team Makes a Big Splasheam Makes a Big Splasheam Makes a Big Splasheam Makes a Big Splasheam Makes a Big SplashBY SCOTT YESS, LA CROSSE FWCOBY SCOTT YESS, LA CROSSE FWCOBY SCOTT YESS, LA CROSSE FWCOBY SCOTT YESS, LA CROSSE FWCOBY SCOTT YESS, LA CROSSE FWCO

Congressional ActionsMidwest Region Fisheries DivisionsFisheries ContactsFish Tails

Fish Lines is produced by the Fisheries andAquatic Resources Program, Region 3, U.S.Fish & Wildlife Service, Ft. Snelling, Minne-sota. Items included are selected frommonthly reports submitted by Region 3fisheries offices. Photos included are used bypermission and may be copyrighted.

Equal opportunity to participate in, andbenefit from programs and activities of theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is available toall individuals regardless of race, color,national origin, sex, age, disability, religion,sexual orientation, status as a parent andgenetic information. For information contactthe U.S. Department of Interior, Office forEqual Opportunity, 1849 C Street N.W.,Washington, DC 20240

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Printed on 30%Recycled by Fiber Weight Paper

Conservation Briefs 7-18...................................................................

2010 Vol. 9 No. 3

ASSISTANT REGIONAL DIRECTORMike Weimer

To submit suggestions or comments, e-maildavid_radloff@fws.gov

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Midwest RegionFisheries & Aquatic Resources Program1 Federal Drive, Ft. Snelling, MN 55111

Phone: 612/713-5111

-USFWSColumbia Fish and Wildlife ConservationOffice crew retreives a trotline on thelower Missouri River.

4 Fish Lines / December 2010 Featured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured Articles

The Neosho NFH VThe Neosho NFH VThe Neosho NFH VThe Neosho NFH VThe Neosho NFH VisitorisitorisitorisitorisitorCenter is Open for BusinessCenter is Open for BusinessCenter is Open for BusinessCenter is Open for BusinessCenter is Open for Business

BY MELISSA CHEUNG, NEOSHO NFH

On December 9th, 2010 the doors to the newvisitor center at the Neosho National FishHatchery (NFH) were officially opened.

Friends of the fish hatchery group members, volun-teers, the Neosho mayor, Senator elect Roy Blunt,state representatives, political representatives andFish and Wildlife Service staff joined the hatchery inwelcoming the public into our new facility. The tentand patio heaters were in place, floral centerpiecescarefully arranged, catered food prepared and three

sheet cakes cut. Over 600 visitors came out on thatcold, windy day to celebrate with us. The attendancewas a testament to the local support of this small, butdedicated community.

The new facility truly showcases the fish that arepropagated here. Dating back to 1888, the exhibit hallhighlights the rich history of this facility in a way thatour previous hatchery building could not. The 2,800

For further info about the Neosho NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/neosho/

-USFWSNeosho National Fish Hatchery’s new visitor center is open for business.

gallon aquarium that sits at the center of the exhibithall invites visitors to crawl under the tank and viewthe tank through a bubble. While pallid sturgeonyearlings and rainbow trout fingerlings reside in tanksflanking the main aquarium tank, the main tank is asource of pride for the hatchery. This marks the firsttime we have a place to display a Federally endan-gered adult pallid sturgeon. Within the main tankswims an eight year old adult female pallid sturgeonpreviously hatched at Gavins Point NFH, large rain-

bow trout, and 6+ year old freshwater drum. Inaddition, it also houses local aquatic species

including channel catfish, largemouth bassand crayfish.

In honor of the grand opening celebra-tion, the hatchery gift shop made

limited edition Christmas orna-ments. The ornaments have an

image of the new visitorcenter on the front and are

stamped with the date ofthe grand opening. Thegift shop, managed andrun by the Friendsgroup, is now openMonday-Friday from10am-3:30pm. Theirschedule may changedepending on demand.The store sells thewares of local artistssuch as pottery, artwork, weaving, soywax candles, woodcarvings and digital

imaging. The store also sells natural history books,historic books about local interests, and of course, Atthis Place…A History of Neosho National FishHatchery.

5Fish Lines / December 2010Featured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured Articles

Ashland FWCO TAshland FWCO TAshland FWCO TAshland FWCO TAshland FWCO Teams upeams upeams upeams upeams upwith Northland Collegewith Northland Collegewith Northland Collegewith Northland Collegewith Northland College

BY GLENN MILLER, ASHLAND FWCO

The year 2010 marks the seven year anniversaryfor the Northland College American FisheriesSociety (AFS) subunit and Ashland Fish and

Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO). Students fromNorthland College have been active in the WisconsinChapter of the American Fisheries Society for overten years.

In the spring of 2004, a group of students, Professorand faculty advisor Andy Goyke, and Ashland FWCObiologist and professional mentor Glenn Miller startedthe formal process to gain recognition for the studentsubunit. Through a petition effort and development ofbylaws, along with support from the Wisconsin Chap-ter of AFS, the student subunit was formally recog-nized by the Governing Board of AFS in April of 2006.Professor Derek Ogle took over the reigns as facultyadvisor in the spring of 2006.

The subunit is very active, holding meetings twice amonth and getting the members involved in a varietyof activities with the different natural resourceagencies in the Ashland, Wisconsin (WI) area and thecommunity in general. Annual projects include: finclipping at the Iron River National Fish Hatchery(Iron River, WI), Les Voigt State Fish Hatchery

(Bayfield, WI), and Red Cliff Tribal Fish Hatchery(Red Cliff, WI), and a trip to the Grand Portage

Tribal Fish Hatchery (Grand Portage, Minne-sota) and the Lake Winnebago (WI) lake

sturgeon winter spearing registration, toname a few.

The subunit developed an ice safetyprogram (with the assistance of the

Ashland Fire Department) and taughtnew students and community members

over the last three years about thetechniques for safely ice fishing on

Chequamegon Bay and LakeSuperior. The subunit also spon-

sors programs on the differentmanagement practices of the

natural resource agencies byinviting speakers to the

campus and the NorthernGreat Lakes Visitor Cen-

ter, co-located on theWhittlesey Creek Na-tional Wildlife Refuge.

The students also gethands-on experience byvolunteering with theagencies. Through taskssuch as data entry,

mending gill nets, stomach content analysis, ageing ofscales and otoliths and assisting in spawning (eggtakes) at various hatcheries, they are able to see allaspects of fisheries and natural resource managementin the office and field. The interaction with the stu-dents has been very positive, and with the futurebiologists working with us at the Ashland FWCO,they bring new ideas and veiwpoints to our office.

For further info about the Ashland FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/ashland/

-USFWS/GlennMillerKatie Renschen, 2008 past president of the Northland College American Fisheries Society subunit and former studentemployee at the Ashland Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, analyses the stomach contents of a lake trout that wascaptured in a lake whitefish survey in Lake Superior off of Grand Marais, Michigan.

6 Fish Lines / December 2010 Featured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured Articles

WWWWWork Begins on a Nework Begins on a Nework Begins on a Nework Begins on a Nework Begins on a NewSturgeon Rearing TSturgeon Rearing TSturgeon Rearing TSturgeon Rearing TSturgeon Rearing Trailerrailerrailerrailerrailer

BY DOUG ALOISI, GENOA NFH

It is always fun to look back at a project when it isfinished and remember how it began. Staff at theGenoa National Fish Hatchery (NFH) has an

opportunity to look directly at the front of a projectthis winter as we begin construction on a non-tradi-tional method of rearing lake sturgeon - a mobile lakesturgeon culture facility. Lake sturgeon populations inLake Michigan have shown through genetic tests tobe very loyal in returning to their birth or natal riversto reproduce. How and when they do this is still amystery, which calls for revised rearing techniques toallow for small sturgeon to have the ability to imprinton the water chemistry of their home river.

Another curiosity of lake sturgeon is that they usuallymigrate out of their home rivers at a fairly young age,sometimes as soon as five months after hatching. Thisphenomenon of imprinting on natal streams andreturning to spawn over a decade later is describedas a “homing” response. In order to develop thishoming response and at the same time increasejuvenile numbers or recruitment into the population,specialized mobile rearing systems are being con-

For further info about the Genoa NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/genoa/

structed to allow sturgeon to be able to contribute tothe population in hopes of one day returning to theirnatal streams to reproduce. Lake Michigan lakesturgeon populations are a fraction of what they oncewere in the 1800’s, with some river specific popula-tions being at the brink of disappearing.

Due to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative(GLRI) being passed by the 11th Congress in 2010,Genoa NFH received funds for a special project toconstruct one of these mobile rearing units to be usedat a river that is in great need of help, the KalamazooRiver in Michigan. Once construction is completed by

our qualified and ambitious maintenance staff atGenoa NFH, it will be towed to its new river

home to be deployed on the east side ofLake Michigan. Eggs and fry from aremaining sturgeon population will becollected by setting egg and fry trapsin April.

