Primary Literature

Barton, D. and W. Taylor (1985). "Dimensions of Riparian Buffer Strips Required to Maintain Trout Habitat in Southern Ontario Streams." North American Journal of Fisheries Management Vol. 5.

This study found that wider buffer strips along streams help to keep stream temperatures cooler and suitable for trout.  I used this information to stress the importance of stream buffers in the Spring Brook watershed.  There are only a few wooded corridors along Spring Brook.  The establishment of these corridors could have tremendous positive outcomes for the trout habitat of this stream.

Gartner, W. e. a. (2002). "Economic Impacts and Social Benefits Study of Cold Water Angling in Minnesota." Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

This document provided an overview of coldwater angling in Minnesota.  I used this source to find information relevant to the economic and social benefits involved with fishing for trout.  This source provided valuable information to my project, as I was able to show that fishing for trout makes positive contributions to the local economy.  The main sources of economic gain resulting from fishing are derived from the purchasing of appropriate licenses and transportation costs.

Hunter, C. "Better Trout Habitat: A Guide to Stream Restoration and Management." Island Press, 1990.

This book provides an overview of trout habitat characteristics and methods of habitat improvement.  I used this source to support my own analysis of the trout habitat of Spring Brook.  It provided details about the need for habitat characteristics like bank cover, instream debris, and sinuous stream channels.

Kondolf, GM 1995. Five elements for effective evaluation of stream restoration. Restoration Ecology 3:133-136.

This journal article provided information about the negative effects of gravel mining in close proximity to trout streams.  The watershed of Spring Brook holds numerous gravel deposits, and gravel mining developments have been proposed for the area.  I used this source as support for the opposition of gravel mining in the interest of the brook trout habitat.  This article provided detailed descriptions of how gravel mining can lead to the destruction of trout spawning habitat due to increased sedimentation of streams.

Marcuson, P. (1998). " The effect of cattle grazing on brown trout in Rock Creek, Montana." Montana Department of Fish and Game, Helena (USA).

The watershed of Spring Brook contains numerous feedlots where cattle graze in close proximity to the stream.  This journal article provided an overview of the negative impacts cattle grazing can have on trout habitat and populations.  I used this information to support my claim that cattle grazing along Spring Brook could endanger the unique brook trout habitat of the stream.

Palenshus, D. (2003). "Focus on water temperatures in the lower Skagit River Basin." Washington Department of Ecology.

This article covered the effects of high temperatures on trout, and the need to maintain cooler water temperatures.  This article focused on the sources of increasing water temperatures, especially sedimentation.  I used the information from this source to educate my audience on the need to prevent sediment from entering Spring Brook.  If Spring Brook receives increased sediment from agricultural runoff, the cool water temperatures that currently support brook trout could be jeopardized.

Schmitt, C. (1998). "Habitat suitability index model for brook trout in streams of the southern Blue Ridge province surrogate variables, model evaluation, and suggested improvements (SuDoc I 49.89/2:93(18))." U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service National Technical Information Service [distributor; (1993).

This source provides a method for analyzing the suitability of a stream habitat for trout.  I did not use the suitability index in my evaluation of the Spring Brook trout habitat, but I did take valuable information about the classic features of a trout habitat from this source.  I used this information in the section of my project that showcases Spring Brook as a prime habitat for brook trout.

Stuber, R., R. Johnson, et al. (1985). "Trout habitat, abundance, and fishing opportunities in fenced vs unfenced riparian habitat along Sheep Creek, Colorado." USDA For. Serv. Arapaho and Roosevelt Natl. For., Fort Collins, CO, USA.

This journal article shows how trout abundance and size increases if riparian areas are fenced off from cattle grazing.  I used this source to show how the trout population of Spring Brook may be improved if similar actions are taken along this stream.  There are numerous feedlots in the Spring Brook watershed, and the evidence of cattle interaction with the stream and riparian habitat is everywhere.  Currently, it does not appear that cattle grazing is causing a sever impact to Spring Brook, but this source provides evidence that fencing improves fish production.

Sweka, J. and P. Hartman (1999). "Influence of turbidity on the foraging success of brook trout and smallmouth bass." College of West Virginia Department of Forestry.

This journal article provides evidence that sedimentation of trout streams reduces the ability of trout to forage and escape predation.  I used this information as further support for conservation practices within the Spring Brook watershed to reduce sedimentation to the stream.  Sedimentation of Spring Book could upset the fragile food chain of the stream if brook trout lose the ability to forage effectively.

Cannon River Watershed Partnership Documents

Minutes from Spring Brook Committee meetings

These documents provided a valuable look into some of the values that local residents place on the stream.  By reviewing these minutes, I was able to find out more about the various acts of conservation that have taken place or are planned for the future. 

Spring Brook Committee Report

This document provided a detailed overview of the Spring Brook watershed.  It covered the hydrology, geology, land-use, recreational uses, and zoning laws that are applicable to the stream.  It also provided information about the stream's conservation history.  I was able to find out about the DNR easements that were purchased and and information about city planning ordinances that affect the health of the watershed.