2004 Summary. A proposal to continue work on this project was submitted to DLIA on 13 February 2004; that proposal was funded on 2 April 2004. Two collecting trips to the Park were planned and conducted in 2004 - May and September/October (20-30 sites), concentrating on low gradient streams as well as springs, and wetland habitats. In addition, we also increased our efforts to collect crayfishes from all sites -- to further document the distribution of this group in the Park, and to obtain branchiobdellidans (ecto-commensal worms closely aligned with the oligochaetes) in anticipation of funding from the National Science Foundation to conduct research on this group.
During our first collecting trip to the Park in 2004 (15-21 May), surveys for aquatic oligochaetes and other macroinvertebrates were conducted at seven stream sites, one springrun, one limestone sink, two terrestrial habitats [for earthworms: in search of Amynthas hawayensis, the Chinese jumper - an introduced species], three wetland/gog/mucky areas, one small pond [dry this visit], and Cades Cove sewage treatment lagoon [lower pond]); more specific locality information for these sites is provided below.
Our September trip to the Park, postponed because of elevated levels of precipitation in and adjacent to the Park from hurricanes Frances and Ivan, was conducted 18-22 October; during this visit, three spring/seep areas and 10 streams were surveyed (more specific locality information provided below). A highlight of this trip was the opportunity to work with Cherokee High School science students during both laboratory and field sessions on Monday 18 October, involving them in the collection and study of aquatic invertebrates during a class field trip to the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center at Purchase Knob. We were assisted during this field trip by class instructor Miki Powell, and NPS science education outreach personnel Susan Sachs, Jonathan Mays, and Jennifer Krell. After a general introduction by Susan (the Park, the Purchase Learning Center, its ongoing research projects, and the ATBI program), we introduced the class to the common aquatic macroinvertebrates that occur locally (upper Hemphill Creek) using live specimens we had collected earlier that morning; we also discussed some of their habitat requirements and morphological characteristics and adaptations using live specimens -- both in large white pans and also using a video camera and monitor that were connected to a dissecting microscope. we then accompanied the students to a headwater stream of Hemphill Creek, where we demonstrated field collecting techniques for aquatic macroinvertebrates. Each of the students had the opportunity to collect aquatic macroinvertebrates from this stream, and also assisted in an ongoing salamander mark/recapture study being managed by Susan.
Locality information for each site noted below (to be completed soon) will be taken from current editions of USGS topographic quadrangle maps (USGS tqm). UTM = Universal Transverse Mercator System coordinates. Latitude and longitude coordinates obtained in the field using a Garman eTrex Vista GPS unit were recorded in decimal degrees, then verified using TopoZone.com prior to entry into fields in the project database. Elevation (water level of stream, or at spring outflow) is expressed in feet above mean sea level (MSL). Habitat characterizations, site photographs, and values for field water quality parameters monitored at each site during the biological survey will be posted here soon.
Abbreviated locality information for sites surveyed 16-19 May 2004.
GSMNP2004-1(A,B,C). USA: North Carolina, Swain Co., three adjacent sites located in a linear bog (nearly dry), ~1km N of Collins Creek picnic area (east side of Oconaluftee River, just south of small family grave site). 16 May 2004.
GSMNP2004-2. USA: North Carolina, Swain Co., Will Branch, ~1.4km N of Collins Creek picnic area (just upstream of confluence with Oconaluftee River). 16 May 2004.
GSMNP2004-3. USA: North Carolina, Swain Co., Oconaluftee River, immediately downstream of footbridge, ~1.2km N of Collins Creek picnic area. 16 May 2004.
GSMNP2004-4. USA: Tennessee, Blount Co., limestone sink, ~100m S of gravel road (from west side of Cades Cove loop road) to Abrams Creek / falls trailhead. 17 May 2004.
GSMNP2004-5. USA: Tennessee, Blount Co., pumphouse springrun, east side of Forge Creek Road (south of SW corner of Cades Cove). 17 May 2004.
GSMNP2004-6. USA: Tennessee, Blount Co., pond (when full, drains west via small tributary to Abrams Creek), in open pasture in south-central Cades Cove (NE of Lawson cemetery); dry during this visit (no collection). 17 May 2004.
GSMNP2004-7. USA: Tennessee, Blount Co., Cades Cove sewage treatment lagoon (dnstrm/west unit), at eastern end of Cades Cove. 17 May 2004.
GSMNP2004-8. USA: Tennessee, Blount Co., collection for terrestrial oligochaetes, specifically Amynthas hawayensis (Chinese jumper, an introduced species); along toe (base) of bluffs on east edge of Chilhowee Reservoir (at Park boundary, east side of US Hwy 129 / TN Hwy 72). 18 May 2004. Assistance with collections provided by Drs. Keith Langdon, Becky Nichols, and Janet Rock (NPS).
