2010 HFQLG Amphibian Monitoring Report
Prepared by:
Deborah Urich – East-Zone Tahoe NF Aquatic Biologist
Geoff Stevens – Fish Crew Leader – Storrie Team
Cathy Brown – Sierra Nevada Amphibian Monitoring Team Leader
Compiled by:
George Garcia, Plumas NF WFRP Program Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Mountain Yellow-legged Frogs in Treatment Areas
Monitoring was conducted to determine potential effects on amphibians within habitats that may be
affected by projects implemented under the HFQLG pilot project. New methodology to establish
baseline data developed in 2009 was continued in 2010 in the five areas: Independence Creek (Tahoe
NF), South Fork Rock Creek (Plumas NF), Lone Rock Creek (Plumas NF), Potosi Creek (Plumas NF), and
Boulder Creek (Plumas NF). Survey areas were modified in the two sites where mountain yellow-legged
frogs (MYLF) were not found in 2009 (Potosi Creek and Boulder Creek) in an attempt to document the
species presence. At all five areas, additional effort was made to document reproduction and some
nearby areas with prior locality data were surveyed. Visual encounter surveys were conducted at all
sites and all adult MYLF were tagged. Where sufficient numbers of frogs were present, population
abundances of adult mountain yellow-legged frogs were estimated using mark-recapture analyses.
Funnel traps were used to capture tadpoles in two locations.
Survey results showed that Independence Creek had the most MYLF for a second year in a row, and that
population estimates for 2010 (8 -16 adult MYLF in June and 7 - 9 adult MYLF in August) were similar to
adult population estimates made in 2009 (6 - 11 adult MYLF). 2010 MYLF numbers at Lone Rock and
South Fork Rock creeks were low and similar to those in 2009: eight adult MYLF were found at Lone
Rock Creek, and 3 adult MYLF were found at South Fork Rock Creek. In the vicinity of South Fork Rock
Creek, 2 additional adult MYLF were found in 2010 in a tributary where the species has been found in
the past. Three adult MYLF were found on Boulder Creek in 2010, upstream of the reach that was
surveyed in 2009. No MYLF were found at Boulder Creek in 2009. MYLF were not found in the vicinity
of Potosi Creek in 2010 or 2009. Other amphibian and reptile species found in the surveyed areas
included Pacific chorus frogs, Western Toad, Long-toed Salamander, three species of Garter Snakes and
Rubber Boa.
Survey sites were affected by the following activities and events. Lone Rock Creek was affected by the
Moonlight Fire and subsequent timber salvage harvest. The South Fork of Rock Creek was affected by
the Meadow Valley project, completed in 2008, which included DFPZs, group selection, and individual
tree selection. No pre-treatment data was collected at South Fork Rock Creek because the Meadow
Valley project was completed prior to the initiation of amphibian surveys. Treatments affecting Boulder
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Creek, Potosi Creek, and Independence Creek have not been completed to date. Effects analysis of
treatment effects will be completed in 2012.
INTRODUCTION:
The seven ranger districts of the Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group (HFQLG) Pilot Project continue
to monitor amphibian populations within HFQLG project areas (Table 1). The key monitoring objectives
for amphibians are: 1) Investigate effects of vegetation and fuels treatments on population abundance,
demography, and habitats of Sierra MYLF and 2) Increase our knowledge of Sierra MYLF population
demography in northern part of range.
Table 1. HFQLG Amphibian Monitoring Sites by Forest, Ranger District and Project.
Monitoring Site
Forest
Ranger District
HFQLG Project
Independence Creek
Tahoe
Sierraville
Outback
Potosi Creek (Howland Flat) Plumas
Feather River
Sugarberry
South Fork Rock Creek
Plumas
Mt Hough
Meadow Valley
Lone Rock Creek
Plumas
Mt Hough
Moonlight Fire Recovery
Boulder Creek (Lowe Flat)
Plumas
Mt Hough
Wildcat
METHODS:
At all areas, we conducted surveys for amphibians. Crews of two persons used visual encounter
techniques as well as dipnetting and binocular scans to locate and identify all amphibians present (Heyer
et al. 1994; Fellers and Freel 1995). All aquatic habitats were searched including channels, backwaters,
and side channels as well as adjacent meadow habitat if present. At Independence Creek, a beaver
meadow at Independence Creek, SF Rock Creek, and Lone Rock Creek capture-mark-recapture (CMR)
techniques were employed to estimate population sizes of MYLF. Each of these reaches was surveyed
on four consecutive days for at least 8 hours per day between 0930 and 1900 hrs.