The resulting capture will then beused to produce juveniles in the newsturgeon rearing trailer that will bereleased at roughly 8 to 10 inches insize. Mortality from these largersizes is much reduced from typicalegg and fry mortalities. Release oflarger sized lake sturgeon has theprobability to multiply natural re-cruitment of juveniles by many mag-nitudes.

Work will continue on the construc-tion of the trailer throughout thewinter while the trailer site in Michi-gan is prepared. This restorationproject is a cooperative effort with

the Green Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office,Michigan Department of Natural Resources, GunLake Tribe and the Kalamazoo Chapter of “Sturgeonfor Tomorrow”. Biologists and staff from these part-ners will be the main players in the egg and fry collec-tion efforts in the spring, and are vital to the successof the trailer efforts. All of the partners and GenoaNFH look forward to bringing our act out on to theroad this year, all in the name of lake sturgeon conser-vation.

-USFWSThis mobile lake sturgeon culture facility was built by staff at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, andthe unit will be used for streamside rearing of lake sturgeon on Lake Michigan rivers.

7Fish Lines / December 2010Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs

Partnerships are essential for effectivefisheries conservation. Many agencies,organizations, and private individuals areinvolved in fisheries conservation andmanagement, but no one can do it alone.Together, these stakeholders combineefforts and expertise to tackle challengesfacing fisheries conservation. The successof these partnerships will depend onstrong, two-way communications andaccountability.

Partnerships and Accountability

An Early Holiday Gift for GroomingAn Early Holiday Gift for GroomingAn Early Holiday Gift for GroomingAn Early Holiday Gift for GroomingAn Early Holiday Gift for GroomingIron River NFHIron River NFHIron River NFHIron River NFHIron River NFH

BY SHAWN SANDERS, IRON RIVER NFH

The Iron River National Fish Hatchery (NFH)welcomed a “white holiday season” with near

record snowfall in the Northland. This early snowfallbodes well for local recreational skiers and alsomeans that trail grooming season has arrived.

In the past, the hatchery has employed a 1971 Ski-Doo Elan along with a 2004 Yamaha RX-1 which was

obtained onexcess propertyfrom UnitedStates BorderPatrol in 2009.Trail grooming equipment was home-made until SouthShore School District out of Port Wing, Wisconsin,loaned the hatchery its commercial equipment for the2009-2010 ski season. The machines were usable andthe trails were groomed as needed by hatchery staffand volunteers.

This past fall, Clark Bartelt of the Iron RiverNFH located a Ski-Doo Alpine. The Alpine is a twin-tracked workhorse used by groups for all types ofwork from grooming trails to Antarctic expeditions.The Alpine was listed as excess property in Munising,Michigan, from our sister agency the National ParkService at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Clarkacquired the snow machine and picked it up for thehatchery. Hats off to Clark for going above andbeyond, helping Iron River NFH provide recreationalopportunities to the public.

On December 22nd and 23rd, we put the machine onthe trails and packed the base for the public, providingthree miles of packed trail.

VVVVVolunteer Group Helps Completeolunteer Group Helps Completeolunteer Group Helps Completeolunteer Group Helps Completeolunteer Group Helps CompleteMussel Cage RepairsMussel Cage RepairsMussel Cage RepairsMussel Cage RepairsMussel Cage Repairs

BY NATHAN ECKERT, GENOA NFH

A group of eleven volunteers from two Friendsgroup organizations (Friends of Pool 9 and

Friends of the Upper Mississippi Fisheries Services)assisted with repairs and renovation of the GenoaNational Fish Hatchery (NFH) mussel cage inventoryin preparation for the 2011 production season. Thegroup riveted new screen onto cage tops, replacedworn cage bottoms and removed river debris fromused cages. Repaired cages will be used for thepropagation of over 10 freshwater mussels during2011 with each cage holding up to 30 host fish inocu-lated with freshwater mussel larvae. A total of 70cages were either repaired or cleaned by the volun-teers who were treated to an appreciation cookout bythe Genoa NFH staff.

For further info about the Iron River NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/ironriver/

For further info about the Genoa NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/genoa/

-USFWSThis Ski-Doo Alpine was acquired from an excess property list and will beused to groom three miles of trail for skiers at the Iron River National FishHatchery.

-USFWSVolunteers from two local Friends groups assisted with repairs of GenoaNational Fish Hatchery’s mussel cages in preparation for the 2011 native musselproduction season.

8 Fish Lines / December 2010

A Hatchery Hopeful from theA Hatchery Hopeful from theA Hatchery Hopeful from theA Hatchery Hopeful from theA Hatchery Hopeful from theMissouri RiverMissouri RiverMissouri RiverMissouri RiverMissouri River

BY ANDREW PLAUCK AND PATTY HERMAN, COLUMBIAFWCO

For further info about the Columbia FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/columbiafisheries/

Partnerships and Accountability

Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs

We all know that recovery of an endangeredspecies can be a complicated process. One step

in that recovery process is the addition of individualsto the population via a supplemental stocking pro-gram. The pallid sturgeon recovery program hasplaced a priority on capturing wild fish for use asbrood stock in their propagation program. Capture ofthese wild fish is dependent on many state and federalagencies sampling the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.Catching the rare, wild fish is the first critical step inthe long process. Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conser-

vation Office (FWCO) has been increasing efforts tocapture these rare fish during the last several years.While an intensive targeted effort is planned duringthe spring (when the fish are migrating), we also takeadvantage of any large fish we catch during ourstandard sampling efforts.

On December 2nd Columbia FWCO field crewswere pulling gillnets as part of the standard monitor-ing for the pallid sturgeon population assessmentprogram. At the very end of the fifth net, a ghostlywhite fish was just barely caught in the net. Afterexamining the fish for tags or signs of previous cap-ture, we determined that this fish might potentially bewild. This fish was definitely large enough to send tothe hatchery and arrangements were quickly made totransfer this fish to Neosho National Fish Hatchery.While spawning at the hatchery may seem like thecomplicated part, the ordeal begins on the river – asthe fish needs to get to the hatchery alive! BecauseMissouri Department of Conservation is one of ourdedicated partners in this endeavor, Blind Pony StateFish Hatchery (SFH) was called to aid in the transferof the pallid sturgeon. Blind Pony SFH staff met us atthe boat ramp with their large hauling tank, when wewere done pulling our gear for the day. Currently, thispallid sturgeon is thriving at the hatchery and isawaiting an endoscopic procedure to determine if itwill be a viable progenitor in the 2011 propagationprogram.

-USFWSRandi Preece holds a wild pallid sturgeon that was captured in the MissouriRiver. The fish was transported to the Neosho National Fish Hatchery for use inthe broodstock program.

Great River National WGreat River National WGreat River National WGreat River National WGreat River National Wildlife Refugeildlife Refugeildlife Refugeildlife Refugeildlife RefugeGets a New CAPGets a New CAPGets a New CAPGets a New CAPGets a New CAP

BY PATTY HERMAN, COLUMBIA FWCO

To be perfectly honest, I never expected to use theknowledge I gained from my thesis research

project again. However, this summer an opportunitywas presented to me by Dave Mosby, the environmen-tal contaminants specialist with the Columbia Ecologi-cal Services Field Station, to do a Phase I evaluationof contaminant threats to Great River NationalWildlife Refuge (NWR). I was excited to dust thecobwebs out of that portion of my brain and revisit mycontaminants background - so I eagerly accepted thechallenge. Much like my thesis project, the Contami-nant Assessment Process (CAP) analysis presentedchallenges at every turn resulting in a very deliberateand systematic evaluation of contaminant issues and

threats to Great River NWR – and a great learningexperience for me.

Great River NWR was established to conserveand enhance the quality and diversity of fish andwildlife and their habitats in the Mark Twain Reach ofthe Mississippi River. The Refuge complex of proper-ties includes: Clarence Cannon NWR, Delair Divi-sion, Long Island Division and Fox Island Division,along the Mississippi River both in Missouri andIllinois. Great River NWR, located in the heart of theMississippi Flyway, provides critical habitat formigratory birds. All of the Divisions are locatedwithin and adjacent to the Upper Mississippi RiverSystem (UMRS). This 1,300 mile section of the Missis-

9Fish Lines / December 2010

Partnerships and Accountability

Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs

sippi River supports a tremendous range of uses foran estimated 30 million people. These uses include:commercial navigation, recreation, industry, municipalwater supplies, hydropower, power plant cooling andwaste water assimilation. Industrialization of theMississippi River Valley has come at a price, render-ing the river one of the most contaminated rivers inthe United States. Contaminants are introduced tothe system through point source, non-point source, airemissions, wastewater discharges and accidentalspills, among other vectors. The Upper MississippiRiver basin drains nearly 190,000 square miles,including large parts of the states of Illinois, Iowa,Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. Congress haseven recognized the UMRS as a nationally significantecosystem as well as a nationally significant naviga-tion system. The “Mighty Miss” supports more than127 species of fish and 30 species of freshwatermussels. Nearly 300 species of birds migrate throughthe river valley during spring and fall. Interestingly,the Mississippi Flyway is used by more than 40 per-cent of the migratory waterfowl traversing theUnited States. The CAP for Great River NWRevaluated existing information from regulatoryagency databases to identify documented and poten-tial contaminant issues which may affect Refugeproperty and resources. The analysis also providesrecommendations for further evaluations and actionsto be considered within the context of Refuge man-agement goals and objectives.

