- Progress Report -



Aquatic Oligochaeta
(Annelida, Clitellata)
of the

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
North Carolina and Tennessee



Submitted To

Discover Life In America, Inc.
All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory Program
1314 Cherokee Orchard Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

For Inclusion in
The Annual Meeting of DLIA
to convene at the
Glenstone Lodge / Days Inn
Airport Road, Gatlinburg, TN
8-10 December 1999

By

Mark J. Wetzel
Associate Research Biologist
Illinois Natural History Survey
Center for Biodiversity
172 N.R.B., MC-652
607 E. Peabody Drive
Champaign, IL 61820
Tel.: 217.244-2108
E-Mail: mjwetzel@uiuc.edu

1 December 1999

Introduction

The class Oligochaeta represents the most diverse and widely distributed group of annelids in freshwater habitats in North America. Oligochaetes commonly are an important and often dominant component of the benthic community. Surprisingly, however, oligochaetes rarely are identified beyond class or family level because of perceived difficulty in taxonomic resolution. Recent publications have focused on the distribution, ecology, classification, taxonomy, and systematics of aquatic oligochaetes at the North American level (Hiltunen & Klemm 1980; Stimpson et al. 1982; Klemm 1985; Brinkhurst 1986; Madill et al. 1992; Kathman & Brinkhurst 1998). Other published papers have documented the occurrence of aquatic oligochaetes at the regional level (Spencer 1980 - Great Lakes; Strayer 1990 - northeastern US), and state level (Altman 1936, Smith 1984, and Spencer & Wisseman 1993 - Washington; Howmiller & Loden 1976 - Wisconsin; Wetzel 1982 - Kansas; Whitley 1982 - North and South Carolina; Wetzel 1992 - Illinois; Milligan 1998 - Florida; Wetzel 1999 - Arizona; and Britton & Wetzel 1999 - Hawaii). Several of these publications include useful keys appropriate for use in the southeastern U.S.

To date, over 180 species of freshwater oligochaetes representing eight families and over 65 genera are known to occur in North America; of these, eight families, 49 genera, and 110 species occur in the southeastern U.S. No published papers, however, have summarized the distribution of aquatic oligochaetes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). This report summarizes progress to date on a preliminary inventory of aquatic worms (Annelida, Clitellata, Oligochaeta) occurring in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP), North Carolina and Tennessee.

Background

At the encouragement of Dr. John Morse (Co-coordinator, Inventory Design, Discover Life In America Board of Directors, Clemson University, Clemson, SC), Mr. Wetzel submitted a proposal to conduct this preliminary survey in August 1999. The proposal, submitted to the Discover Life in America, Inc. (DLIA) - All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory Program (ATBI), was successful in the review process, and funds were awarded on 1 September 1999. Because the requested funds for this and several other proposals submitted exceeded the level of available funds, a smaller level of funding was awarded to Mr. Wetzel (and presumably to the other scientists who submitted proposals). Fortunately, the funds awarded were able to support one collecting trip to the GSMNP, which was completed in late September 1999.

As part of the planning process, Mr. Wetzel established an active website summarizing published records of aquatic oligochaetes, as well as records of other aquatic and terrestrial annelids (Branchiobdellida, Hirudinea, and megadrile oligochaetes) known to occur in the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

The URL for the website is:
http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu:80/~mjwetzel/AqAnnel.GSMNP.html

This list is relatively complete, and is based upon a volume in a series being underwritten by the American Fisheries Society Committee on Names of Aquatic Invertebrates (for which Mr. Wetzel currently serves as Recording Secretary). Members of this Committee since 1989, Dr. Kathryn A. Coates (Bermuda Biological Station for Research, Inc.) and Mr. Wetzel are co-editing the Annelida Volume in this series, with contributions from other oligochaetologists and annelid systematists working in North America; this volume will include all freshwater, marine, estuarine, and terrestrial annelids occurring in North America and its coastal waters.

Site Locality Information

Prior to our visit to the GSMNP, Mr. Wetzel discussed possible sites with Dr. Becky Nichols (Entomologist, GSMNP, Twin Creeks Research Center, Gatlinburg), and with other scientists familiar with the Park. On Friday, 24 September, additional suggestions for collecting sites were received while visiting Dr. Nichols and Dr. Jody Flemming at the Twin Creeks Research Center.

