Bergton Watershed Project

(In collaboration with Dr. Jim Yoder)

A two year project was funded in collaboration with EMU's Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, Ecosystem Services LLC, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, and the Shenandoah Valley Soil and Water Conservation District. This project will work at improving stream health through reductions in sediment and nutrients, and habitat improvement, in the German River and Crab Run Watersheds of the Bergton, VA area. Monitoring of the project will establish the effects of stream restoration and conservation practices on stream health, and on community dynamics. Our lab runs the water monitoring efforts of this project; we have just begun the project, check back for results later.

Summary

· Estimates suggest sediment loading is average for the overall North Fork watershed, which is somewhat surprising given the higher forest cover in the Bergton area. The area is therefore a “typical” agricultural area of concern with respect to downstream effects of its agricultural impacts.

· Phosphates and nitrates regularly reached impaired or severely impaired levels, and thus are of concern in the watershed. Fecal coliforms were present, and were well above impaired values during storms. Temperature consistently peaked at values which would stress trout (and likely other organisms). pH was sometimes near a level of concern, but largely stayed in the neutral range. The results suggest little to no concern about dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and ammonium.

· There is some evidence of lower stream health on the Crab Run branch compared to the German River, with particular concern at the fairgrounds sampling site. The site below Crider’s Rd bridge showed the healthiest water parameters. During storm events, differences between sites were not noted – all areas contributed significant sediment, nutrients and bacteria.

· Storm events are key drivers of sediment, nutrient and bacteria loading in the watershed. We estimate 88% of annual sediment loading coming from storm events. The watershed is fairly “flashy”, with rises and drops in streamflow and water quality indicators happening relatively quickly.

· Data supports shading as likely one of the major factors controlling water temperatures. Correlation analysis suggested conduction (air temperature) often has an even larger impact on water temperature. Groundwater flow is likely also an important factor.

· In general, the baseflow samples at Jr May’s pasture suggested the stream was somewhat impacted in a way expected for an unfenced stream (e.g. somewhat higher nutrients), but in other ways was in better condition than expected (lower temperature fluctuations, little baseflow sediments).

Implications

· Although perhaps perceived as a more pristine area, the Bergton watershed is still a significant sediment, nutrient and bacteria source for the larger watershed. Substantial work (e.g. BMP implementation) needs to be done in the area to reduce these impacts.

· Attempts to improve stream health will be most effective when addressing the effects of storm events (reducing erosion and/or runoff).

· The area clearly has potential as improved trout habitat. In particular improved shading of streams would likely bring temperatures in a more suitable range for trout. (For example, I remember being told that trout do well stocked at blue hole in the cooler periods, but it is not suitable for healthy trout in the summer)

EMU students work at water quality measurements, and macroinvertebrate sampling, on a section of the German River.

Installing water sensors for continuous monitoring of water quality parameters