An estimated 70 to 85 million tons of cargo areshipped annually on the Mississippi River betweenMinneapolis and the confluence with the MissouriRiver near St. Louis. Commodities transported on theriver run a full range from corn to coal to chemicals,and the potential for spills or leaks from these vesselsare a valid concern. Given the importance of the riverfor navigation, many industries are situated withinthe floodplain and utilize the river for transportationof goods. Not only are these industries major sourcesof point source pollution as by-products of manufac-turing, but the potential for accidental spills is alsopresent at loading docks throughout the basin. Othertransportation vessels, such as trains and trucks,hauling materials overland are also a concern. Addi-tionally, many pipelines cross the Mississippi Riverand its tributaries, transporting natural gas, crude oiland petroleum products. The potential for accidentalor deliberate rupturing of these pipelines is notable.

Non-point source pollution is also a major con-tributor to the contamination of the river and itsFor further info about the Columbia FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/columbiafisheries/

floodplain. Over 60 percent of the UMRS basin iscropland or pasture. Erosion of farmland soils as wellas direct rainfall runoff can introduce fertilizers and avariety of pesticides, including organochlorine com-pounds, into the bottomland ecosystem. These sub-stances may be toxic both through direct exposure aswell as through bioaccumulation in the food chain withsecondary effects on reproduction and behavior.

Exploration of the Refuge properties revealedsome minor contaminant concerns. Flooding remainsthe most prevalent mechanism for the deposition ofcontaminants in the Refuge. It was not uncommon tofind household and urban garbage floating in thewaters or washed up on shore. Brief searches of theRefuge yielded the discovery of numerous potentiallyhazardous substances transported by the 2010 ex-tended high water events on the Mississippi River andprevious years’ flooding. Some of the usual suspectsincluded: plastic and steel drums, compressed gascylinders, household appliances and containers of oil,hydraulic fluid and other potentially hazardous sub-stances. Despite the trash, Candy Chambers, DaveMosby and I were witnesses to a bizarre and wonder-ful sight – a swimming Great Horned Owl! As wemotored up the Fox River to explore the southernboundary of Fox Island Division, we saw somethingthrashing about in the water. Upon closer inspection,we discovered an owl “swimming” up to the bank.After about ten minutes, we determined that theraptor was uninjured as the rather cross-looking owl’ssoaked feathers had dried enough that it could fly upinto the low branches of the trees.

The Refuge was established to conserve andenhance the quality and diversity of fish and wildlifeand their habitats along the Mississippi River. Theparcels acquired to date have begun to accomplishthis mission with minimal contaminant interference.Very little can be done to alter regional agriculturalpractices or the negative impacts of massive urbanareas; however, the intention of the CAP is to estab-lish a baseline for the Refuge that it can be betterprepare to mitigate the effects of future accidentalspills on and near refuge lands. Because the potentialfor contamination transported both by the river andthe other sources remains high, we concluded thatbaseline contaminant sampling be conducted on mostunits to supplement the spill contingency plan alreadyin place.

This has been a mutually beneficial opportunity forthree programs to work together in an effort toprotect and enhance habitat for fish and wildlife.

10 Fish Lines / December 2010 Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs

The Fisheries Program maintains andimplements a comprehensive set of toolsand activities to conserve and manageself-sustaining populations of native fishand other aquatic resources. These toolsand activities are linked to managementand recovery plans that help achieverestoration and recovery goals, providerecreational benefits, and addressFederal trust responsibilities. Soundscience, effective partnerships, andcareful planning and evaluation areintegral to conservation andmanagement efforts.

Aquatic Species Conservation and Management

The Long Goodbye: Klondike StrainThe Long Goodbye: Klondike StrainThe Long Goodbye: Klondike StrainThe Long Goodbye: Klondike StrainThe Long Goodbye: Klondike StrainLake TLake TLake TLake TLake Trout Find a New Homerout Find a New Homerout Find a New Homerout Find a New Homerout Find a New Home

BY CAREY EDWARDS, IRON RIVER NFH

Finally! Iron River National Fish Hatchery (NFH)has successfully stocked its first production

Klondike strain lake trout. It has been a long time inthe making. The Klondike strain lake trout enteredthe hatchery system in 1995 and originated from wildgametes collected from lake trout captured onKlondike Reef in northeastern Lake Superior. Theyare considered a “humper” strain as they live inwater greater than 600 feet and come up to the reefto spawn. Hatchery stockings of this strain have beendocumented to perform well in deep water areas ofshallow Great Lakes such as Lake Erie.

Currently, Iron River NFH has two captive linesthat were created in 2003 (A and B). These fish werespawned for the first time in 2008 and did not producea viable brood stock or production line. Three monthsof hard work and not a thing to show for it. When the2009 spawning season arrived, Iron River staff onceagain attempted to create a viable brood stock andproduction line. The brood line did not succeed, but wefinally had our first dab of production eggs, which

eventuallyhatched andstarted on feed.Consequently,2010 found IronRiver stafflooking for ahome for 39,000fall fingerlings.

The Region 5 Fisheries program gladly agreed toaccept these long awaited fish and plans were madeto mark and transport them to Erie, Pennsylvania, forLake Erie waters. Stepping up to help Iron RiverNFH make the 920 mile journey was Jordan RiverNFH. Fish were loaded in Iron River, Wisconsin, andtransported to Gaylord, Michigan, by Iron River NFHstaff. There, Jordan River NFH personnel took overthe wheel and continued the trip to Erie, Pennsylva-nia. Staff from the Pennsylvania Game Commissionhelped with the twilight stocking. And thus we haveit…the first stocking of a Klondike strain of lake troutproduction from Iron River NFH!

For further info about the Iron River NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/ironriver/

Freshwater Drum Harvested atFreshwater Drum Harvested atFreshwater Drum Harvested atFreshwater Drum Harvested atFreshwater Drum Harvested atNeosho NFHNeosho NFHNeosho NFHNeosho NFHNeosho NFH

BY MELISSA CHEUNG, NEOSHO NFH

At the beginning of December, we harvested somefreshwater drum for the first time in over four

years. Although Pond 20 is always full of water andfreshwater drum are present, we do not raise thesefish for large scale propagation. We hold the drum forpartners like Missouri State University who use thesefish as hosts for their native mussel programs. Dr.Chris Barnhart and his four graduate students took35 drum back to their lab at Missouri State University(MSU). An interesting side note is that an otolith(boney structure used to age fish) sample was ob-tained from one of the smaller drum by a MSU gradu-ate student. The fish was aged at 4 years old and was155 mm long. In addition, four large drum were placed

in the big aquarium in our new visitor center at theNeosho National Fish Hachery (NFH). These fish areover a foot long (230 mm) and are thought to be 6.5years old based on the original stocking date.

For further info about the Neosho NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/neosho/

-USFWSFreshwater drum are held in a pond at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery as asource of host fish for mussel culture.

11Fish Lines / December 2010Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs

Aquatic Species Conservation and Management

New Larval Brook TNew Larval Brook TNew Larval Brook TNew Larval Brook TNew Larval Brook Trout Rearingrout Rearingrout Rearingrout Rearingrout RearingFacility Completed at Genoa NFHFacility Completed at Genoa NFHFacility Completed at Genoa NFHFacility Completed at Genoa NFHFacility Completed at Genoa NFH

BY JENNY BAILEY, GENOA NFH

Healthy fish are an integral part of any restora-tion program. Healthy fish are especially impor-

tant for the Great Lakes coaster brook trout pro-gram because “coasters”, as we call them, haveexperienced such severe declines in the wild that veryfew are left to help reestablish populations.

