County, Features

White River Algae Study Update

Colorado Parks and Wildlife technicians collect aquatic bugs from the White River streambed as part of a study on causes of algal bloom.
MINDY MAY/CPW PHOTO

RBC | The White River Algae Study is beginning to wind down the second year of data collection. The goal of the study is to determine what is driving algal growth in the White River.

The 2019 White River flows peaked at nearly 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) compared to about 2,000 cfs in 2018. Additionally, there was an extended run-off period providing a great contrast in data for the first two years of the White River Algae Study. 

Local citizens were heavily involved in the White River Algae Study this spring and summer. White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts’ manager Tristan Nielsen collected water samples and Meeker Sanitation District manager, Kurt Nielsen, tested the samples for nitrate levels to determine if/when levels were high enough for the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to collect and test isotopes. 

As the runoff subsided, multiple citizens took pictures weekly and/or daily to assist in identifying the peak algae bloom for USGS data collection. In 2018 the peak algae bloom occurred in mid-July however, in 2019 it didn’t occur until mid to late August in the upper stretches of the White River. During the last week of August Rio Blanco County surveyor Leif Joy, flew the river to take pictures with a drone. Local resident Bob Regulski installed a continuous video and temperature gauge that were streamed live to several agencies for constant monitoring access. It is reported that there is much less filamentous green algae (Cladophora) this year. 

Based on the scope of work developed by the White River Technical Advisory Group (TAG), USGS continues to utilize 20 semi-random sites above Meeker for data collection. During the month of June, multiple USGS staff members completed scouring flow measurements, Isotopic sampling at nine sites (four of which had enough nitrate for lab analysis), and a pre-peak algae nutrient synopsis.

In order to complement the USGS algae study, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Trout Unlimited (TU) are collecting stream temperature and benthic macroinvertebrate (“aquatic bug”) data.

In the fall of 2018, CPW and TU collected bug samples from a total of 10 sites on the North Fork (4), South Fork (3), and main stem of the White River (3). The bug samples were submitted to a lab for analyses and the calculation of site-specific multimetric index (MMI) scores. In simple terms, an MMI score is a quantitative indicator of stream health.  Another preliminary finding of interest was that average MMI scores did not differ significantly between the North and South forks of the White River. CPW and TU will gather additional bug data this fall.

Earlier this year, CPW and TU deployed two data-logging temperature sensors at 19 of the 20 USGS sampling sites. The sensors, which are protected by short lengths of metal pipe and anchored to the streambed, record stream temperature every hour on the hour.  Anyone finding an unsecured temperature logger in the river is asked to bring it to the CPW office in Meeker.

Additionally, CPW installed one time-lapse camera on the main stem of the White River. The camera is set to take two pictures of the river each day. Pictures from the camera will be used to monitor the duration of visible algae and determine when peak algal growth occurred.

In the coming weeks USGS will be processing all samples collected in August to be sent to appropriate laboratories.  Results will be looked at and compared to 2018 at a cursory level for discussion at the next TAG meeting. It is anticipated the scouring flow data will be analyzed in November and isotope data results will be interpreted as soon as they are received from the lab. 

The next White River Algae Technical Advisory Group (TAG) meeting will likely be in November or December, after the agencies have the opportunity to complete more analyses and can share preliminary findings.

The White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts (Districts) wish to thank the financial contributors to the 2019 Algae study: Colorado River Conservation District, Colorado State Conservation Board (matching grant program through White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts), Elk Creek Ranch, Meeker Sanitation, Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District, Rob & Melani Walton Foundation, Town of Meeker, Trout Unlimited, Westlands Ranch, Yampa/White/Green Basin Roundtable—Water Supply Reserve Fund, and United States Geological Survey (USGS).  Additionally, the Districts thank the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for providing equipment, Rio Blanco County for provided staff time and equipment to capture photographs of the river with a drone, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Trout Unlimited for continuing the studies that complement the USGS Scope of Work as noted above.

For more information on the White River Algae Study, please visit the Districts’ website at www.whiterivercd.com or contact the District office at 970-878-9838.

By CALLIE HENDRICKSON | Special to the Herald Times

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  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
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Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
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  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
2 hours ago
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1/9
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
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Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
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A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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View on Instagram |
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Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
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