Stream geometry and sediment data was gathered for the Sucker Creek Road stream crossing on the Alcona-Black River by Service biologists Susan Wells and Andrea Ania with the assistance of Habitat Specialist Eric Nelson of Huron Pines Resource and Conservation District. 

This stream crossing consists of twin culverts that are perched and undersized.  These culverts are a barrier to native brook trout, have altered both upstream and downstream geomorphology, and are a source of non-point source pollution (sediment).  The survey was conducted up and downstream of the culvert, including a longitudinal profile, cross-sections, and riffle pebble counts. 

Local citizen members of the Alcona-Black Watershed Advisory Council (ABWAC) conducted a qualitative habitat assessment at this site later that day.  Ania and Nelson assisted the group in site assessment and macroinvertebrate identification.  Data collected from this site is being used by NRCS engineering staff to design improvements at the road-stream crossing and will be used for site monitoring. 

Volunteer involvement, habitat assessment, and stream survey efforts are consistent with the Partnerships and Accountability, Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Management, and Leadership in Science and Technology priorities of the Service’s Fisheries Program Vision for the Future.