Genoa National Fish Hatchery (NFH) provides10,000 coasters each year for release into GrandPortage Bay (Lake Superior) in support of the pro-gram. Biologists have spent years at Genoa perfect-ing culture methods for this species to provide thehealthiest fish possible and lend to the program’ssuccess. To accomplish this task, proper rearingfacilities are essential. Water quality parameters,hatching, feeding and care regimes have now beenestablished, and this winter a facility designed tomeet these requirements has been constructed. New15-foot tanks were settled into place in the ColdwaterCulture North building next to twin 30-ft racewaysthat had previously served as a fingerling rainbowtrout rearing facility. Early larval rearing tanks willstreamline brook trout rearing and minimize the riskof exposure to pathogens by allowing brook trout toremain in a single culture facility from the egg stage

to stocking at one year of age. By eliminating thestress of transfer to new buildings at small and largefingerling sizes, growth and overall health of thecoasters will be enhanced. Prior to construction ofthis facility, coasters were transferred to new facili-ties at the beginning of the feeding stage, a time whenfry can succumb to stress quite easily, and again atthe large fingerling size. Fingerlings also sharedrearing facilities with rainbow trout and yearlingcoasters that could harbor harmful pathogens iftransferred to young fish.

Water quality has been enhanced in the new larvalrearing tanks by a low head oxygenation system thatincreases dissolved oxygen levels and decreases ironand non-desirable gasses in the water. This water willbe carried over with young fish when they are trans-ferred to raceways in the building, so fingerlings willhave optimal resources through all life stages while at

Genoa NFH. With a new larval brook trout rearingfacility as part of the coaster brook trout program forthe Great Lakes, restoration of this important spe-cies is even more likely to be successful.

-USFWSDan Kumlin of the Genoa National Fish Hatchery installs plumbing to a newbrook trout fish culture tank.

-USFWSFacilities have been upgraded at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery to provideenhanced culture conditions for coaster brook trout.

For further info about the Genoa NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/genoa/

12 Fish Lines / December 2010 Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs

Aquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic invasive species are one of themost significant threats to fish andwildlife and their habitats. Local andregional economies are severely affectedwith control costs exceeding $123 billionannually. The Fisheries Program hasfocused its efforts on preventingintroductions of new aquatic invasivespecies, detecting and monitoring newand established invasives, controllingestablished invasives, providing coordi-nation and technical assistance toorganizations that respond to invasivespecies problems, and developingcomprehensive, integrated plans to fightaquatic invasive species.

Aquatic Invasive Species

Asian Carp Monitoring ContinuesAsian Carp Monitoring ContinuesAsian Carp Monitoring ContinuesAsian Carp Monitoring ContinuesAsian Carp Monitoring ContinuesBY HEATHER CALKINS AND ADAM MCDANIEL, COLUMBIA

FWCO

Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office(FWCO) did not hesitate to lend a hand when the

Illinois Department of Natural Resources crew, thatwas scheduled for fixed site sampling, was called to asampling event in Lockport, Illinois. Adam McDanieland Heather Calkins traveled to the Chicago area theweek of November 15 and assisted Matt Shanks andShawna Herleth-King from the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers (USACE) Chicago District in completingAsian carp fixed site sampling in the Chicago AreaWaterway System (CAWS).

The USACE crew provided not only anelectrofishing boat, but also an extra hand. Frigidtemperatures coupled with overcast skies made for achilly trip, but the mission was accomplished with novisual sign of the invasive species. Interesting catchesfrom this trip included several Chinook (or king)salmon, a few nice walleye and one fat yellow perch.This trip concluded the fixed site sampling for theyear due to adverse weather conditions. Sampling isscheduled to resume in March, 2011.

Two weeks later our crew was back in Chicago,but for a different type of sampling. Tracy Hill andHeather Calkins traveled to Joliet, Illinois, at the endof November looking for Asian carp environmentalDNA (eDNA) in the Chicago Sanitary and ShippingCanal (CSSC). The sampling excursion was again acollaborative effort among agencies, but this time alife scientist from the U.S. Environmental Protectionagency (EPA) joined the Columbia crew. The EPA’sMari Nord assisted in water sample collection in theLockport Pool and acted as a sample courier for thetrip. The crew was grateful for the EPA’s willingnessto contribute as it reduced exposure to freezingweather and allowed them to avoid the dreadful

Chicago traffic.Sampling forAsian carpeDNA occurredweekly at differ-ent areas in theCAWS and isdirected to veryspecific locationsbased on posi-tive identifica-tions from the previous week. The samples werefiltered by the USACE at the Chicago EPA lab andsent to the Engineer Research and DevelopmentCenter lab in Vicksburg, Mississippi, for processing.

A total of 1,498 eDNA samples have been taken inthe CAWS as of December 14 with 1,140 processedand 24 of them being positive for Asian carp DNA.There have been a similar amount of positive ‘hits’above and below the electric barrier with most beingpositive for silver carp DNA. The most recent posi-tive ‘hits’ were from samples taken on November 15in the North Shore Channel.

The eDNA sampling has also halted for the yearand will continue in the spring. Columbia FWCO staffhas become quite familiar with Chicago and its water-ways. They have made many trips to the “Windy City”assisting in rotenone events, routine fixed siteelectrofishing, directed sampling efforts and mostrecently getting involved in the weekly eDNA sam-pling. The office anticipates returning to the big cityand will continue to support sampling efforts as therisk for Asian carp invasion remains. You can find the eDNA sampling results at: http://www.lrc.usace.army.mil/Asian Carp/eDNA.htm.

For further info about the Columbia FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/columbiafisheries/

Congressman Karl Maple’Congressman Karl Maple’Congressman Karl Maple’Congressman Karl Maple’Congressman Karl Maple’s Staffs Staffs Staffs Staffs StaffTTTTTalks Asian Carp Marketingalks Asian Carp Marketingalks Asian Carp Marketingalks Asian Carp Marketingalks Asian Carp Marketing

BY SAM FINNEY, CARTERVILLE FWCO

The Carterville Fish and Wildlife ConservationOffice (FWCO) has definitely become known as

“Asian Carp Central.” That is a good thing. Word gotout to Congressman Jerry Costello (D, IL-12) and hisstaff, and when they needed information on Asiancarp, they knew the right place to come. Karl Maple,a staff assistant for Mr. Costello and another associ-ate from the district, paid the Carterville office a visiton Thursday November 18, 2010. They wanted to

know about Asian carp, more specifically about theissues plaguing the separation of the Great Lakes andthe Mississippi River basins, and the possibility ofmarketing Asian carp in the United States and south-ern Illinois. Carterville staff spent an hour with thetwo gentlemen and sent them on their way with abetter understanding of the issues, some relevantinformation and additional contacts, and the instilledknowledge that they have Carterville FWCO to relyon for Asian carp and other fishery issues in Illinois.

For further info about the Carterville FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/StationFactSheets/carterville.pdf

13Fish Lines / December 2010Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs

As the population in the United Statescontinues to grow, the potential foradverse impacts on aquatic resources,including habitat will increase. At thesame time, demands for responsible,quality recreational fishing experienceswill also increase. The Service has along tradition of providingopportunities for public enjoyment ofaquatic resources through recreationalfishing, habitat restoration, andeducation programs and throughmitigating impacts of Federal waterprojects. The Service also recognizesthat some aquatic habitats have beenirreversibly altered by human activity(i.e. - dam building). To compensate forthese significant changes in habitat andlost fishing opportunities, managersoften introduce non-native specieswhen native species can no longersurvive in the altered habitat.

Public Use

And They’re Back on the Ice atAnd They’re Back on the Ice atAnd They’re Back on the Ice atAnd They’re Back on the Ice atAnd They’re Back on the Ice atGenoa NFH!Genoa NFH!Genoa NFH!Genoa NFH!Genoa NFH!

BY ANGELA BARAN, GENOA NFH

Genoa National Fish Hatchery (NFH) has gearedup for the 3rd Annual Kids Ice Fishing event on

February 5th. The event will run from 8:30 am to12:00 pm on one of Genoa’s frozen ponds stocked withhungry rainbow trout! The staff and volunteers willconduct a short seminar on ice safety and ice fishingtechniques before turning the eager fishers loose.Last year, over 200 children (ages 6-12) spent theafternoon learning to fish with their parents, and forsome of these children (and parents!), it was theirfirst experience fishing. We are expecting evengreater numbers for this year’s event; the hatcheryhas been receiving phone calls for information fromarea teachers and school groups. This kids fishing event is sponsored by the Friendsof the Upper Mississippi Fisheries Services, a groupof dedicated volunteers from the surrounding areas

that support theGenoa NFH, LaCrosse Fish andWildlife Conser-vation Office(FWCO) and LaCrosse FishHealth Center(FHC). Thesponsors andstaff from LaCrosse FWCOand FHC alongwith GenoaNFH will be on hand to help teach fishing techniques,provide bait and fishing poles and a light snack andwarm drinks.

For further info about the Genoa NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/genoa/

-USFWS photosThe 3rd Annual Kids Ice Fishing event is set for February 5 at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery.