All captured amphibians were identified to species, sexed, measured, and weighed. For amphibians,
tissue swabs were collected for detection of the presence of chytrid fungus (Boyle et al. 2004, FríasAlvarez et al. 2008). All previously unmarked mountain yellow-legged frogs >40 mm SUL were PITtagged using AVID MUSICC Microchips TM (Heyer et al. 1994, Pope and Matthews 2001) and were
identified at the individual level on subsequent recaptures.
At the primary reach at Independence Creek (QLGIND1), a large number of subadult mountain yellowlegged frogs were present that were too small to mark with a PIT-tag. In this case, we adopted a
method that while potentially biased may provide a better population estimate than raw counts of these
animals. We marked the localities of detected frogs with flagging and recorded the sizes and identifying
characteristics (e.g., color). On subsequent days if a frog of the same size was detected in the same
location we considered it a recapture and were thus able to create a capture history for each animal.
Mark recapture data for the mountain yellow-legged frog were analyzed using Huggins closed capture
models in program MARK (White and Burnham 1999). We fitted the data to four models where the
probability of capture was held constant (Mo) or allowed to vary by behavior (Mb), time (Mt), or both
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(Mtb, White et al 1982). Some models could not be fit to the data or had unreasonable parameter
estimates, and were dropped from the final model set. Final population and parameter estimates were
calculated by model averaging of the final model set using program Mark (Burnham and Anderson 1998,
White and Burnham 1999).
We employed funnel traps to capture larval amphibians in a few locations. Funnel traps were made
from plastic bottles with the top inverted and were installed at the water surface in ponds in the vicinity
of SF Rock Creek and Howland Flat (QLGDV2, QLGPG1, QLGC1) that were particularly hard to search.
Traps were checked twice daily.
2010 AMPHIBIAN MONITORING SITES:
Independence Creek
Treatment Summary: In 2010, the Outback project associated with the Independence Creek monitoring
site had project layout, timber sale preparation completed, and the timber sale contract was awarded.
The purchaser plans to begin harvest in 2011.
Habitat Surveys: We conducted follow-up habitat surveys at Independence Creek in 2010. The 2009
Independence Creek habitat survey did not measure canopy cover (e.g. percent shade) which is an
important habitat measure. Percent shade was measured at two scales, transect and macro habitat
sites, in 2010 along six reaches within monitoring site QLGIND1. The transect scale measures percent
shade along transects (line feature) that are laid out perpendicular to the stream. Percent shade at the
macro habitat site scale is measured at a point where a previous MYLF detection was documented. If no
detection was recorded within a reach, shade data was not collected (e.g. Reach 6). Six reaches were
completed due to multiple braided channels and numerous spring tributaries. Table 2 displays the
results of shade measurements taken at QLGIND1 at both the transect scale and at specific macrohabitat sites by reach. At the transect scale, a range of variability ran from a low of 18% for reach 3 to a
high of 73% for reach 6. At the macro-habitat scale the range of variability was similar for the low range
(17% for reach 3) and substantially lower for the high range (49% for reaches 1, 2 and 4).
Table 2. Average Percent Shade measurements for Independence Creek Site QLGIND1, Tahoe National
Forest.
Habitat Attribute
Average % Shade
for Transect
Average % Shade
for MacroHabitat Sites
Reach 1
54
49
Reach 2
42
49
Reach 3
18
Reach 4
50
17
49
Reach 5
55
45
Reach 6
73
N/A
Percent shade for these six reaches, at both scales (transect and macro-habitat) will be taken again upon
completion of the Outback Project to measure pre and post treatment effects.
Species Surveys: CMR surveys were conducted at the Independence Creek site at two areas, the primary
reach surveyed in 2009 (QLGIND1), and a flooded meadow with high beaver activity (QLGIND3). The
primary reach was surveyed in the spring, June 23-25, and CMR surveys were conducted in both areas
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August 18-23. Additional partial day surveys were also conducted along sections of five tributaries to the
primary reach (QLGIND2, 4, 5, 6, 8).
Primary Reach (QLGIND1): Adult MYLF CMR (Capture-Mark-Recapture) estimates for the June ( =9.6,
se=3.5) and August ( =7.4, se=0.9) survey periods were similar. These estimates were similar to those
made in 2009 ( = 7.6 se=1.9). Subadult estimates in the primary reach during 2010 were about half
( =20.2, se=1.9) of the subadults estimated in 2009 ( =53.6, se=9). Larvae were found at one area
during both the June and August surveys. However, only one site was occupied in contrast to 2009
when larvae were found in two distinct areas. The unoccupied site was dry in 2010 whereas in 2009, it
contained pooled water.
