Abstract: Successful restoration of brook trout in the Smith Creek watershed will depend on a reduct

1
Shade it and they will come! Validation of a
temperature model for brook trout restoration in
Smith Creek
Abstract Successful restoration of brook trout
in the Smith Creek watershed will depend on a
reduction of stream temperature. We plan on
conducting an artificial shading experiment
(Summer 2007) to simulate the potential of a
hardwood canopy reducing stream temperature.
Recently planted trees will provide this
potential canopy in 10 -20 years. The shading
experiment will provide information on future
potential brook trout habitat and refuge without
waiting 10 years. Previous studies have created
stream temperature prediction models to manage
habitat and determine refuge areas within
watersheds for cool water species. Influences on
stream temperature such as daily solar
insulation, riparian shading, air velocity, air
temperature, relative humidity, and groundwater
input are often used to create these models.
Understanding the location of coldwater refuges
and temporal patterns within a watershed is
essential in management, conservation, and
restoration of stream ecosystems and coldwater
species. Authors D. Brad Fink finkdb_at_jmu.edu,
Christine May maycl_at_jmu.edu, Jeremy M. Shiflet
shiflejm_at_jmu.edu, Sara Sweeten sweetese_at_jmu.edu,
Mark Hudy hudymx_at_jmu.edu, James Madison
University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, 540-568-8152.