14 Fish Lines / December 2010 Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs

Public Use

Columbia FWCO Outreach: A YColumbia FWCO Outreach: A YColumbia FWCO Outreach: A YColumbia FWCO Outreach: A YColumbia FWCO Outreach: A Year inear inear inear inear inReviewReviewReviewReviewReview

BY COLBY WRASSE, COLUMBIA FWCO

We at the Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conserva-tion Office (FWCO) take outreach and educa-

tion seriously, which is why we spend so much timeworking on this aspect of our mission. During the2010 fiscal year, we performed outreach at 27 sched-uled events, speaking to more than 6,700 people. Thatnumber doesn’t include the people we meet at gasstations and boat ramps – people who are alwayscurious as to what we are doing with “those bigboats.” The outreach we perform takes many differ-ent forms, but the goal is always the same – to edu-cate people about the work we do and the resourceswe protect.

One of the highlights from last year’s outreachwas the Wonders of Wildlife (WOW) school. Thisweekend-long school gives participants hands-onexperience in a variety of outdoor skills such as:fishing, hunting, canoeing and much more. The WOWschool requires the work of dozens of volunteers anda couple trailers full of equipment; however, otheroutreach events we participate in are low key, requir-ing only a couple of hours to talk to a group of BoyScouts or to show families at the local library somelive fish. Outside-the-box thinking is always helpful

when delivering outreach. Some of the venues weutilize aren’t traditional fisheries outreach venues.For example, Tons of Trucks is an event meant togather large trucks from varying occupational fieldsfor the purpose of educating the community aboutdifferent professions. Instead of a truck, we bring aboat and live Missouri River fish, and we are a hugehit every year. This single event draws over 3,000people annually and has allowed us to greatly expandour outreach within the Columbia, Missouri, commu-nity.

Much of the education and outreach work we do isgeared towards young children. Often times, reachingpeople while they are still young is the greatest wayto make a lasting impression. In that vein, we workclosely with local public schools to deliver educationthat fits the school’s curriculum, while educatingchildren about their local natural resources. In addi-tion, many of our events are family oriented allowingus to educate the children and their parents. But notall our outreach efforts are directed towards children.We work with the University of Missouri to teachcollege students about Missouri River fish samplingtechniques, and also offer students volunteer opportu-nities. We assist hunters with disabilities in an annualdeer hunt, and we help Missouri River Relief cleanupthe river we work on.

Everywhere we look, we see opportunities foroutreach. While much of our outreach is local, oneevent in particular, the Missouri River 340, hasreceived international recognition. The MissouriRiver 340 is the world’s longest non-stop canoe andkayak race. The event gathers paddlers and mediaoutlets from all over the world. We assist by staffingone of the checkpoints and answering many questions.

We could not possibly accomplish all this outreachon our own. We work with a diverse group of part-ners (too many to list here), who are also committedto educating people about our natural resources.Looking forward to 2011, we hope to continue ouroutreach efforts in even more creative and effectiveways.

For further info about the Columbia FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/columbiafisheries/

-USFWSAaron Walker of the Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office displays afish's anatomy to excited students.

15Fish Lines / December 2010Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs

Science and technology form thefoundation of successful fish and aquaticresource conservation and are used tostructure and implement monitoringand evaluation programs that arecritical to determine the success ofmanagement actions. The Service iscommitted to following establishedprinciples of sound science.

Leadership in Science and Technology

DIDSON: Keeping an Eye on the CADIDSON: Keeping an Eye on the CADIDSON: Keeping an Eye on the CADIDSON: Keeping an Eye on the CADIDSON: Keeping an Eye on the CAWSWSWSWSWSBY BRAD ROGERS, CARTERVILLE FWCO

Asian carp are an all-too-common topic ofdiscussion around the conference room table at

the Carterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office(FWCO). For the past two years, it seems therehasn’t been much else to talk about. Whether we’re atthe office, in the field, or at an outreach event, thecarp or the topics related to them are not far behind.

Most of our Asian carp work has been focused inthe Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) withfunding provided by the Great Lakes RestorationInitiative (GLRI). So far we have tagged, tracked,shocked, netted, chased, and used rotenone on thesepests. Now we are going to put the boat in idle andtake some time to make observations.

On June 22, 2010 a bighead carp was captured inLake Calumet in Chicago, Illinois. Many questionshave been raised about how that fish was able toreach Lake Calumet because of its location above theelectric barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and ShipCanal (CSSC). Positive Asian carp eDNA hits abovethe electric barrier also show up from time to time.Questions and concerns about where this DNA iscoming from have been raised as well. These arequestions that often spark lengthy debates involving,

at times, wildspeculation andfor the mostpart are impos-sible to answer.However, onething that is certain is that only one connecting chan-nel between the Mississippi River basin and the GreatLakes exists. In that channel lies the multi-milliondollar electric barrier designed to keep fish frompassing from the Mississippi basin side to the GreatLakes side. While we will probably never know howthat one bighead carp made its way to Lake Calumetor how many other Asian carp are above the barrierproducing those positive eDNA results, one thing wecan do is to make sure, to the best of our ability, thatthe electric barrier is functioning the way it wasdesigned to and that no additional carp make theirway to the lakes.

Carterville FWCO is taking advantage of somenewly acquired sonar equipment and is constructing aplan to study the efficacy of the electric barrier onthe CSSC. The Dual-Frequency Identification Sonar(DIDSON) is a sonar camera capable of producinghigh quality video images in low light and turbid waterconditions; a perfect tool for observing fish behaviorin the CSSC. The basic objectives of the DIDSONstudy are to observe and record fish behavior in andaround the electric barrier. We want to observenatural behavior of fish near the barrier as well asrecord how fish behave while they are physicallymoved into and through the barrier by means of a livecage. We feel that much can be learned by watching afish move through the electric fields. Lab studiesreplicating the electrical field produced by the barrierhave tested the effects on fish, but no actual fieldtesting has been attempted.

To date, a draft proposal of work has been submit-ted to the United States Coast Guard to obtain theproper permitting to work in the regulated navigationarea that contains the electric barrier. A non-conduc-tive live cage has been constructed and a mountingsystem to hold the live cage in place alongside thework boat has been designed and fabricated. A trialrun will be performed to ensure everything is func-tioning as it was designed, before a sampling trip isplanned. The first sampling event is tentatively sched-uled to take place early in 2011.

For further info about the Carterville FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/StationFactSheets/carterville.pdf

-USFWS/BradRogersA non-conductive fish cage constructed of PVC piping and polypropylenenetting is equiped with a mounting system that allows for vertical andhorizontal adjustments, to capture quality video of fish behavior within anelectric barrier.

16 Fish Lines / December 2010 Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs

Leadership in Science and Technology

For further info about the La Crosse FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/lacrossefisheries/

Along the WAlong the WAlong the WAlong the WAlong the Winding Road toinding Road toinding Road toinding Road toinding Road toRecoveryRecoveryRecoveryRecoveryRecovery...Bigger is Better...Bigger is Better...Bigger is Better...Bigger is Better...Bigger is Better

BY MARK STEINGREABER, LA CROSSE FWCO

During the past decade, State Highway 35 thatruns along the Mississippi River in western

Wisconsin has become a well-traveled route forbiologists venturing down the unmarked road torecovery for the winged mapleleaf mussel. Thus, Ifound myself driving through yet another morningblanket of fog beside “Old Man River” last fall, follow-ing sinuous bends in the Great River Road down-

stream to the Clam Palace, the mussel propagationbuilding at Genoa National Fish Hatchery. After abrief meeting there with mussel biologist NathanEckert, I was behind the wheel again. I was feelinglike an expectant father driving 30 miles up the roadto the U.S. Geological Survey’s Upper Midwest Envi-ronmental Sciences Center in La Crosse to make thelong awaited delivery of a flask containing thousandsof winged mapleleaf embryos (glochidia). Successiveyears of autumn laboratory preparations were aboutto pay off, now that there is finally enough of thesetiny, elusive parasites to infest groups of channelcatfish and evaluate the influence of host-fish size onsuccessful transformation into juvenile mussels.

number of transformed (living) and sloughed (dead)mussels recovered from each replicate group of fish.These results should be used to help guide annualwinged mapleleaf propagation efforts by culturing andselecting only larger sized catfish as glochidial hoststo maximize juvenile mussel production. Near theconclusion of the study, I hit the road daily to returnmost of the nearly 800 juvenile mussels back to moreappropriate nursery surroundings at the Clam Palace.Here they were carefully maintained by hatcherystaff in water recirculation systems and continuouslyoffered microalgae preparations to try to meet nutri-tional needs for continued early life survival of thisendangered species. About 20% of these individualssurvived for up to 60 days but died soon thereafter;just another bend in the long and winding road towinged mapleleaf recovery.

-USFWSThese juvenile winged mapleleaf mussels required a cannel catfish as its hostduring the embryo (glochidia) life stage.

The number of live juvenile mussels recovered from host-fish was positivelycorrelated with fish size and varied as much as two orders of magnitude amongtreatments.

