1. The name of my chose body of water is the Oak Creek.
2. The location of this Creek starts in the Oak Creek canyon and flow about 40 miles eventually leading into the Verde River. The spot I like to go to is about 5 miles from my house.
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5. This stream, or collection of streams, eventually flow into the Verde River.
6. Three species of fish that habitat this stream are Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides), and Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris).
7. I was not able to find any information about non-native fish in the Oak Creek.
8. The agency responsible for this stream is called The Oak Creek Watershed Council.
9. The mission of this agency is “Maintaining a standard of excellence for this watershed stewardship and preserving the integrity of Oak Creek.”
10. Having native fish in the Oak Creek enhances the quality of life for residents by providing a local food source that is natural to our environment. Native fish to the Oak Creek have been consuming the same source of food for years and is an important piece of keeping the natural wildlife in balance.
11. All of the fish in the Oak Creek are at Risk of disease and/or extinction. The main ones in Danger are The Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides), Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris). The cause of this risk is the increase of fecal contamination Escherichia coli (E. coli). Actions are being taken right now to secure the protection of the Oak Creeks and solve this contamination issue.
12. The Oak Creek is much smaller, both in width and length, than the Verde River. The Oak Creek eventually flows into the Verde River so can be considered a part of it is some respect. One of the many vegetations that grow along or near the Oak Creek is watercress. A spring located in Munds Canyone that flows into the Oak Creek has a surplus of watercress in a few areas that I have eaten many times. It is delicious and nutritious. Other vegetation that grows along the Oak Creek is Black Walnut, Wild Grapes, Black Berries.
Many forms of Wildlife can be found near the Oak Creek such as: Elk, Deer, Rabbits, Snakes, Mountain Lions, Bobcats, and Coyotes. The width of the creek can range anywhere from 10 feet to about 30 feet and though usually shallow for the majority it can reach up 10 feet deep in certain locations.
13. I learned a lot about the origin of the Oak Creek for instance how it comes from many Seeps and Springs that percolate through the Coconino Sandstone from the Mogollon Rim. Another key piece of information I learned about this Stream is the accumulation of fecal matter that is continuously putting its habitat and local attendants at risk for water related illnesses.
14. One question I have about the Oak Creek in particular is how they are specifically cleaning it and have they been successful in reducing the contamination of fecal matter and presence of E. Coli Bacteria.
It is interesting about the non-natives being threatened by fecal contamination. I suppose native are diminishing due to that, too.So addressing the importance of native fish, I think about biodiversity, natural services, the role of these fish in the trophic levels. They are feeding on aquatic vegetation (and other material) that can accumulate in the creek. Non-natives may be mostly carnivores that eat the natives! The importance of the biodiversity enhanced by natives is to simply keep all the parts of an ecosystem, since we know so little and may be making big mistakes with disruption. Thanks for your report!
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