The Arroyo Seco Foundation is the leader in stewardship of the Upper Arroyo Seco stream. After the Bobcat Fire, thousands of rainbow trout were relocated to the Upper Arroyo Seco. ASF has been monitoring the trout population, evaluating their habitat, and measuring water quality parameters. ASF’s Environmental Scientists regularly lead volunteers and citizen scientists on hikes up the canyon stream to monitor trout presence, number, size, and whether their adipose fin has been clipped (a method used for tagging the relocated trout). The survey also consists of measuring stream water quality parameters including temperature, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. Monitoring the water quality provides valuable information regarding habitat and survivability. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our team utilizes the ESRI Field Maps Application to collect data on mobile devices that are connected to dynamically updated databases and dashboards to increase efficiency. The stretch of the Upper Arroyo that is monitored can be seen in the map below. Because of the presence of human-made structures such as the Brown Mountain Dam, Arizona Crossings, and other barriers that obstruct stream flow in the Arroyo and which prevent trout migration, it is imperative that we serve as stewards of the habitat. Our research is shared with local and state agencies, which is necessary for improving conditions and sustaining the trout population, as they can no longer migrate to the ocean.

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