Roosevelt Lake Research Articles

Centenarian lifespans of three freshwater fish species in Arizona reveal the exceptional longevity of the buffalofishes (Ictiobus)

During the 1910s three buffalofish species (Catostomidae: Ictiobus cyprinellus, I. bubalus, I. niger) were reared in ponds along the Mississippi River. Individuals of these buffalofishes were transported to locations across the United States to support or establish commercial fisheries, including Roosevelt Lake, Arizona in 1918. During the 1930s–1960s a commercial fishery existed on Roosevelt Lake, ending by 1970. Scarce information exists on Arizona buffalofishes since. From 2018 to 2023 we studied buffalofishes from nearby Apache Lake (adjacent and downstream of Roosevelt Lake) in collaboration with anglers. Here we show that > 90% of buffalofishes captured from Apache Lake are more than 80 years old and that some of the original buffalofishes from the Arizona stocking in 1918 are likely still alive. Using unique markings on old-age buffalofishes, we demonstrate how individuals are identified and inform dozens of recaptures. We now know all species of USA Ictiobus can live more than 100 years, making it the only genus of animal besides marine rockfishes (Sebastes) for which three or more species have been shown to live > 100 years. Our citizen-science collaboration has revealed remarkable longevity for freshwater fishes and has fundamentally redefined our understanding of the genus Ictiobus itself.

Least Cost Paths and Movement in Tonto Basin, Central Arizona

Perched high above Roosevelt Lake in Tonto Basin, central Arizona, the Upper and Lower Tonto Cliff Dwellings have been commonly excluded from archaeological narratives for the basin. Although one of the few sizeable settlements inhabited in Tonto Basin during the Gila phase (A.D. 1350–1450), the cliff dwellings fell outside the boundaries of several large cultural resource management projects, and are a settlement type atypical for the basin. A disconnect between studies of the Tonto Cliff Dwellings and the rest of the basin therefore exists. Least cost paths (LCPs) are therefore calculated from the Tonto Cliff Dwellings to settlements around Arizona to identify and contextualize possible travel routes between Tonto Basin and beyond. It is argued that reconstructing and refining travel in the ancient Southwest requires the creation of multiple LCPs among multiple start and end points, verification through artifact and feature documentation, and insights from traditional knowledge.

Assessing the potential of Medium‐Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) and Moderate‐Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data for monitoring total suspended matter in small and intermediate sized lakes and reservoirs

Satellite remote sensing has been used extensively for many years to monitor the open oceans and coastal waters. These methods have been extended more recently to the study of inland waters. In this study we consider the potential application of data from two ocean color sensors, Moderate‐Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Medium‐Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS), for monitoring the levels of suspended solids in small and intermediate sized lakes and reservoirs. We measured total suspended matter (TSM) in four southwestern United States lakes, Roosevelt Lake, Saguaro Lake, Bartlett Lake, and Lake Pleasant, and compared these field data with images obtained from these medium resolution satellite sensors. Our regression analysis of the complete data set identified a linear relationship between the field TSM values and both MODIS 250 m data (r2 = 0.461) and MERIS 290 m data (r2 = 0.521). This relationship improved substantially when data from the smallest lake in the study (Saguaro Lake) were excluded from the analysis (r2 = 0.819 and r2 = 0.888, respectively). The resultant linear models produced estimates with a root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) ranging from 3.14 mg/L (MODIS) and 2.04 mg/L (MERIS) for all four lakes combined, improving to 1.32 mg/L (MODIS) and 0.47 mg/L (MERIS) for a lake‐specific regression. These results suggest that these satellite sensors have the potential to effectively monitor TSM in lakes and reservoirs, although a minimum practical lake size does appear to exist.

Modeling the dynamic habitat and breeding population of Southwestern Willow Flycatcher

