3.5.1.2 Species of Greatest Conservation Need

Shiners

Two shiners, the Emerald Shiner (Notropis atherinoides) and Golden Shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) (family Leuciscidae), are nonnative nongame species that provide forage for larger introduced predators, such as Walleye (WGFD 2010). Emerald Shiners are a pelagic species found in larger streams and impoundments with aquatic vegetation (MTNHP and MTFWP 2020). They feed on zooplankton and small aquatic insects. Emerald Shiners reach reproductive maturity at two years and spawn from July to August.

Golden Shiners are associated with ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams with aquatic vegetation (MTNHP and MTFWP 2020). They feed on zooplankton, aquatic insects, and vegetation, and larger individuals may consume snails and small fish. Golden Shiners reach maturity at two years of age and spawn from May to August.

Gizzard Shad

Gizzard Shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) (family Clupeidae) are a nonnative nongame species that are typically introduced to bodies of water to provide supplemental foraging for predators such as bass or Walleye to lessen impacts to stocked trout (Marwitz and Hubert 1997; WGFD 2010). Gizzard Shad are sensitive to low temperatures, and cool winter seasons often function as a population control mechanism due to die-offs (Williamson and Nelson 1985). Typically, Gizzard Shad are abundant in large, sluggish rivers, impoundments, lakes, swamps, and floodwater pools, and feed on zooplankton. They spawn in May, broadcasting eggs over submerged objects such as rocks or logs near the shore (ODNR 2012).

Common Carp

Common Carp (family Cyprinidae) are a nonnative nongame species and are one of the most introduced in the world. They are tolerant of most habitat conditions although they prefer large eutrophic lakes with soft vegetated bottoms (Barus et al. 2001). They can cause significant environmental damage to lakes and rivers based on their feeding behavior and rapid reproduction (Lackman et. al. 2019). They typically spawn in late spring in response to higher water temperatures from seasonal rainfall events. A single female can produce as many as 300,000 eggs per spawn and can produce as many as one million eggs in a lifetime. Carp are omnivorous and will feed on crustaceans, aquatic worms, small fish, and submerged aquatic vegetation including algae. They are targeted by bow fishers and anglers on occasion in Seminoe Reservoir.

3.5.1.2 Species of Greatest Conservation Need

WGFD designates Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) to “identify species whose conservation status warrants increased management attention, funding, as well as consideration in conservation, land use, and development planning in Wyoming” (WGFD 2017c). Two native game fish species and 13 nongame fish species are classified as SGCN; however, both of the game species (Sauger and Shovelnose Sturgeon) and three nongame species (Goldeye, Plains Minnow, and Sturgeon Chub) have been extirpated from the Platte River Basin (WGFD 2017c) (Table 3.5-2).

This section discusses those SGCN that may occur within the Platte River Basin. Species lists have been developed using the State of Wyoming’s Natural Resource and Energy Explorer tool. No recent observations of these species are known to have occurred in Seminoe Reservoir based on fisheries surveys by the WGFD in biannual surveys or by Black Canyon during the 2021 Resident Fish Survey Study (HDR 2022b).

Final License Application – Exhibit E Seminoe Pumped Storage Project

Table 3.5-2. Fish Species of Greatest Conservation Need Present in the Platte River Basin

Common Name Scientific Name Habitat

Bigmouth Shiner Notropis dorsalis Low gradient streams with perennial flow; sand substrate; open water free of cover or vegetation. Stable. Severe – extensive fragmentation.

Brassy Minnow Hybognathus hankinsoni Clear water and weedy ponds and streams; slow runs or pools with mud bottoms.

Common Shiner Luxilus cornutus Habitat generalist; cool, clear streams with gravel substrates, little vegetation, and flowing water.

Flathead Chub Platygobio gracilis Main channels of sandy, turbid streams with small substrates, deep water, and woody debris.

Hornyhead Chub Nocomis biguttatus Clear streams with riffle habitat and gravel substrates; minimal aquatic vegetation; thalweg depths greater than 1.5 feet.

Iowa Darter Etheostoma exile Cool, slow-moving vegetated waters with little to no turbidity and sand or gravel substrates.

Northern Plains Killifish Fundulus zebrinus Generalists; shallow streams with sand or gravel substrates.

Population Status Habitat Limiting Factor

Vulnerable - declining populations and decreasing distribution.

Vulnerable - limited, and possibly declining distribution. Vulnerable - increases in habitat loss likely.

Moderate - increasing losses likely.

Some populations vulnerable where in low abundance and altered habitats; other populations stable and secure.

Imperiled due to restricted distribution; found only in Laramie and North Laramie Rivers.

Vulnerable due to decreasing abundance and distribution, especially over the last decade.

Stable - Distribution and abundance appears stable over the last decade. Severe - limited availability of shallow, sandy habitat.

Impoundments have reduced population size and distribution; reduced turbidity, altered temperature regimes, and flow regulation. Severe - limited habitat in Wyoming.

Severe - increasing turbidity, pollution, and drainage of wetlands. Also impacted by nonnative species introductions.

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Final License Application – Exhibit E Seminoe Pumped Storage Project

Common Name Scientific Name Habitat

Orangethroat Darter

Plains Topminnow

Suckermouth Minnow Etheostoma spectabile Clear to moderately turbid water with gravel substrates; slow riffles or pools free of silt. Fundulus sciadicus Shallow, slow water in clear streams with heavy vegetation and sand or gravel substrate. Also found in vegetation-filled sloughs and backwaters. Phenacobius mirabilis Riffles of warm streams with gravel or sand substrates. Avoid intermittent streams and cool streams.

Source: WGFD 2020b.

Population Status Habitat Limiting Factor

Greatly restricted distribution. Severe - limited habitat range in Wyoming.

Vulnerable - limited and possibly declining distribution in native range. Severe - limited availability of shallow, backwater habitats.

Imperiled - greatly restricted distribution. Severe - limited habitat in Wyoming.

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