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AUTHORS: Calvin R. Rezac; Jeff M. Williams, Hope R. Dodd, David G. Peitz, J. Tyler Cribbs, Katie N. Bertrand, and Brian D. S. Graeb
ABSTRACT: Pipestone National Monument (PIPE) is a historic prairie community located in the southwest region of Minnesota. Endemic fish species, in Pipestone Creek, such as the T&E Topeka Shiner (Notropis topeka) are impacted by land usage within the creek’s watershed and serve as biological indicators of the stream’s condition. The objectives of the continuing study are to establish the status and tendencies in fish community composition, and to associate this community data to water quality and habitat conditions at PIPE. From 2001-2010 and 2013-2016, data was gathered from two reaches. The reach above Winnewissa Falls revealed day-to-day fluctuating dissolved oxygen levels producing in low species richness (2-7), diversity (SI=0.27-0.81), stream integrity (IBI rating=poor/fair), and fish abundance. The community was made up mostly of tolerant species. In contrast, the downstream reach, at the exit of the park, had higher species richness (7-14), diversity (SI=0.46-0.87), stream integrity (IBI=fair/good) and consisted of more sensitive species, as well as Topeka Shiner. Fish community monitoring suggests that the downstream reach at PIPE is more supportive for prairie fish species than the above reach, where the creek enters the park. Accordingly, the park may provide refuge for the endangered Topeka Shiner and other endemic fishes inside the Pipestone Creek watershed.