Twelve aquatic sampling sites within the Park were surveyed for the presence of freshwater Annelida (and other freshwater macroinvertebrates) by Mark J. Wetzel and M.A. Peggy Morgan (Environmental Specialist II, Florida Department of Environmental Protection [FDEP], Tampa) on 23-26 September 1999 (Appendix 1). All locality information was taken from the most current editions of USGS topographic quadrangle maps.

Field Sampling Methodology

Collections of aquatic macroinvertebrates, and specifically oligochaetes, were completed by Mr. Wetzel and Ms. Morgan on Thursday through Sunday, 23-26 September, 1999. Physico-chemical parameters measured at each site included ambient and water temperatures (in šCelsius) [with red liquid thermometer]; dissolved oxygen (in mg/l) [Yellow Springs Instruments Model 57 dissolved oxygen meter]; conductivity (in µmhos) and salinity (in ppt) [both with Yellow Springs Instrument Model 33 S-C-T meter]; and hydrogen ion concentration (as pH) [Hanna Instruments pHep 3 meter]. All physico-chemical parameters were measured immediately prior to habitat characterizations and biological collections. Data obtained from these physico-chemical measurements are included in Appendix 2.

Each stream and spring site was characterized for width, depth, substrate composition, and presence of aquatic vegetation before biological collections, then modified when necessary after collections were completed.

Qualitative macroinvertebrate samples were collected with D-ring dip nets, by hand-picking of specimens from various natural substrates (gravel, cobble, boulders, sticks, branches, logs, leaf packets, and root mats), and from non-indigenous (fortunately rare) substrates (bottles, cans, other plastic items). Riffle, run, pool, backwater, and cascade habitats were agitated by hand and foot, with dislodged material drifting into dip nets; material captured in the nets was placed in plastic buckets with habitat water, then gently agitated by hand.

Substrates (primarily sticks, stones, and leaves) were rinsed off by hand in the bucket, then placed back into the stream. The bucket's contents were strained through a fine aquarium net, placed into whirl pacs or Nalgene jars, then fixed with 1-% buffered formalin. Material remaining in the bucket after the first straining (sand and gravel sediments, and small detritus) was rinsed (elutriated) several times to maximize retention of specimens collected (especially, the case-building caddisflies that use sand and small stones). Many aquatic insects collected from sites (especially the aquatic Gerromorpha) were preserved in 70% ethanol, separate from other collected material. Crayfishes were placed into individual whirl pacs or jars before fixing to maintain specific associations of the crayfish host with ecto- and endo-commensal branchiobdellidans. Mollusks, when observed, were preserved in 70% ethanol; ancylids, sphaeriids, and a few gastropod species were collected, but neither live specimens nor shell material of the pelecypod families Unionidae (native), Corbiculidae (introduced), or Dreissenidae (introduced) were observed.

A priority during our surveys was to minimize physical disturbance of the streams at sites from which aquatic macroinvertebrates were collected. In particular, extreme care was taken during our abbreviated collecting efforts for aquatic macroinvertebrates in the finite habitats associated with Greenbrier Spring; only a small area of the substrate was agitated at the springhead, and at one site on the springrun - approximately 25m downstream of the springhead.

Every effort was made to cull live specimens of fishes and amphibians from netted material, immediately returning them to the specific habitat from which they were obtained. Undoubtedly, a few small specimens of these two groups were collected incidentally; they will be labeled, identified if possible, and forwarded to systematic experts associated with the ATBI project who are studying those groups.

Status of Sample Processing

As of December 1 1999, sorting of all samples collected from Greenbrier Spring and springrun has been completed; sorting of samples collected from Noland Creek, Deep Creek, Tom Branch, and Collins Creek continues. Aquatic oligochaetes have been documented from each of these sites. Samples from the other sites have been transferred from formalin to ethanol, with sorting to begin by mid-December.

Weekly progress on this project is maintained on the website, listed above.