To aid in the management and conservation of Southwestern Willow Flycatcher ( Empidonax traillii extimus, hereafter “Flycatcher”), we developed numerous models of flycatcher breeding habitat at Roosevelt Lake, AZ. For model development and testing, we compiled 10 years of flycatcher territory data that were obtained from intensive fieldwork between 1996 and 2005. We identified riparian vegetation annually in the project area from Landsat Thematic Mapper images, and extracted floodplain features from a digital elevation model. We created a novel class of temporal (i.e., multiyear) variables by characterizing the stability and variability in breeding habitat over a 6-year time interval. We used logistic regression to determine associations between environmental variables and flycatcher territory occurrence, and to test specific hypotheses. We mapped the probability of territory occurrence with a GIS and determined model accuracies with a classification table and a 10-year population database. Environmental features that were associated with breeding flycatchers included floodplain size, proximity to water, and the density, heterogeneity, age and stability of riparian vegetation. Our best model explained 79% of the variability in the flycatcher breeding population at Roosevelt Lake. The majority of predicted flycatcher habitat formed between 1996 and 2004 on an exposed lakebed ∼3 years after water levels receded during a prolonged drought. A high correlation between annual reservoir levels and predicted breeding habitat ( r = −0.82) indicates that we can create and manage habitat for conservation purposes. Our predictive models quantify and assess the relative quality of flycatcher breeding habitat remotely, and can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of habitat restoration activities. Numerous techniques we developed can be used to characterize riparian vegetation and patch dynamics directly off of satellite imagery, thereby increasing its utility for conservation purposes.

Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Population and Habitat Response to Reservoir Inundation

ABSTRACT One of the largest known populations of the federally endangered southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) occurs at Roosevelt Lake, Arizona, USA. Modifications to Roosevelt Dam, completed in 1996, raised the height of the dam and resulted in a high probability of willow flycatcher habitat inundation within the reservoir's conservation pool. We collected habitat measurements and monitored 922 willow flycatcher nests from 1996 to 2006 to investigate effects of inundation on willow flycatcher habitat and subsequent changes in nest success, productivity, and distribution. Inundation of willow flycatcher habitat at Roosevelt Lake occurred in 2005, changing the location and amount of suitable breeding habitat and significantly altering habitat structure (e.g., thinner vegetation, more canopy gaps) of formally occupied nest sites. The willow flycatcher population at Roosevelt Lake decreased 47% from 209 territories in 2004 to 111 territories in 2006 in response to habitat changes. Willow flycatchers made fewer nesting attempts and nest success rates were significantly lower during inundation (2005 and 2006: 45%) than preinundation (1996–2004: 57%). Combined, these factors negatively affected the population's productivity during inundation. Although inundation caused extensive vegetation die‐off, we did observe regeneration of vegetation in some areas at Roosevelt Lake in 2006. The Roosevelt Lake population remains one of the largest willow flycatcher populations in the state and territory numbers remain high enough that the population may not suffer long‐term effects if sufficient suitable habitat continues to exist during the cycle of inundation and regeneration. Reservoir managers may be able to develop dam management guidelines that reduce damage to habitat, encourage habitat growth, and mimic the dynamic nature of unaltered riparian habitat. These guidelines can be implemented, as appropriate, at reservoirs throughout the willow flycatcher's range.

Identification of Individual and Population-level Variation in Vocalizations of the Endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus)

Abstract.— An understanding of individuality in animal vocalizations can assist in tracking individuals spatially and temporally, and is particularly useful for species of conservation concern. We determined whether fitz bew vocalizations of the endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) showed vocal individuality, assessed the differences in vocal individuality among three populations, and tested the ability of predictive vocalization models to reidentify individuals. Fitz bew vocalizations were recorded from two populations in Arizona (Roosevelt Lake and San Pedro River) and one in California (Kern River). Individuality was determined using discriminant function analysis (DFA) and trained artificial neural networks (ANN). Southwestern Willow Flycatchers showed individuality in the fitz bew, with the models correctly classifying 81–86% of the vocalizations. We also found population-level variations: vocal structure differed substantially between Roosevelt Lake and Kern River, ...

AGE, HABITAT, AND YEARLY VARIATION IN THE DIET OF A GENERALIST INSECTIVORE, THE SOUTHWESTERN WILLOW FLYCATCHER

Characterizing avian diet is complex, especially for generalist insectivores, as food resources can vary over space and time, and individuals of different sexes and ages may consume different food. We examined diet of a generalist insectivore, the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), at Roosevelt Lake in central Arizona from 2000 to 2004, determined from 344 fecal samples. We found that five prey categories accounted for 70% of the proportional abundance in flycatcher diet: Hymenoptera, Diptera, Cicadellidae, Coleoptera, and Formicidae, although the relative amounts of these and other taxa differed significantly among years. We detected no differences in diet between sexes of adults, but adults and nestlings differed, with higher proportions of Hymenoptera in adult samples and more Diptera in nestling samples. Using a subset of samples, we compared flycatcher diet in habitat patches dominated by native cottonwood (Populus fremontii) and willow (Salix gooddingii), exotic salt cedar (Tamarix ramosissima), or a mix of these tree species. We found that prey groups varied significantly among habitats in only one year, 2002, with Araneae, Lepidoptera, and Odonata significant indicators of native habitat, Cicadellidae and Hymenoptera significant indicators of exotic habitats, and Homoptera a significant indicator of mixed habitat. In 2002, a severe drought resulted in reduced prey base and near total reproductive failure, but we detected no major shift in the composition of adult diet during that year, suggesting that for generalists like the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, overall insect abundance may be a more important driver of productivity than abundance of specific prey taxa.