Beaver Meadow (QLGIND3): Adult MYLF CMR estimates were 15.9 (se=6.3). Additionally, at least 74
subadult MYLF too small to mark and 54 larvae were found. These numbers are higher than the number
of detections in 2009 reflecting the increased level of survey effort in 2010. Frogs and larvae were
found in additional areas in 2010.
Five Tributary Reaches (QLGIND2, 4, 5, 6, 8): No MYLF were detected.
Additional Species Found in Independence Creek Area: In addition to MYLF, Pacific chorus frogs
(Pseudacris regilla) of all life stages, adult and sub-adult garter snakes of two species (elegans and
sirtalis) were found within the areas surveyed for Independence Creek.
Table 3. Summary of amphibian and reptile captures and population estimates for MYLF at
Independence creek, Tahoe National Forest. Surveys were conducted in 2010. Estimated abundances
( ) are model averaged estimates using closed capture methods in program MARK.
Site ID
Species
Life Stage
QLGIND1
(June)
MYLF
Adult
MYLF
MYLF
PCF
TGS
MYLF
Sub-Adult
MYLF
MYLF
TGS
TGS
MYLF
MYLF
MYLF
TGS
PCF
Sub-Adult
QLGIND1
(August)
QLGIND2
QLGIND3
QLGIND5
QLGIND8
Larvae
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult
Larvae
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult
Sub-Adult
Larvae
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Total
Number
8
N
9.6
5
40
1
5
7
7.4
0.9
7-9
20.2
1.9
19-24
15.9
6.3
12-28
19
63
2
1
12
74
54
1
1
Estimated Abundance
SE
95% CI
3.5
8-16
QLGIND4 and QLGIND6 sites did not have detections of MYLF or other non-target species, therefore these sites are not reflected in Table 3.
Species Codes: MYLF = Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (R.sierra); PCF = Pacific Chorus Frog (P. regilla); TGS = Terrestrial Garter Snake (T.elegans).
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Potosi Creek (Howland Flat)
Treatment Summary: In 2010, the only treatment that occurred under the Sugarberry Project within the
vicinity of Potosi/Howland Flat included 54 acres of aspen enhancement. This treatment was conducted
by the YCC (Youth Conservation Corps) by removing conifers up 6” dbh and less from aspen stands in the
Howland Flat area. This project was a partnership project between the Plumas wildlife staff and the
California Deer Association.
Species Surveys: We modified our survey efforts at Potosi Creek (Howland Flat) because no confirmed
MYLF were found in 2009. However, tadpoles were found that could not be positively identified and
were possibly mountain yellow-legged frogs. Funnel traps were placed in the two ponds where
unidentified larvae were previously seen (QLGC1, 4 traps; QLGPG1, 3 traps) from Aug 18-19 and checked
twice daily. In addition, 6 other nearby man-made ponds (QLGPG2-4, QLGC2, QLGHF01, QLGHF02) and
a reach of Potosi Creek (QLG002) were surveyed. During these 2010 surveys, no MYLF were found.
Other non-target species found in the Potosi Creek area are listed in Table 4. Estimated abundance was
not calculated for non-target species.
Table 4. Summary of non-target Amphibian and Reptile Captures at Potosi Creek (Howland Flat), Plumas
National Forest. Surveys were conducted Aug 18-19, 2010. Estimated abundances ( ) of MYLF were not
modeled because there were none captured.
Site ID
Species
Life Stage
QLGPG1
PCF
PCF
LTS
WT
PCF
PCF
LTS
PCF
PCF
LTS
AGS
TGS
PCF
PCF
AGS
PCF
PCF
LTS
PCF
PCF
LTS
PCF
TGS
Adult/Sub-Adult
QLGPG2
QLGPG3
QLGPG4
QLGHF01
QLGHF02
QLGC1
Larvae
Larvae
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Larvae
Larvae
Adult/Sub-Adult
Larvae
Larvae
Adult
Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Larvae
Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Larvae
Larvae
Adult/Sub-Adult
Larvae
Larvae
Larvae
Adult
Total
Number
1
5
10
1
1
11
28
3
12
29
3
2
3
4
1
125
3100
75
25
6
4
30
2
N
Estimated Abundance
SE
95% CI
QLG002 site did not have detections of MYLF or other non-target species, therefore this site is not reflected in Table 4. Species Codes: PCF =
Pacific Chorus Frog (P. regilla); LTS = Long Toed Salamander (A. macrodactlym); WT = Western Toad (B. boreas); AGS = Aquatic Garter Snake
(T.couchii); TGS = Terrestrial Garter Snake (T.elegans).