Projected Goals - Immediate

Mounting of oligochaete specimens on microscope slides, and identification of those specimens, will begin next week. Sorting of all samples collected from 12 sites in September 1999 continues, and will be completed by mid-March 2000. All aquatic oligochaetes obtained from samples collected at these 12 sites should be mounted and identified by 1 May 2000.

Projected Goals - Long Range

Hopefully, funds from DLIA will become available in early 2000 to support one to two additional collecting trips to the Park - one trip during mid-April, and another trip during September, 2000. Realistically (projecting the availability of time and funding), this could result in the collection of samples from 12-16 sites on each of the visits. The majority of these stream sites have yet to be determined, but will be located in the far-eastern and far-western areas of the Park. Several springs and springruns also will be collected. Mr. Wetzel would also like to demonstrate his methodology for collecting aquatic oligochaetes to biologists who are involved in periodic monitoring of baseline sites throughout the Park, particularly those located in remote areas accessible only by long-distance hiking or by horseback. Ideally, this could be accomplished during the proposed April 2000 visit to the Park. Longer range plans would include two collecting trips to the Park in 2001 and 2002.

Ancillary Collections

It is anticipated that oligochaetes have been and will be collected periodically by other biologists who are working with aquatic macroinvertebrates in conjunction with the ATBI project. Hopefully, those specimens will be forwarded to Mr. Wetzel, with appropriate collecting information, so that he may mount and identify the specimens.

Deposition of Specimens

All aquatic oligochaetes collected during this preliminary survey of 12 sites, and those specimens forwarded to Mr. Wetzel for identification by other biologists working on various groups of organisms in the Park, will be deposited in the INHS Annelida Collection, for which Mr. Wetzel serves as curator, collections manager, and database manager. Per agreement with DLIA administrative and scientific staff, and as stated in the proposal for this research, voucher specimens of each species will be forwarded to the Twin Creeks Research Center in Gatlinburg for deposition into the ATBI Program collections. All non-oligochaete annelid specimens will be forwarded to other experts working on the ATBI project, or retained for near-future identification. All non-annelid aquatic macroinvertebrates collected during the present surveys for aquatic oligochaetes will be properly labeled, stored in appropriate fluids in museum approved vials or jars, then sent to Dr. Becky Nichols at the Twin Creeks Research Center for cataloging, bar coding, and forwarding on to the appropriate specialists for those groups.

Status of Data

All data and other pertinent information resulting from surveys for aquatic oligochaetes will be posted on the following website, and also forwarded electronically and as paper copy to DLIA for their permanent files.

http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu:80/~mjwetzel/AqAnnel.GSMNP.html

Mr. Wetzel will publish science-worthy information resulting from this research in the appropriate peer-reviewed journals, with full acknowledgment of and support by the DLIA, the GSMNP, and their respective staffs.

Related Research Stimulated / Supported by DLIA / ATBI funds

The primary focus of this current survey is to establish distributional records for aquatic oligochaete species from stream and spring sites within the GSMNP. Information obtained during this study will contribute to several projects in which Mr. Wetzel is currently involved:

a) Compilation of the Annelida volume being underwritten by the American Fisheries Society Committee on Names of Aquatic Invertebrates of North America, including an annotated list with published records for species by state, province, and habitat (marine, estuarine, freshwater, terrestrial, and introduced species);

b) Distributional records for species from 1st through 4th order streams in mountainous areas of North Carolina that had not been surveyed by or included in Whitley (1982); and

c) The association of unique, rare, and possibly undescribed species of aquatic annelids with springs and their springruns throughout North America‹particularly oligochaete species in the genera Rhyacodrilus, Spirosperma, and Varichaetadrilus (family Tubificidae) (see Webb et al. 1995; 1997; 1998).