Determining a Site-specific Objective and Tmdl for Copper in a Historical Mining District, Arizona

Determining a Site-specific Objective and Tmdl for Copper in a Historical Mining District, ArizonaPinto Creek is a predominately intermittent stream that drains approximately 183 mi2 in Gila, Pinal, and Maricopa counties in east central Arizona. The stream extends approximately 33 miles from its headwaters in the Pinal Mountains to Roosevelt Lake. Although much of the creek length is ephemeral or intermittent, it contains several perennial reaches, which are uncommon in this arid region. The...Author(s)Gregory S. OlsenClifton BellSourceProceedings of the Water Environment FederationSubjectArticlesDocument typeConference PaperPublisherWater Environment FederationPrint publication date Oct, 2007ISSN1938-6478SICI1938-6478(20071001)2007:5L.1311;1-DOI10.2175/193864707786619431Volume / Issue2007 / 5Content sourceTMDLS ConferenceFirst / last page(s)1311 - 1325Copyright2007Word count432Subject keywordsCOPPERMININGARIZONAHSPFTMDLSITE SPECIFIC STANDARDSITE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVENATURALBACKGROUND

Spatial Heterogeneity of Mercury Bioaccumulation by Walleye in Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake and the Upper Columbia River, Washington

Abstract We examined mercury concentration in muscle of walleye Stizostedion vitreum from three reaches in Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake, a reservoir on the Columbia River, and from the upper Columbia River, an area contaminated by wastes from metal mining and associated processing activities. Our objectives were to describe the relation between size and age of walleyes and tissue concentrations of mercury and to compare mercury concentrations within a single reservoir system among spatially segregated cohorts. Overall, mercury concentrations in walleye muscle ranged from 0.11 to 0.44 mg/kg (wet weight) and were positively correlated with age, weight, and length of the fish. Mercury concentrations in walleyes varied spatially within the system; the highest concentrations were in fish from the lower and middle reaches of the reservoir. Condition factor of age-2+ fish was inversely related to tissue concentration of mercury and was lower in fish from the lower and middle reaches than in fish from the upper rea...

A Revised Chronology and Phase Sequence for the Lower Tonto Basin of Central Arizona

ABSTRACTRecent research in the Tonto Basin of central Arizona as part of the Bureau of Reclamation's Roosevelt Lake Project has led to the formulation of a new chronology and phase sequence. This chronology is presented and phases defined. Issues discussed include the presence of an indigenous, Early Ceramic period population (ca. A.D. 100–600); immigration of Hohokam groups into the Tonto Basin during the Gila Butte phase (A.D. 750–850); a change from a buffware- to whiteware-dominated ceramic interaction network during the transition between the Sacaton (A.D. 950–1050) and Ash Creek (A.D. 1050–1150) phases; immigration of pueblo groups during the Roosevelt phase (A.D. 1250–1350); and the construction of platform mounds beginning around A.D. 1280.

Roosevelt Lake Bridge, Gila County, Arizona

Although traffic congestion was important, the deciding factor for the new Roosevelt Lake Bridge was flood protection. Located about 305 m upstream of the dam, the new Roosevelt Lake Bridge is just...