Following a well-designed study plan, Dr. TeresaNewton and I systematically exposed replicategroups of four small (102 mm), medium (154 mm), andlarge (211 mm mean fork-length) channel catfish tosimilar numbers of glochidia on September 23. Duringthe next 60 days of observation, we quantified the

17Fish Lines / December 2010Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs

Loss and alteration of aquatic habitatsare principal factors in the decline ofnative fish and other aquatic resourcesand the loss of biodiversity. Seventypercent of the Nation’s rivers havealtered flows, and 50 percent ofwaterways fail to meet minimumbiological criteria.

Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Management

Fishers Farmers Make “WFishers Farmers Make “WFishers Farmers Make “WFishers Farmers Make “WFishers Farmers Make “Waves of Hay”aves of Hay”aves of Hay”aves of Hay”aves of Hay”BY HEIDI KEULER, LA CROSSE FWCO

The Fishers & Farmers Partnership (FFP) for theUpper Mississippi River basin has been hard at

work the past couple of months working on a nationalfish habitat assessment review, editing their Charter,planning a GIS project, and attending a steeringcommittee meeting. The FFP welcomed three newmembers during their annual steering committeemeeting in Dubuque, Iowa, on November 3-4, 2010.These new members are Matt Mitro of the WisconsinDepartment of Natural Resources, Steve Sodeman ofthe Minnesota Corn Growers Association, and ChrisVitello of the Missouri Department of Conservation.Fishers and Farmers are very excited to work withthese new members from both agricultural and natu-ral resource organizations. Many great things wereaccomplished during the two-day steering committeemeeting in Dubuque, including the discussion andranking of three habitat projects that the FFP will beworking on in 2011.

The three projects in the order of ranking includeSeven Mile Creek in Minnesota, Boone River in Iowa,and the Meramec in Missouri. Actions will include

stream bankstabilization,oxbow restora-tion, fencedcreeks, better watering systems and more. The threeprojects will add value to farms while restoringaquatic habitat. Steering committee members alsodiscussed the signing process of the Fishers & Farm-ers Charter. They decided to gather signatures ofleaders from their respective organizations overwinter and then will have a media event in the springannouncing the completion of the FFP Charter.

On October 1, 2010, biologist Heidi Keuler of theLa Crosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office(FWCO), stepped up as the new FFP coordinator, andKen Lubinski, the former coordinator, became thescience and assessment team leader for the FFP. Wethank Ken for his leadership and dedication to FFPduring its formation and growth. Heidi is currentlyworking with the Nancy North, the communicationsteam leader, on several projects that will help theFishers & Farmers make more “waves of hay.”

For further info about the La Crosse FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/lacrossefisheries/

For further info about the Carterville FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/StationFactSheets/carterville.pdf

Where in the Midwest Should WWhere in the Midwest Should WWhere in the Midwest Should WWhere in the Midwest Should WWhere in the Midwest Should We bee bee bee bee beAddressing Habitat?Addressing Habitat?Addressing Habitat?Addressing Habitat?Addressing Habitat?

BY ROB SIMMONDS, CARTERVILLE FWCO

This is the question that the fish habitat partner-ships in the Midwest sought to answer when they

contracted with Downstream Strategies to conduct ahabitat assessment. This assessment will be a combi-nation of GIS and modeling to help determine whatvariables are driving condition of habitat and thepresence, absence, or in some cases condition of fishor mussels in the watersheds of the Midwest.

The effort will be valuable on many levels. First, itwill give us a good sense of where we have importanthabitat that is in a condition that should be protected.Second, it will help us determine what areas areimportant for enhancement. One important feature ofthe model will be a tool that allows us to adjust forfuture condition (i.e., manipulate certain variables).This will help us determine for example, what wouldhappen if we increased the number of forested acresby 10%. In cases where a reasonable amount of

change in one of our variables result in substantiallybetter conditions for fish or mussels, BINGO, wehave a place where enhancement efforts are likely topay off.

In December, members of fish habitat partner-ships in the Midwest gathered with our RegionalNational Fish Habitat Action Plan coordinator andDownstream Strategies to discuss progress on thisproject. The meeting certainly piqued our interest inthe project, when we viewed a draft model for brooktrout in the Great Lakes basin. It also left us a bit“wide eyed” when we discussed how much fish ormussel data still needs to be acquired, and on whattimeline. Both Downstream Strategies and fishhabitat partnerships will be very busy as the data isgathered, assembled and models are constructedthroughout the remainder of 2011.

18 Fish Lines / December 2010 Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs

The Fisheries Program relies on a broadrange of professionals to accomplish itsmission: biologists, managers,administrators, clerks, animalcaretakers, and maintenance workers.Without their skills and dedication, theFisheries Program cannot succeed.Employees must be trained, equippedand supported in order to perform theirjobs safely, often under demandingenvironmental conditions, and to keepcurrent with the constantly expandingscience of fish and aquatic resourcemanagement and conservation.

Workforce Management

Regional Dive TRegional Dive TRegional Dive TRegional Dive TRegional Dive Team Makes a Big Splasheam Makes a Big Splasheam Makes a Big Splasheam Makes a Big Splasheam Makes a Big SplashBY SCOTT YESS, LA CROSSE FWCO

On January 6th, the Region 3 Dive Team met in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, to address diving skills and

safety. Nick Rowse, Regional Dive Officer for the lastten years, scheduled the meeting. Eight divers from

four offices were present including Tam Smith andRowse of the Twin Cities Ecological Services FieldOffice (ESFO); Jorge Buening and Nathan Eckert(Genoa National Fish Hatchery); Andy Roberts and

For further info about the La Crosse FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/lacrossefisheries/

-USFWSPeriodic training exercises insure the safety of the Fish and Wildlife Service’sdive team members.

Recruiting for the FutureRecruiting for the FutureRecruiting for the FutureRecruiting for the FutureRecruiting for the FutureBY WYATT DOYLE, COLUMBIA FWCO

Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office(FWCO) teamed up again with Lincoln University

in Jefferson City, Missouri, to talk about biodiversityrelated to their course and career opportunities forthe school’s environmental studies class. Our officehas a cooperative agreement with the University inan effort to increase diversity in the Fish and WildlifeService’s ranks. Every summer, we have been fortu-nate to employ one of Lincoln’s students in the Stu-dent Temporary Experience Program and have hadsome of our best prospects come from this school.Wyatt Doyle teamed up with Missouri Department ofConservation’s Chris McLeland to present the stateand federal opportunities available while in school andafter graduation. These types of educational eventsare the result of proactive professors like Lincoln’sDr. Adrian Andrei and long-term partnerships set inplace to ensure opportunities are available to every-one interested in conservation.For further info about the Columbia FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/columbiafisheries/

Bryan Simmons(ColumbiaESFO); and AnnRunstrom andScott Yess of theLa Crosse Fishand WildlifeConservationOffice (FWCO).

Hand signals, mask clearing, water entry, buddybreathing, tired diver rescue, gear removal/retrievaland buoyancy control skills were practiced in a localpool. Discussions covered dive activities at eachoffice, safety issues, training and reporting.

Mussel projects dominate most of the work con-ducted by the Region 3 Dive Team. These includezebra mussel monitoring, endangered mussel recov-ery, mussel relocation, habitat monitoring and musselinventories. Because much of this work takes place inlarge rivers located in a temperate northern climate,team members are specialists at diving in moderatecurrents, low visibilities and cold temperatures. Otherrecent dive team projects have included: filming lakesturgeon and inspecting the M/V Spencer F. Bairdhull, Eurasian water milfoil removal, and thermo-graph retrieval.

-USFWS2010 student employee Brandon Baumhoer of Lincoln University catches hisbreath between electrofishing runs.