Acknowledgments

Many people are responsible for the early success of the ATBI project, especially the members of the Board of Directors of Discover Life In America, Inc., and the administrative and scientific staff of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For over a year, Dr. Tom Watters has kindly provided periodic updates of information relating to the ATBI project in general, and funding opportunities in particular. I extend my appreciation to Drs. Franklin Harris and Jody Flemming (DLIA), Dr. Keith Langdon (GSMNP), and Dr. John Morris (Clemson University) for providing research funds to collect, process, and identify oligochaete specimens for this project. I thank the administrative staffs of the Illinois Natural History Survey (Mary Lou Williamson, Kay Moran, Angie Young, Vicki Bohlen, and Sue Voegtlin), and the University of Illinois Grants and Contracts office for their assistance in expediting my research proposal. Nancy Keohane, Keith Langdon, and Jody Flemming were instrumental in facilitating a scientific collectors permit for the September 1999 field work. Drs. Becky Nichols (GSMNP), Jody Flemming DLIA), L. Rick Phillippe (INHS), and Wayne Frankie (Illinois State Geological Survey) provided valuable insight into the choice of collecting sites within the Park. Several Park personnel (Steve Kloster and others) provided assistance to us both during and after our field work. Polly and Bob Stetler kindly provided accommodations for use as a home base while working in the Park. Finally, I acknowledge the invaluable field and laboratory assistance of M.A. Peggy Morgan (Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Tampa); without her professional expertise, our field surveys and sample processing could not have been completed in such a timely and efficient manner.

LITERATURE CITED

Altman, L.C. 1936. Oligochaeta of Washington. University of Washington Publications in Biology 4: 1-137.

Brinkhurst, R.O. 1978. Freshwater Oligochaeta in Canada. Canadian Journal of Zoology 56(10): 2166-2175.

Brinkhurst, R.O. 1986. Guide to the freshwater aquatic microdrile oligochaetes of North America. Canadian Special Publication in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 84. vi + 259 pp.

Britton, D.K., and M.J. Wetzel. 1999. First records for freshwater oligochaetes (Annelida, Oligochaeta, Naididae) in the Hawaiian Islands, USA, with notes on their association with an alien snail (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Ampullariidae). Occasional Papers of the Bishop Museum - Records of the Hawaii Biological Survey for 1998. Vol. 59(Part 2): 39-42.

Hiltunen, J.K., & D.J. Klemm. 1980. A guide to the Naididae (Annelida: Clitellata: Oligochaeta) of North America. EPA-600/4-80-031. Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Office of Research & Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268. 48 pp.

Howmiller, R., and M.S. Loden. 1976. Identification of Wisconsin Tubificidae and Naididae. Transactions of the Wisconsin Academy of Science Arts & Letters 64: 185-197.

Kathman, R.D., and R.O. Brinkhurst. 1998. Guide to the freshwater oligochaetes of North America. Aquatic Resources Center, 6604 Third Street, College Grove, TN 37046. vi + 264 pp.

Klemm, D.J., ed. 1985. A guide to the freshwater Annelida (Polychaeta, naidid and tubificid Oligochaeta, and Hirudinea) of North America. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque, IA. xiii + 198 pp.

Madill, J., K.A. Coates, M.J. Wetzel, and S.R. Gelder. 1992. Common and scientific names of aphanoneuran and clitellate annelids of the United States and Canada. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 24(12): 1259-1262.

Milligan, M.R. 1998. Identification manual for the aquatic Oligochaeta of Florida, Volume I. Freshwater oligochaetes. v + 187 pp. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Twin Towers Office Building, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400 USA.

Smith. M.E. 1984. Aquatic Oligochaeta (Naididae) of Washington. Northwest Science 8(3): 165-170.

Spencer, D.R. 1980. The aquatic Oligochaeta of the St. Lawrence Great Lakes region, pp. 115-164. In: R. O. Brinkhurst and D. G. Cook, eds. Aquatic oligochaete biology. Plenum Press, New York.

Spencer, D.R., and R E. Wisseman. 1993. Some new records of Naididae and Tubificidae (Annelida: Oligochaeta) from Washington. Great Basin Naturalist 53(4): 395-401.

Stimpson, K.S., D.J. Klemm, and J.K. Hiltunen. 1982. A guide to the freshwater Tubificidae (Annelida: Clitellata: Oligochaeta) of North America. Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH. EPA-600/3-82-033. x + 61 pp.

Strayer, D. 1990. Pp. 373-397, In: Pecharsky, B.L., P.R. Fraissinet, M.A. Penton, and D.J. Conklin, Jr. Freshwater macroinvertebrates of northeastern North America. Comstock Publishing Associates, a division of Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York. xi + 442 pp.