GSMNP2004-9. USA: Tennessee, Blount Co., collection for terrestrial oligochaetes, specifically Amynthas hawayensis (Chinese jumper, an introduced species); along toe (base) of bluffs on east edge of Chilhowee Reservoir (at Park boundary, east side of US Hwy 129 / TN Hwy 72). 18 May 2004. Assistance with collections provided by Drs. Keith Langdon, Becky Nichols, and Janet Rock (NPS).
GSMNP2004-10. USA: Tennessee, Blount Co., Chilogatee Branch, at its confluence with impounded arm of Chilhowee Reservoir (along NW edge of Happy Valley Road, ~650m NE of US Hwy 129 / TN Hwys115/72). 18 May 2004. Assistance with collections provided by Drs. Keith Langdon and Becky Nichols (NPS).
GSMNP2004-11. USA: Tennessee, Blount Co., lower (NW) end of mucky wetland complex, 300m upstream (SSE) of confluence of Cattail Branch with Tabcat Creek. 18 May 2004.
GSMNP2004-12. USA: Tennessee, Blount Co., Cattail Branch, 310m upstream (SSE) of confluence with Tabcat Creek. 18 May 2004.
GSMNP2004-13. USA: Tennessee, Blount Co., small unnamed stream, flowing in Whiteoak Sink area west of Schoolhouse Gap trail. 19 May 2004.
GSMNP2004-14. USA: Tennessee, Blount Co., linear mucky wetland-pool just NNE of Dosey Gap, along SW side of Schoolhouse Gap trail, just upstream of its trickle drainage (through small culvert under trail, in a SW direction) as headwater tributary of Meadow Branch. 19 May 2004.
GSMNP2004-15. USA: Tennessee, Blount Co., Spence Branch, along south side of Schoolhouse Gap trail (just north of parking area for trail). 19 May 2004.
GSMNP2004-16. USA: Tennessee, Blount Co., Meigs Creek, 25-45m downstream (NW) of Meigs Falls (40m upstream/SE of confluence with Little River. 19 May 2004.
Abbreviated locality information for sites surveyed 18-22 October 2004.
GSMNP2004-17. USA: North Carolina, Haywood County, upper Hemphill Creek, at trail crossing west of old cabin on Purchase property; 18 October 2004.
GSMNP2004-18. USA: North Carolina, Haywood County, upper Hemphill Creek seep/spring, E side of trail, ~350m NW of old cabin; on Purchase property; 18 October 2004.
GSMNP2004-19. USA: North Carolina, Haywood County, Purchase Knob Spring (W), on Purchase property; 18 October 2004.
GSMNP2004-20. USA: North Carolina, Haywood County, bottomland (old pond) drainage, ~250m NNW of Cataloochee Creek (mile 5.0) group campground [also, ~1.65 k NNE Cataloochee Ranger Station]; 19 October 2004.
GSMNP2004-21. USA: North Carolina, Haywood County, Hall Branch, 0.1km NW Cataloochee Creek (mile 5.0) group campground [also, ~1.5 k NNE Cataloochee Ranger Station]; 19 October 2004.
GSMNP2004-22. USA: North Carolina, Haywood County, Mossy Branch, ~0.6 km ENE Palmer Chapel, along north edge of open field on north side of Park road; 19 October 2004.
GSMNP2004-23. USA: North Carolina, Swain County, Laurel Branch, ~100m upstream(WNW) of the Lakeview Road bridge; 20 October 2004.
GSMNP2004-24. USA: North Carolina, Swain County, Middle Peachtree Creek, in open area, ~250m upstream (NNW) of the Lakeview Road culvert; 20 October 2004.
GSMNP2004-25. USA: North Carolina, Swain County, Peachtree Creek, ~150m upstream (NNW) of the Lakeview Road culvert; 20 October 2004.
GSMNP2004-26. USA: North Carolina, Swain County, Estes Branch, 5-15 m downstream trail culvert (~70m upstream confluence with Indian Creek; 22 October 2004.
GSMNP2004-27. USA: North Carolina, Swain County, Indian Creek, ~80m downslope (WSW) of old road/trail loop (~60m upstream confluence of Estes Branch), at end of Indian Creek service road/trail; 22 October 2004.
GSMNP2004-28. USA: North Carolina, Swain County, seep/spring, along east side (9m east) of Indian Creek trail (~200m S of confluence of Estes Branch with Indian Creek); 22 October 2004.
GSMNP2004-29. USA: North Carolina, Swain County, Georges Branch, 15-40m downstream (WSW) Deeplow Gap Trail culvert (~250m E confluence with Indian Creek); 22 October 2004.
Information pertaining to the processing of samples collected from the above sites soon will be linked from "Progress" in the navigation bar, below. Highlights of field work conducted in 2004, and a summary of research on this project completed to date, will be summarized in a presentation to participants at the 2004 annual meeting of DLIA (to convene at the Glenstone Lodge in Gatlinburg, TN, 7-10 December), and in a project report to be prepared and presented to DLIA in March 2005.
I encourage you to use the site navigation bar, below, to familiarize yourself with the various aspects of this project, the research and educational opportunities associated with Discover LIfe in America and the All Taxa Biodiversity program, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
page update: 3 September 2006