Important Birds from Blue Point Cottonwoods, Maricopa County, Arizona

The Salt River currently consists of four basic divisions: deeply channeled river from Roosevelt Lake upstream, irrigation reservoirs from that point downstream to Stewart Mountain Dam, dry river channel from Granite Reef Dam downstream to the confluence with the Gila River, and the fourth area, a short segment from Stewart Mountain Dam to Granite Reef Diversion Dam (about 10 miles long) representing what little remains of the native river. During the 1970's this portion is scheduled to be inundated by Orme Reservoir, part of the Central Arizona Project. Blue Point Cottonwoods, located approximately 2 miles upstream from the confluence of the Verde with the Salt River, is the only large stand of mature cottonwoods (Populus fremontii), with its attendant mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) understory, left on the entire Salt River. These cottonwoods will be covered by Orme Lake, thus virtually completing the extirpation of native riparian groves along the Salt River. This virgin grove extends for nearly a mile along the north side of the river. A narrow marsh of open water approximately one-half mile long, edged with arrowweed (Pluchea sericea) and salt-cedar (Tamarix sp.), and containing several dense stands of cattails (Typha domingensis) contributes to the diversity of the habitat. Azolla sp., a water fern unrecorded for central Arizona, grows profusely with duckweed (Lemna sp. ) in the marsh. Field work at Blue Point Cottonwoods has contributed much to our knowledge of birds in the central lowlands of Arizona. In the past, many important specimens and records were obtained from the area by Lyndon L. Hargrave, Allan R. Phillips, and Lewis D. Yaeger. Some of the more important records for the Salt River Valley include: the only specimens of the Ferruginous Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) during this century (Hargrave; Phillips); the only specimen of the Common Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) (Phillips); the only Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) specimens (Phillips and Yeager); the only nesting record of the Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii) (Phillips and Yeager); and the only Hutton's Vireo (Vireo huttoni) specimens (Phillips; Johnson and Simpson). The northernmost specimen for the Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) was collected here by Simpson and Werner (Condor 60:68, 1958). While the following species nest at one or two other localities in the Salt River Valley, Blue Point Cottonwoods and the nearby river is the only area left that is both large enough and stable enough to support them all: Green Heron (Butorides virescens), Yellowbilled Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), Bell's Vireo (Vireo bellii), Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia), Yellowthroat (Goethlypis trichas), Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra), and Blue Grosbeak (Guiraca caerulea). Considering the ephemeral nature of the other habitats, the loss of Blue Point Cottonwoods may also mean the loss of most or all these species as breeding birds in the Salt River Valley. Our recent field work in this area has resulted in several additional distributional records of some interest. All specimens mentioned in the following species accounts are in the Johnson-Simpson-Werner (JSW) collection, now housed at Prescott College, Prescott, Arizona. Our thanks to Lyndon L. Hargrave and Allan R. Phillips for critical reading of the manuscript. Least Bittern. Ixobrychus exilis. According to Phillips, Marshall, and Monson (The birds of Arizona. Univ. Arizona Press, Tucson. 1964. p. 7), the only previously documented nesting of this species in Arizona was by Simpson and Werner (loc. cit.). Our specimen (JSW no. 925) was collected on 9 July 1969 in a dense stand of cattails in the marsh. It is a juvenile female with down on the legs, wings, neck, and head, and was accompanied by one or two other juveniles, presumably nest mates, and at least one adult. At least one additional adult was seen. The nest was secured on 20 July 1969 and is the first nest from Arizona for this species. Groove-billed Ani. Crotophaga sulcirostris. A female? (gonads shot), collected on 20 July 1969 (JSW no. 879) showed no fat and no molt. This is the second known extant specimen from the state (see Phillips et al., loc. cit.:46). Later, Bernard Roer informed us that he found another Groove-billed Ani at his bird farm in Phoenix on 11 July 1969 and donated it to the Phoenix Zoo. SHORT COMMUNICATIONS 379

Closure to “Density Flow Regime of Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake”

Closure to “Density Flow Regime of Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake”

Albinistic Carp, Cyprinus carpio, from Roosevelt Lake, Arizona

(1968). Albinistic Carp, Cyprinus carpio, from Roosevelt Lake, Arizona. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society: Vol. 97, No. 2, pp. 209-210.

Discussion of “Density Flow Regime of Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake”

Discussion of “Density Flow Regime of Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake”

Density Flow Regime of Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake

The thermal regime of Lake Roosevelt for the summers of 1964 and 1965, when compared with Yih and the Laboratory studies of Debler, shows good agreement regarding the position of the interfacial layer between the upper relatively stagnant zone and the region of primary flow transport. Further study of the temperature data and confirmation by a limited amount of current measurement shows the location of a second, lower interface roughly conforming to the upper boundary. During the season when stratification occurs, the resulting jet flow travels in a flat, undulating fashion, at times rising above the level of the discharge. Existing theory appears inadequate to fully predict this behavior, although an empirical relationship can be derived to perform engineering analysis. The study confirms the necessity to consider density currents in the management of special releases and in thermal and chemical material balances. Furthermore, the dynamic conditions within the reservoir distort the resulting flow jets to the extent that cooler masses can be by-passed. Another result is the blocking of the formation of normal current jets, and, as a consequence, Lake Roosevelt fills with cool water by displacement from the north without any significant horizontal redistribution.