Webb, D.W., M.J. Wetzel, P.C. Reed, L.R. Phillippe, and M.A. Harris. 1995. Aquatic biodiversity in Illinois springs. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 68(2)suppl.: 93-107.

Webb, D.W., M.J. Wetzel, P.C. Reed, L.R. Phillippe, and T.C. Young. 1997. Illinois springs. Illinois Natural History Survey Reports 345: 2-3. May/June 1997.

Webb, D.W., M.J. Wetzel, P.C. Reed, L.R. Phillippe, and T.C. Young. 1998. The macro-invertebrate biodiversity, water quality, and hydrogeology of ten karst springs in the Salem Plateau Section of Illinois, USA. Pages 39-48, In: L. Botosaneanu (ed.). Studies in Crenobiology - The biology of springs and springbrooks. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, The Netherlands. 261 pp. ISBN 90-73348-04-8.

Wetzel, M.J. 1982. Aquatic Oligochaeta (Annelida: Clitellata) in Kansas, with notes on their distribution and ecology. Technical Publications of the State Biological Survey Kansas 12: 112-130.

Wetzel, M.J. 1992. Aquatic Annelida of Illinois: Introduction and checklist of species. Transactions of the Illinois State Academy of Science 85(1 and 2): 87-101. [updated list available at the following Web site: [ http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu:80/~mjwetzel/Awoi.mjw.www.hmpg.list.html ]

Wetzel, M.J., G. Oberlin, and D.W. Blinn. 1999 [in press]. The aquatic Oligochaeta (Annelida: Clitellata) of Montezuma Well, Arizona - a near thermally constant limnocrene. Southwestern Naturalist 44(4): xxx-xxx.

Whitley, L. S. 1982. Aquatic Oligochaeta. Pp. 2.1-2.29, In A.R. Brigham, W.U. Brigham, & A. Gnilka, eds. Aquatic insects and oligochaetes of North and South Carolina. Midwest Aquatic Enterprises, Mahomet, Illinois. 61853. [837 pp.]


Appendix 1

Locality information for 12 stream and spring sites within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee, surveyed for the presence of aquatic oligochaetes (Annelida) and other freshwater macroinvertebrates by Mark J. Wetzel (Illinois Natural History Survey [INHS], Champaign) and M.A. Peggy Morgan (Florida Department of Environmental Protection [FDEP], Tampa) on 23-26 September 1999. All locality information was taken from the most current editions of USGS topographic quadrangle maps (USGS tqm). UTM = Universal Transverse Mercator System coordinates.

1. North Carolina, Swain Co., Noland Creek, 5.3 mi (8.5 km) NW Bryson City, 40-100m downstream (SSW) Lake View Drive bridge, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Latitude: 35š27'29" North; Longitude: 83š31'40" West. UTM: Zone 17, 0270625m East, 3926590m North. Noland Creek, N.C. (7.5' series, 1961 edition, photorevised 1978; NAD 1927) USGS tqm. 23 September 1999. MJW#1999-39. Colls.: M.J. Wetzel (INHS), M.A. Morgan (FDEP).

2. North Carolina, Swain Co., Deep Creek, 2.35 mi (3.8 km) NNE Bryson City, at picnic area, along west side Deep Creek, 250m upstream main road bridge; in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Latitude: 35š27'40" North; Longitude: 83š26'12" West. UTM: Zone 17, 0278930m East, 3926680m North. Bryson City, N.C. (7.5' series, 1961 edition, photorevised 1978; NAD 1927) USGS tqm. 23 September 1999. MJW#1999-40. Colls.: M.J. Wetzel (INHS), M.A. Morgan (FDEP).

3. North Carolina, Swain Co., Tom Branch, 2.8 mi (4.5 km) NNE Bryson City, 10-35m downstream gravel road culvert (approx. 1 mi ENE Deep Creek picnic area); in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Latitude: 35š27'55" North; Longitude: 83š25'35" West. UTM: Zone 17, 0279790m East, 3927240m North. Bryson City, N.C. (7.5' series, 1961 edition, photorevised 1978; NAD 1927) USGS tqm. 23 September 1999. MJW#1999-41. Colls.: M.J. Wetzel (INHS), M.A. Morgan (FDEP).