19Fish Lines / December 2010

Congressional Actions

Tongressional ActionsTongressional ActionsTongressional ActionsTongressional ActionsTongressional Actions

Source is http://www.gpoaccess.gov/bills/index.htmlSearched database by keyword = “fish”

S. 52 (is) To establish uniform administrative andenforcement procedures and penalties for the en-forcement of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Morato-rium Protection Act and similar statutes, and forother purposes. [Introduced in Senate]

S. 352 (is) To authorize the exploration, leasing,development, production, and economically feasibleand prudent transportation of oil and gas in and fromthe Coastal Plain in Alaska. [Introduced in Senate]

H.Con.Res. 15 (ih) Expressing the sense of the Con-gress that the United States Fish and Wildlife Serviceshould incorporate consideration of global warmingand sea-level rise into the comprehensive conserva-tion plans for coastal national wildlife refuges, and forother purposes. [Introduced in House]

H.R. 49 (ih) To direct the Secretary of the Interior toestablish and implement a competitive oil and gasleasing program that will result in an environmentallysound program for the exploration, development, andproduction of the oil and gas resources of the CoastalPlain of Alaska, and for other purposes. [Introducedin House]

H.R. 521 (ih) To amend the Federal Food, Drug, andCosmetic Act to prevent the approval of geneticallyengineered fish. [Introduced in House]

S. 230 (is) To amend the Federal Food, Drug, andCosmetic Act to prevent the approval of genetically-engineered fish. [Introduced in Senate]

H.R. 520 (ih) To amend the Federal Food, Drug, andCosmetic Act to require labeling of genetically engi-neered fish. [Introduced in House]

S. 351 (is) To authorize the exploration, leasing,development, and production of oil and gas in and fromthe western portion of the Coastal Plain of the Stateof Alaska without surface occupancy, and for otherpurposes. [Introduced in Senate]

S. 229 (is) To amend the Federal Food, Drug, andCosmetic Act to require labeling of genetically engi-neered fish. [Introduced in Senate]

S. 268 (is) To sustain the economic development andrecreational use of National Forest System land andother public land in the State of Montana, to addcertain land to the National Wilderness PreservationSystem, to release certain wilderness study areas, todesignate new areas for recreation, and for otherpurposes. [Introduced in Senate]

H.R. 501 (ih) To provide for the implementation of therecommendations of the National Commission on theBP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling,and for other purposes. [Introduced in House]

S. 357 (is) To authorize the Secretary of the Interiorto identify and declare wildlife disease emergenciesand to coordinate rapid response to those emergen-cies, and for other purposes. [Introduced in Senate]

S. 238 (is) To amend the Magnuson-Stevens FisheryConservation and Management Act to require thatfishery impact statements be updated each year andfor other purposes. [Introduced in Senate]

S. 205 (is) To amend the Outer Continental ShelfLands Act to require that oil produced from Federalleases in certain Arctic waters be transported bypipeline to onshore facilities and to provide for thesharing of certain outer Continental Shelf revenuesfrom areas in the Alaska Adjacent Zone. [Introducedin Senate]

S. 97 (is) To amend the Federal Water PollutionControl Act to establish a grant program to supportthe restoration of San Francisco Bay. [Introduced inSenate]

H.Res. 80 (ih) Expressing support for the goals andideals of National Marine Awareness Day. [Intro-duced in House]

H.R. 56 (ih) To provide for restoration of the coastalareas of the Gulf of Mexico affected by theDeepwater Horizon oil spill, and for other purposes.[Introduced in House]

20 Fish Lines / December 2010

Midwest Region Fisheries Divisions

Fisheries DivisionsFisheries DivisionsFisheries DivisionsFisheries DivisionsFisheries Divisions

National Fish HatcheriesNational Fish HatcheriesNational Fish HatcheriesNational Fish HatcheriesNational Fish HatcheriesThe Region’s National Fish Hatcheries primarily focuson native fish restoration/rehabilitation by stockingfish and eggs, such as pallid and lake sturgeon and bydeveloping and maintaining brood stocks of selectedfish strains, such as lake trout and brook trout.Hatcheries also provide technical assistance to otheragencies, provide fish and eggs for research, stockrainbow trout in fulfillment of federal mitigationobligations and assist with recovery of native musselsand other native aquatic species.

Sea Lamprey Biological StationsSea Lamprey Biological StationsSea Lamprey Biological StationsSea Lamprey Biological StationsSea Lamprey Biological StationsThe Fish and Wildlife Service is the United StatesAgent for sea lamprey control, with two BiologicalStations assessing and managing sea lamprey popula-tions throughout the Great Lakes. The Great LakesFishery Commission administers the Sea LampreyManagement Program, with funding provided throughthe U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of theInterior, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Fish and WFish and WFish and WFish and WFish and Wildlife Conservation Officesildlife Conservation Officesildlife Conservation Officesildlife Conservation Officesildlife Conservation OfficesFish and Wildlife Conservation Offices conduct assess-ments of fish populations to guide management deci-sions, perform key monitoring and control activitiesrelated to invasive, aquatic species; survey and evalu-ate aquatic habitats to identify restoration/rehabilita-tion opportunities; play a key role in targeting andimplementing native fish and habitat restorationprograms; work with private land owners, states,local governments and watershed organizations tocomplete aquatic habitat restoration projects underthe Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife and theGreat Lakes Coastal Programs; provide coordinationand technical assistance toward the management ofinterjurisdictional fisheries; maintain and operateseveral key interagency fisheries databases; provide

Fish Health CenterFish Health CenterFish Health CenterFish Health CenterFish Health CenterThe Fish Health Center provides specialized fishhealth evaluation and diagnostic services to federal,state and tribal hatcheries in the region; conductsextensive monitoring and evaluation of wild fishhealth; examines and certifies the health of captivehatchery stocks; and, performs a wide range of specialservices helping to coordinate fishery program officesand partner organizations.

technical expertise to other Service programs ad-dressing contaminants, endangered species, federalproject review and hydro-power operation and re-licensing; evaluate and manage fisheries on Servicelands; and, provide technical support to 38 NativeAmerican tribal governments and treaty authorities.

Midwest Region Fisheries Field Offices

21Fish Lines / December 2010Tontact InformationTontact InformationTontact InformationTontact InformationTontact Information

Midwest Region Fisheries TontactsMichiganAlpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAlpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAlpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAlpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAlpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office480 W480 W480 W480 W480 West Fletcher St.est Fletcher St.est Fletcher St.est Fletcher St.est Fletcher St.Alpena, MI 49707Alpena, MI 49707Alpena, MI 49707Alpena, MI 49707Alpena, MI 49707Scott Koproski (Scott Koproski (Scott Koproski (Scott Koproski (Scott Koproski (scott_koproski@fws.govscott_koproski@fws.govscott_koproski@fws.govscott_koproski@fws.govscott_koproski@fws.gov)))))989/356-3052989/356-3052989/356-3052989/356-3052989/356-3052Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Ohio)

Jordan River National Fish HatcheryJordan River National Fish HatcheryJordan River National Fish HatcheryJordan River National Fish HatcheryJordan River National Fish Hatchery6623 T6623 T6623 T6623 T6623 Turner Roadurner Roadurner Roadurner Roadurner RoadElmira, MI 49730Elmira, MI 49730Elmira, MI 49730Elmira, MI 49730Elmira, MI 49730Roger Gordon (Roger Gordon (Roger Gordon (Roger Gordon (Roger Gordon (roger_gordon@fws.govroger_gordon@fws.govroger_gordon@fws.govroger_gordon@fws.govroger_gordon@fws.gov)))))231/584-2461231/584-2461231/584-2461231/584-2461231/584-2461

Ludington Biological StationLudington Biological StationLudington Biological StationLudington Biological StationLudington Biological Station229 South Jebavy Drive229 South Jebavy Drive229 South Jebavy Drive229 South Jebavy Drive229 South Jebavy DriveLudington, MI 49431Ludington, MI 49431Ludington, MI 49431Ludington, MI 49431Ludington, MI 49431Jeff Slade (Jeff Slade (Jeff Slade (Jeff Slade (Jeff Slade (jeff_slade@fws.govjeff_slade@fws.govjeff_slade@fws.govjeff_slade@fws.govjeff_slade@fws.gov)))))231/845-6205231/845-6205231/845-6205231/845-6205231/845-6205

Marquette Biological StationMarquette Biological StationMarquette Biological StationMarquette Biological StationMarquette Biological Station3090 Wright Street3090 Wright Street3090 Wright Street3090 Wright Street3090 Wright StreetMarquette, MI 49855-9649Marquette, MI 49855-9649Marquette, MI 49855-9649Marquette, MI 49855-9649Marquette, MI 49855-9649Katherine Mullett (Katherine Mullett (Katherine Mullett (Katherine Mullett (Katherine Mullett (katherine_mullett@fws.govkatherine_mullett@fws.govkatherine_mullett@fws.govkatherine_mullett@fws.govkatherine_mullett@fws.gov)))))906/226-1235906/226-1235906/226-1235906/226-1235906/226-1235

Pendills Creek/Sullivan CreekPendills Creek/Sullivan CreekPendills Creek/Sullivan CreekPendills Creek/Sullivan CreekPendills Creek/Sullivan CreekNational Fish HatcheryNational Fish HatcheryNational Fish HatcheryNational Fish HatcheryNational Fish Hatchery21990 W21990 W21990 W21990 W21990 West Test Test Test Test Trout Lanerout Lanerout Lanerout Lanerout LaneBrimleyBrimleyBrimleyBrimleyBrimley, MI 49715, MI 49715, MI 49715, MI 49715, MI 49715Curt Friez Curt Friez Curt Friez Curt Friez Curt Friez (((((curt_friez@fws.govcurt_friez@fws.govcurt_friez@fws.govcurt_friez@fws.govcurt_friez@fws.gov)))))906/437-5231906/437-5231906/437-5231906/437-5231906/437-5231

MissouriColumbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeColumbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeColumbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeColumbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeColumbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office101 Park Deville Drive; Suite A101 Park Deville Drive; Suite A101 Park Deville Drive; Suite A101 Park Deville Drive; Suite A101 Park Deville Drive; Suite AColumbia, MO 65203Columbia, MO 65203Columbia, MO 65203Columbia, MO 65203Columbia, MO 65203TTTTTracy Hill (racy Hill (racy Hill (racy Hill (racy Hill (tracy_hill@fws.govtracy_hill@fws.govtracy_hill@fws.govtracy_hill@fws.govtracy_hill@fws.gov)))))573/234-2132573/234-2132573/234-2132573/234-2132573/234-2132Area of Responsibility (Iowa, Missouri)Area of Responsibility (Iowa, Missouri)Area of Responsibility (Iowa, Missouri)Area of Responsibility (Iowa, Missouri)Area of Responsibility (Iowa, Missouri)

Neosho National Fish HatcheryNeosho National Fish HatcheryNeosho National Fish HatcheryNeosho National Fish HatcheryNeosho National Fish HatcheryEast Park StreetEast Park StreetEast Park StreetEast Park StreetEast Park StreetNeosho, MO 64850Neosho, MO 64850Neosho, MO 64850Neosho, MO 64850Neosho, MO 64850David Hendrix (David Hendrix (David Hendrix (David Hendrix (David Hendrix (david_hendrix@fws.govdavid_hendrix@fws.govdavid_hendrix@fws.govdavid_hendrix@fws.govdavid_hendrix@fws.gov)))))417/451-0554417/451-0554417/451-0554417/451-0554417/451-0554

IllinoisCarterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeCarterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeCarterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeCarterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeCarterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office9053 Route 148, Suite A9053 Route 148, Suite A9053 Route 148, Suite A9053 Route 148, Suite A9053 Route 148, Suite AMarion, Illinois 62959Marion, Illinois 62959Marion, Illinois 62959Marion, Illinois 62959Marion, Illinois 62959Rob Simmonds (Rob Simmonds (Rob Simmonds (Rob Simmonds (Rob Simmonds (rob_simmonds@fws.govrob_simmonds@fws.govrob_simmonds@fws.govrob_simmonds@fws.govrob_simmonds@fws.gov)))))618/997-6869618/997-6869618/997-6869618/997-6869618/997-6869Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)

WisconsinAshland Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAshland Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAshland Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAshland Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAshland Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office2800 Lake Shore Drive East2800 Lake Shore Drive East2800 Lake Shore Drive East2800 Lake Shore Drive East2800 Lake Shore Drive EastAshland, WI 54806Ashland, WI 54806Ashland, WI 54806Ashland, WI 54806Ashland, WI 54806Mark Brouder (Mark Brouder (Mark Brouder (Mark Brouder (Mark Brouder (mark_brouder@fws.govmark_brouder@fws.govmark_brouder@fws.govmark_brouder@fws.govmark_brouder@fws.gov)))))715/682-6185715/682-6185715/682-6185715/682-6185715/682-6185Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)

Genoa National Fish HatcheryGenoa National Fish HatcheryGenoa National Fish HatcheryGenoa National Fish HatcheryGenoa National Fish HatcheryS5689 State Road 35S5689 State Road 35S5689 State Road 35S5689 State Road 35S5689 State Road 35Genoa, WI 54632-8836Genoa, WI 54632-8836Genoa, WI 54632-8836Genoa, WI 54632-8836Genoa, WI 54632-8836Doug Aloisi (Doug Aloisi (Doug Aloisi (Doug Aloisi (Doug Aloisi (doug_aloisi@fws.govdoug_aloisi@fws.govdoug_aloisi@fws.govdoug_aloisi@fws.govdoug_aloisi@fws.gov)))))608/689-2605608/689-2605608/689-2605608/689-2605608/689-2605

Green Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeGreen Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeGreen Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeGreen Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeGreen Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office2661 Scott T2661 Scott T2661 Scott T2661 Scott T2661 Scott Tower Driveower Driveower Driveower Driveower DriveNew Franken, WI 54229New Franken, WI 54229New Franken, WI 54229New Franken, WI 54229New Franken, WI 54229Mark Holey (Mark Holey (Mark Holey (Mark Holey (Mark Holey (mark_holey@fws.govmark_holey@fws.govmark_holey@fws.govmark_holey@fws.govmark_holey@fws.gov)))))920/866-1717920/866-1717920/866-1717920/866-1717920/866-1717Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Wisconsin)

Iron River National Fish HatcheryIron River National Fish HatcheryIron River National Fish HatcheryIron River National Fish HatcheryIron River National Fish Hatchery10325 Fairview Road10325 Fairview Road10325 Fairview Road10325 Fairview Road10325 Fairview RoadIron RiverIron RiverIron RiverIron RiverIron River, WI 54847, WI 54847, WI 54847, WI 54847, WI 54847Dale Bast (Dale Bast (Dale Bast (Dale Bast (Dale Bast (dale_bast@fws.govdale_bast@fws.govdale_bast@fws.govdale_bast@fws.govdale_bast@fws.gov)))))715/372-8510715/372-8510715/372-8510715/372-8510715/372-8510

LaCrosse Fish Health CenterLaCrosse Fish Health CenterLaCrosse Fish Health CenterLaCrosse Fish Health CenterLaCrosse Fish Health Center555 Lester A555 Lester A555 Lester A555 Lester A555 Lester AvenuevenuevenuevenuevenueOnalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Becky Lasee (Becky Lasee (Becky Lasee (Becky Lasee (Becky Lasee (becky_lasee@fws.govbecky_lasee@fws.govbecky_lasee@fws.govbecky_lasee@fws.govbecky_lasee@fws.gov)))))608/783-8441608/783-8441608/783-8441608/783-8441608/783-8441

LaCrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeLaCrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeLaCrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeLaCrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeLaCrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office555 Lester A555 Lester A555 Lester A555 Lester A555 Lester AvenuevenuevenuevenuevenueOnalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Pamella Thiel (Pamella Thiel (Pamella Thiel (Pamella Thiel (Pamella Thiel (pam_thiel@fws.govpam_thiel@fws.govpam_thiel@fws.govpam_thiel@fws.govpam_thiel@fws.gov)))))608/783-8431608/783-8431608/783-8431608/783-8431608/783-8431Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin)

Mike Weimer (mike_weimer@fws.govmike_weimer@fws.govmike_weimer@fws.govmike_weimer@fws.govmike_weimer@fws.gov)

22 Fish Lines / December 2010 Fish TailsFish TailsFish TailsFish TailsFish Tails

Fish Tails“Fish Tails” includes articles that are included in field station reports that are not published in the “Conservation Briefs.” Thesearticles are categorized by focus area and includes the article title, author and field station. The website link, where the fullarticle can be viewed, is highlighted in blue type.

Partnerships and AccountabilityPartnerships and AccountabilityPartnerships and AccountabilityPartnerships and AccountabilityPartnerships and Accountability

Aquatic Species Conservation andAquatic Species Conservation andAquatic Species Conservation andAquatic Species Conservation andAquatic Species Conservation andManagementManagementManagementManagementManagement Spawning Season Begins and EndsSpawning Season Begins and EndsSpawning Season Begins and EndsSpawning Season Begins and EndsSpawning Season Begins and Endso Carey Edwards, Iron River NFH

New Production Season Kicks OffNew Production Season Kicks OffNew Production Season Kicks OffNew Production Season Kicks OffNew Production Season Kicks Offo AJorge Buening, Genoa NFH

Aquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesPublic UsePublic UsePublic UsePublic UsePublic Use

Cooperation with Native AmericansCooperation with Native AmericansCooperation with Native AmericansCooperation with Native AmericansCooperation with Native Americans

Leadership in ScienceLeadership in ScienceLeadership in ScienceLeadership in ScienceLeadership in Scienceand Tand Tand Tand Tand Technologyechnologyechnologyechnologyechnology

Aquatic Habitat Conservation andAquatic Habitat Conservation andAquatic Habitat Conservation andAquatic Habitat Conservation andAquatic Habitat Conservation andManagementManagementManagementManagementManagement

WWWWWorkforce Managementorkforce Managementorkforce Managementorkforce Managementorkforce Management

-USFWSGreg/KlinglerThis newly completed sea lamprey trap is located on the Tippy Dam on the Big Manistee River.

Installation of the sea lamprey trap at Tippy Dam on the Big Manistee River wascompleted during December. The project will be considered completefollowing minor landscaping in the spring. The trap insert will be fabricatedthis winter and will be ready to accept the numerous sea lampreys clamoringfor residence in the Tippy Sea Lamprey Hotel this spring. The trap will beoperated from mid-April through mid-June.