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South Fork Rock Creek
Treatment Summary: The Meadow Valley project was completed in 2009 and consisted of 5,700 acres
of treatment that included group selection, construction of a DFPZ, and individual tree selection.
Species Surveys: The primary reach at South Fork Rock Creek (QLG008) was surveyed for amphibians on
June 27, and then CMR surveys conducted August 18, 20-22, 2010 (Table 5). Additional partial day
surveys were conducted during the August period at 5 additional sites in the vicinity. At the primary
reach (QLG008), 3 adult MYLF were found. This was similar to last year’s numbers when 5 frogs were
found at this reach. MYLF (2 adults) were found at only one other of the five additional sites surveyed.
This was a tributary to SF Rock Creek where MYLF were found in 1995. Funnel traps were placed in the
small lake at Deanes Valley campground (QLGDV2). No MYLF larvae were captured, but the traps were
effective in trapping long-toed salamander and Pacific chorus frog larvae.
Table 5. Summary of amphibian and reptile captures from sites in the vicinity of South Fork Rock Creek,
Plumas National Forest. Surveys were conducted June 27 and Aug 18-Aug 23, 2010. Estimated
abundances ( ) of MYLF were not modeled because the total number of captured animals was too low.
Site ID
QLG008
(June)
QLG008
(August)
QLGDV1
QLGDV2
QLGDV4
Species
Life Stage
MYLF
Adult
MYLF
Adult
PCF
PCF
LTS
NAL
WS
WFL
RB
GS
AGS
TGS
MYLF
PCF
WS
WFL
GS
AGS
PCF
PCF
LTS
NAL
AGS
Adult/Sub-Adult
Larvae
Larvae
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Larvae
Larvae
Adult/Sub
Adult/Sub
Total
Number
1
2
2
1
1
2
11
28
3
12
29
3
2
1
1
1
1
3
12
9
12
1
1
6
N
Estimated Abundance
SE
95% CI
QLGDV3 and QLGDV5 sites did not have detections of MYLF or other non-target species, therefore these sites are not reflected in Table 5.
Species Codes: MYLF = Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (R.sierra); PCF = Pacific Chorus Frog (P. regilla); LTS = Long Toed Salamander (A.
macrodactlym); NAL = Northern Alligator Lizard (E.coerulia); WS = Western Skink (E. skiltonianus); WFL = Western Fence Lizard (S.occidentalis);
RB = Rubber Boa (C.bottae); GS = Gopher Snake (P. catenifer); AGS = Aquatic Garter Snake (T.couchii); TGS = Terrestrial Garter Snake
(T.elegans).
Lone Rock Creek
Treatment Summary: With the exception of some helicopter units, the majority of Moonlight Fire
Recovery treatments were completed in 2010. Of the treatments originally planned (10,366 acres
salvage harvest, 4,389 acres of roadside hazard tree removal, and 16,006 acres of reforestation), only
100 acres of roadside hazard treatments lie in the immediate vicinity of the monitored amphibian sites.
Amphibian surveys occurred in August which was after the roadside treatments were completed. Post
treatment monitoring of effects to habitat attributes (shade, pool tail fines, % stable banks) on Lone
Rock Creek will occur in the spring of 2011.
Species Surveys: The Lone Rock creek site was monitored for amphibians on Aug 18-21, 2010 (Table 6).
Surveys found 8 adult MYLF (abundance estimate = 8.1, se=0.35) and 14 sub-adult MYLF. These
numbers were similar to 2009 detections when 12 adults and 2 sub-adults were found. In 2010,
reproduction was confirmed; 10 larvae were found in a shallow grassy area flooded by beaver dams. In
2010, the number of beaver dams found along Lone Rock Creek increased to 13, from 4 in 2009.
Other species found during surveys included long-toed salamander, Pacific chorus frog and Western
toad.
Table 6. Summary of amphibian and reptile captures and population estimates for MYLF at Lone Rock
Creek, Plumas National Forest. Surveys were conducted Aug 18-21, 2010. Estimated abundances ( ) are
model averaged estimates using closed capture methods in program MARK.