4. Tennessee, Sevier Co., Roaring Fork, 2.9 mi (4.7 km) ESE Gatlinburg, 10-60m downstream 1st bridge (most upstream) crossing of Cherokee Orchard Road / Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (one-way, counterclockwise), just N of old cemetery, near old cabins and Grapeyard Ridge trailhead; in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Latitude: 35š41'30" North; Longitude: 83š28'00" West. UTM: Zone 17, 0276790m East, 3952675m North. Mount Le Conte, TENN. - N.C. (7.5' series, 1964 edition; NAD 1927) USGS tqm. 24 September 1999. MJW#1999-42. Colls.: M.J. Wetzel (INHS), M.A. Morgan (FDEP).

5. Tennessee, Sevier Co., Greenbrier Spring and springrun, 3.45 mi (5.5 km) SSE Pinnacle (small town east of Gatlinburg); also, 2.15 mi / 3.5 km SE Greenbrier Ranger station, near Greenbrier picnic pavilion, along Little Pigeon River gravel road; in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Latitude: 35š42'10" North, Longitude: 83š23'12" West. UTM: Zone 17, 284040m East, 3953410m North. Mount Le Conte, TENN. - N.C. (7.5' series, 1964 edition; NAD 1927) USGS tqm. 24 September 1999. MJW#1999-43a, MJW#1999-43b. Colls.: M.J. Wetzel (INHS), M.A. Morgan (FDEP).

6. Tennessee, Sevier Co., Little Pigeon River, 1 mi (1.6 km) SSE Pinnacle (town east of Gatlinburg); also, 0.35 mi / 0.56 km NW Greenbrier Ranger station, near 'the notch' gravel parking area, along the Little Pigeon River road; in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Latitude: 35š44'59" North; Longitude: 83š24'38" West. UTM: Zone 17, 0281950m East, 3956850m North. Mount Le Conte, TENN. - N.C. (7.5' series, 1964 edition; NAD 1927) USGS tqm. 24 September 1999. MJW#1999-44. Colls.: M.J. Wetzel (INHS), M.A. Morgan (FDEP).

7. Tennessee, Blount Co., Laurel Creek, 3 mi (4.8 km) SE Townsend, along north side Laurel Creek Road to Cades Cove (1.25 mi SSW intersection with road to Townsend); WSW Tremont Ranger station, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Latitude: 35š38'32" North, Longitude: 83š42'55" West. UTM: Zone 17, 0254140m East, 3947480m North. Wear Cove, TENN. (7.5' series, 1953 edition, photorevised 1974) USGS tqm. 25 September 1999. MJW#1999-45. Colls.: M.J. Wetzel (INHS), M.A. Morgan (FDEP).

8. Tennessee, Blount Co., Forge Creek, 3.35 mi (5.4 km) SSW Cades Cove (historical village), at S edge of Gregory Ridge trailhead parking area / Forge Creek road loop, just past the turnoff to Parson Branch Road (one-way to south), in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Latitude: 35š33'40" North, Longitude: 83š50'45" West. UTM: Zone 17, 0242060m East, 3938920m North. Cades Cove, TENN. - N.C. (7.5' series, 1964 edition, photoinspected 1976; NAD 1927) USGS tqm. 25 September 1999. MJW#1999-46. Colls.: M.J. Wetzel (INHS), M.A. Morgan (FDEP).

9. Tennessee, Blount Co., Parson Branch, 3.85 mi (6.2 km) E Calderwood (BM 877); south of Cades Cove, along E side Parson Branch Road (one-way to south), 0.5 mi NE US Rt 129 / TN Rts 72, 115); 400m downstream confluence of Black Gum Branch / Bible Creek, across road from small gravel parking area; in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Latitude: 35š30'12" North, Longitude: 83š55'42" North. UTM: Zone 17, 0234400m East, 3932600m North. Calderwood, TENN. (7.5' series, 1964 edition; NAD 1927) USGS tqm. 25 September 1999. MJW#1999-47. Colls.: M.J. Wetzel (INHS), M.A. Morgan (FDEP).