The Clay Mineralogy of Roosevelt Lake: A Trap for Fine-Grained Sediments in East-Central Arizona

The Clay Mineralogy of Roosevelt Lake: A Trap for Fine-Grained Sediments in East-Central Arizona

EFFECT ON EVAPORATION OF RELEASES FROM RESERVOIRS ON SALT RIVER, ARIZONA

Abstract By means of the energy-budget method, measurements of evaporation losses from four reservoirs on Salt River, Ariz., were determined to range from 57.5 to 69.9 inches for the 12-month period April 1958 to March 1959. Water is withdrawn from Roosevelt Lake at considerable depth and released through three run-of-the-river reservoirs. Because the water released from Roosevelt Lake is cold, evaporation losses from the downstream reservoirs are considerably lower than those from Roosevelt Lake. Evaporation pan coefficients computed for the various reservoirs ranged from 0.53 to 0.65. A base evaporation rate was computed for each reservoir as the evaporation rate that would have occurred had there been no change in energy storage and the net advected energy equalled zero during the year.

An Ecological Study of the Waterfowl of the Potholes Area, Grant County, Washington

The Columbia Basin Irrigation Project will have many effects on the present scene that one encounters in eastem Washington. Not only will the entire economy of a large section of the state be vastly altered, but the superficial appearance of the very land land itself will undergo many changes. One of these changes will be the flooding of a large area of desert sand dunes lying south and west of Moses Lake, Grant County, Washington. At a point approximately ten miles south of the city of Moses Lake and blocking the channel of Lower Crab Creek, the United States Bureau of Reclamation has constructed OYSullivan Dam. This dam is an earthen-filled structure three and one-half miles in length and 100 feet high in some places. Waste water from the irrigation of farm lands to the north and west of Moses Lake will be impounded behind O'Sullivan Dam. Besides this waste water, additional water will be pumped into the area from Roosevelt Lake at Grand Coulee Dam. The lake thus impounded will be a storage reservoir of such size that it will join with Moses Lake. When full this reservoir will raise thle present level of Moses Lake as much as six feet. The lake will be filled to capacity during the spring run-off season and irrigation during the summer will result in the lowest water levels in the fall. The expected annual drawdown from this type of control will range as much as 30 feet (Bureau of Reclamation Officials, personal communication). The sand-dune area to be flooded by the waters behind O'Sullivan Dam at present, contains hundreds of small potholes which have relatively stable water levels. These potholes provided habitat for many species of waterfowl (fig. 1). This study was initiated June 1, 1950. The purpose of the investigation was to establish a mass of basic information about the area which could be used for future management purposes.

The Bearing of Ceramics on Developments in the Hohokam Classic Period

The major local traits, which most clearly separate the Hohokam as a development unrelated to the Pueblo during this period of time, consist of jacal houses, loosely grouped in rancheria style villages; cremation of the dead; paddle-and-anvil pottery fired in an oxidizing atmosphere and decorated in red; ball courts; irrigation agriculture; highly developed work in shell; and ornately carved stone vessels. During the Classic period which followed, many new elements appeared, and it is with the two phases of this period, Soho (1150-1300 AD) and Civano (1300-1400 AD), that this paper is concerned. In 1928, Schmidt reported on stratigraphic tests he conducted in Hohokam trashmounds in the Salt River valley of southern Arizona. His tests revealed, in this valley where red-on-buff pottery and cremation had been the norm, that a polychrome pottery and extended burials appeared in the last phases of occupation. To account for their appearance he suggested the new traits may have resulted from an influx of another unrelated group of people.l In 1929, Gladwin developed Schmidt's idea further and suggested that the people of the Salado Branch, situated near Roosevelt Lake on the Salt River, were the bearers of these and other new cultural traits which he defined. He placed the time of their entry between 1300 and 1350 AD.2 In 1940, on the basis of the results of a stratigraphic survey in the Salt River valley, it was pointed out that the appearance of so-called Salado traits in the last phases of occupation, such as extended burials, redware, and caliche-walled structures, actually occurred as early as 1150 AD. These as well as other new 1 Schmidt, 1928, p. 281. 2 W. and H. S. Gladwin, 1929, pp. 37, 70-71. See also W. and H. S. Gladwin, 1933, p. 6; 1935, p. 254, and Haury, 1945, p. 208.