By: Jack Harrell, Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project Fish Trapping & Research Division and L.B., a Paul Sweet Road resident .
Survey began at culverts north of Santa Cruz Harbor continuing approximately 2 miles upstream to Paul Sweet Road (L.B.’s property). Jack wore wet suit, scuba gear, and used an underwater camera. L.B. wore chest high waders and used a machete to traverse the thick vegetation.
Wildlife counted:
Type of Wildlife |
# Counted |
Approx. Size(inches) |
Location |
|
Birds:
|
|||
| Great Blue Heron |
1
|
Above culverts at Harbor | |
| Egret |
1
|
Above culverts at Harbor | |
| Mallard |
1
|
Above culverts at Harbor | |
| Fish: | |||
| 3-Spine Stickleback |
3, 1
|
2″, 1 3/4 “
|
Capitola Rd Extension, below cemetary |
| Crawfish |
1
|
4″
|
Capitola Rd. Extension |
| unknown |
1
|
2″
|
Capitola Rd. Extension |
| Stream Skulpin |
1
|
2 1/2 “
|
|
| Rainbow Trout |
1
|
8″
|
Behind Jeffery’s Restaurant |
| Crayfish |
2
|
8″
|
Above fish ladder at Harbor High School |
| Crayfish |
1
|
5″
|
Lance’s property |
| Salmonid Fry (steelhead or trout fry) |
71
|
3/4″-1″
|
Water too milky to distinguish their markings |
| Mammals: | |||
| Deer |
2
|
In stream on Harbor High School property | |
| Racoon (prints) | Along edge of creek in several places. | ||
Trash:
- Tires ~ 40
- Cans / Batteries
- Socks and Grocery Carts
Water Attributes:
- Pools, riffles, and graves in a number of locations
- 5′ hidden water fall is a barrier to fish migration, however fry found above the falls (may be released fish).
- Blue hazy color of water making for a cloudy turbidity.
- Yellowish brown water flowing from tributary at the Oakwood cemetary
Conclusions:
-
Site of Homeless camp upstream from Brookwood Road crossing
-
Since no adult fish were seen, the chance of predation is great. Likely they have been eaten by racoon or by humans fishing or trapping them.
-
Arana is a viable habitat for salmonid. Concentrate habitat enhancement in pools and gravel areas where fry were counted.
-
Next year do an April survey to find adults. Historically this was probably home to 20 adult steelhead and trout.
-
Consider installing swinging bar covers over the four culverts at harbor to prevent seal predation.
-
Plan a stream cleanup.
Summary submitted by Bobbie Haver, AGWA Coordinator from field notes and interviews 5/26/99