10. North Carolina, Swain Co., Oconaluftee River, 0.6 mi (0.97 km) NW Smokemont Horse Camp bridge, along E side Hwy 441 / Newfound Gap Road (also, 0.4 mi WNW BM 2199, or 300m SW Bradley Cemetery), N of Cherokee; in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Latitude: 35š33'23" North, Longitude: 83š19'15" West. UTM: Zone 17, 0289860m East, 3937070m North. Smokemont, N.C. (7.5' series, 1964 edition, photoinspected 1987; NAD 1927) USGS tqm. 26 September 1999. MJW#1999-48. Colls.: M.J. Wetzel (INHS), M.A. Morgan (FDEP).

11. North Carolina, Swain Co., Collins Creek, 1.7 mi (2.7 km) NW Smokemont Horse Camp (BM 2199), north side of Collins Creek picnic area at 'elbow' of creek (just west of Hwy 441/Newfound Gap Road); in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Latitude: 35š34'05" North, Longitude: 83š20"13' West. UTM: Zone 17, 0288200m East, 3938290m North. Smokemont, N.C. (7.5' series, 1964 edition, photoinspected 1987; NAD 1927) USGS tqm. 26 September 1999. MJW#1999-49. Colls.: M.J. Wetzel (INHS), M.A. Morgan (FDEP).

12. Tennessee, Sevier Co., Alum Cave Creek, 6.8 mi (10.9 km) SE Gatlinburg [also, 1 mi / 1.6 km ESE "The Loop" (BM 3498) of Hwy 441], 30-70m upstream footbridge on Alum Cave Trail (to Alum Cave and Mt. Le Conte) (also, 130m upstream confluence Alum Cave Creek with Walker Camp Prong), just east of Hwy 441 / Newfound Gap Road; in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Latitude: 35š37'46" North, Longitude: 83š27'08" West. UTM: Zone 17, 0278100m East, 3945440m North. Mount Le Conte, TENN. - N.C. (7.5' series, 1964 edition; NAD 1927) USGS tqm. 26 September 1999. MJW#1999-50. Colls.: M.J. Wetzel (INHS), M.A. Morgan (FDEP).

Appendix 2

Values for physico-chemical parameters measured at 12 stream and spring sites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee, by M.J. Wetzel and M.A. Morgan on 23-26 September 1999. Parameters measured at each site included ambient and water temperatures (in šCelsius) [with red liquid thermometer]; dissolved oxygen (in mg/l) [Yellow Springs Instruments Model 57 dissolved oxygen meter]; conductivity (in µmhos) and salinity (in ppt) [both with Yellow Springs Instrument Model 33 S-C-T meter]; and hydrogen ion concentration (as pH) [Hanna Instruments pHep 3 meter]. All physico-chemical parameters were measured immediately prior to habitat characterizations and biological collections. Specific locality information for each site is provided in Appendix 1 of this report.

SITEAmbient
Temp.
(C)		Water
Temp.
(C)		Dissolved
Oxygen
(mg/L)		 pH Specific
Conductivity
(umhods)		 Salinity
(ppt)
1. Noland Creek18.010.210.46.813.30.0
2. Deep Creek 20.8 12.5 9.4 6.8 13.0 0.0
3. Tom Branch 16.2 13.0 9.2 7.1 17.2 0.0
4. Roaring Fork 19.5 12.8 8.9 6.7 15.2 0.0
5. Greenbrier Spring
(at springhead)		 18.4 13.5 8.8 6.2 31.8 0.0
6. Little Pigeon River 19.0 16.5 8.9 6.8 20.1 0.0
7. Laurel Creek 20.0 12.4 9.5 7.2 35.2 0.0
8. Forge Creek 21.0 15.0 8.1 6.6 11.1 0.0
9. Parson Branch 24.0 14.5 8.7 7.2 41.0 0.0
10. Oconaluftee River 18.0 13.5 9.1 6.7 13.5 0.0
11. Collins Creek 22.2 13.5 9.0 6.8 11.7 0.0
12. Alum Cave Creek 18.2 13.0 8.6 4.8 13.5 0.0