Site ID
QLG007
Species
MYLF
MYLF
MYLF
WT
PCF
LTS
Life Stage
Adult
Sub-Adult
Larvae
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Larvae
Total
Number
8
14
10
1
6
20
N
8.1
Estimated Abundance
SE
95% CI
0.35
8-9
Species Codes: MYLF = Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (R.sierra); WT = Western Toad (B. boreas); PCF = Pacific Chorus Frog (P. regilla); LTS = Long
Toed Salamander (A. macrodactlym).
Boulder Creek (Lowe Flat)
Treatment Summary: No treatments with the Wildcat Project have been completed to date. No NEPA
has been completed for the Wildcat Project and at this time, this project is currently not on the schedule
of proposed actions for the Plumas NF. It is unlikely that the Wildcat Project will be completed prior to
the termination date for the HFQLG Pilot Project. However, this site is of low priority, but being carried
forward for the full 4 years since it is believed to have value as a long term biological/ecological
monitoring site.
Species Surveys: Because no MYLF were found at the Boulder Creek site, Lowe Flat (QLGLF1), in 2009,
we did not do CMR surveys but instead extended the survey effort to three additional sites outside of
Lowe Flat. The first site was the stream reach continuing approximately 1.5 km upstream of Lowe Flat
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on Boulder Creek (QLG005), the second site was a tributary west of Boulder Creek (QLG006), and the
third was a meadow at the head of the tributary (QLGBM1). Two days, August 22-23, 2010, were spent
surveying these areas (including Lowe flat) for amphibians (Table 7).
No MYLF were found at Lowe Flat for the 2nd consecutive year. Lowe Flat meadow appeared drier and
was significantly grazed by Livestock in 2010. All vegetation was grazed to the ground level with
trampling and cow dung evident throughout Lowe Flat. Independent observations by forest biologists in
2008 and 2010 indicated water quality was significantly affected by a combination of sediment and cow
dung giving the surface water a green milky appearance.
Three adult and 6 subadult MYLF were found along Boulder Creek upstream of Lowe Flat. Surveys at the
two other sites did not detect MYLF.
Other species found during surveys at Boulder Creek include long-toed salamander, California newt and
Pacific chorus frogs.
Table 7. Summary of Amphibian and Reptile captures in the vicinity of Boulder Creek (Lowe Flat),
Plumas National Forest. Surveys were conducted August 22-23, 2009. Estimated abundances ( ) of
MYLF were not modeled because the total number of captured animals was too low.
Site ID
Species
Life Stage
QLG005 & QLGLF1
(8/22/10)
MYLF
Adult
MYLF
WT
PCF
PCF
LTS
TGS
GSs
MYLF
MYLF
PCF
LTS
TGS
CGS
GSs
PCF
PCF
LTS
CN
Sub-Adult
QLG005 (8/23/10)
QLG006
QLGBM1
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Larvae
Larvae
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult
Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Larvae
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Adult/Sub-Adult
Larvae
Larvae
Total
Number
2
N
Estimated Abundance
SE
95% CI
1
1
117
31
34
2
5
1
6
20
21
1
3
1
1
2
2
3
Species Codes: MYLF = Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (R.sierra); WT = Western Toad (B. boreas); PCF = Pacific Chorus Frog (P. regilla); LTS = Long
Toed Salamander (A. macrodactlym); TGS = Terrestrial Garter Snake (T.elegans); GSs = Garter Snake spp.(Thamnophis spp.);. CGS = Common
Garter Snake (T. sirtalis); CN = California Newt (T. torosa).
RECOMMENDATIONS:
8
•
Having found several MYLF individuals on Boulder Creek (QLG005), conduct CMR at this reach in the
future.
•
Seek locations where MYLF reproduction is occurring, particularly in the vicinity of SF Rock Creek
(QLG008) and Boulder Creek (QLG005) where adults have been detected but no larvae have yet
been found.
•
Consider removing Potosi Creek (Howland Flat) as a HFQLG Monitoring site. This site has been
monitored for 2 years and not revealed the presence of MYLF.
•
Consider adding Perazzo Meadow as a HFQLG monitoring site. The site has pre-treatment
information, has MYLF and was treated in 2009 and 2010 with pond and plug treatments.
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PCR assay. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 60:141-148.
Burnham, K. P., and D. R. Anderson. 1998. Model selection and inference: a practical informationtheoretic approach. Springer-Verlag, New York, New York, USA. 353 pp.
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