Impacts of Water Levels on Breeding Canada Geese and Methods for Mitigation and Management in the Southern Flathead Valley, Montana, 1983-1987 Final Report.
Kerr Hydroelectric Dam is located at the south end of Flathead Lake, controls water levels on the lake and the Flathead River below the dam, and is currently operated as a load control facility. Current operation of Kerr Dam creates the greatest yearly water level fluctuations on both the lake and river during the Canada goose (Branta canadensis moffitti) brood and nesting period. Data collected from 1980-1982 indicated that goose nest numbers on the river were lower than during the 1950's, and that brood habitat on the lake may be limiting the goose population there. Our study was conducted from 1983-1987 to determine the effects of Kerr Dam operation on Canada goose populations and habitat on the south half of Flathead Lake and the Flathead River, and to formulate management and mitigation recommendations. Nesting geese on the river appeared to be negatively affected by a lack of nest sites free from predators, and responded to available artificial nest structures with an increase in nest numbers and nesting success. Under current dam operation, river channel depths and widths do not discourage access to nesting islands by mammalian predators during some years and high predation on ground nests occurs. Intensively used brood areas on the lake and river were identified and described. Brood habitat on the lake was lower in quality and quantity than on the river due to dam operations. Gosling mortality on the lake was high, almost 2 times higher than on the river. Lake broods expended more energy obtaining food than river broods. Losses of brood habitat in the form of wet meadow marshes were documented and mitigation options developed. Management/mitigation alternatives and monitoring methods for nesting and brooding geese were identified.
- Research Organization:
- Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Pablo, MT (USA); Bureau of Indian Affairs, Ronan, MT (USA). Flathead Agency; Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Missoula (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- United States. Bonneville Power Administration.
- DOE Contract Number:
- 1983BP10062
- OSTI ID:
- 5692559
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/BP-10062-3; R&D Project: 1983-002-00; ON: DE88003962
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Impacts of Water Levels on Breeding Canada Geese and the Methodology for Mitigation and Enhancement in the Flathead Drainage, 1984 Annual Report.
Effects of Water Levels on Productivity of Canada Geese in the Northern Flathead Valley, Final Report.
Related Subjects
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
DAMS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
GEESE
HABITAT
REPRODUCTION
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
LAKES
MITIGATION
MONTANA
MORTALITY
RECOMMENDATIONS
WATER RESERVOIRS
ANIMALS
BIRDS
FEDERAL REGION VIII
FOWL
NORTH AMERICA
POWER PLANTS
SURFACE WATERS
USA
VERTEBRATES
Canada geese - Montana - Flathead Lake - Reproduction
130600* - Hydro Energy- Environmental Aspects
520500 - Environment
Aquatic- Site Resource & Use Studies- (-1989)