Stickley Lodge Getaway
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Wild and Scenic River: Middle Branch Information
Information from 'Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive River Management Plan':
Ontonagon River, Middle Branch, Recreation Segment 1 – Recreational
This section of river provides popular canoeing and kayaking opportunities, which includes some shallows and some Class III rapids. It is known to have good trout fishing, and is listed as a Michigan Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. Outfitting/guiding services are available on portions of this river segment, and primarily occur between State Highway 45 and Burned Dam. It is one of only a few river segments on the Ottawa National Forest which has outfitter/guiding service performed under special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service. Recreationists are drawn to the area to experience the outstandingly remarkable recreation opportunities of the Middle Branch. Fish Native brook trout and naturalized brown trout are present here, along with a few resident rainbow trout. Other species include longnose dace, blacknose dace, creek chubs, common shiner, mottled sculpin, white sucker, central mudminnow, smallmouth bass, rock bass, and yellow perch. This river segment is a regionally important producer of resident fish species. Habitat in this section was rated “good” by MDNR and has been designated a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. Duck Creek, a tributary, has the capability to produce large trout and the habitat quality is related to groundwater input (cold springs). Duck Creek contributes significantly to the overall quality of this segment by producing big fish. Cold water, moderate gradients, gravel and rubble bottom, abundant macro invertebrate populations, and a good mix of riffles and pools contribute to the “good” habitat rating and to the recognition of fish values as outstandingly remarkable.
Ontonagon River, Middle Branch – Scenic Segment 1; Recreation
This segment of the Middle Branch has outstanding whitewater and fly-fishing opportunities, primarily in the spring and early summer. This segment contains a good mixed warm-water and cold-water fishery, as well as canoeing and kayaking opportunities. Some sections are only navigable by experienced paddlers (Mex-i-min-e Falls, Class III rapids). Outfitting and guiding services are available on this segment. This section of river provides a more remote recreation experience for the user, as there is only one bridge crossing and limited road access for most of its length. People are drawn to the area because of the outstandingly remarkable recreation opportunities and experiences that can be found on this segment. Fish This stream segment has a warm water influence resulting in a mixed community of smallmouth bass, walleye, and an occasional muskellunge occurring with the Chapter 2 River Values Comprehensive River Management Plan 2-10 Ottawa National Forest Wild and Scenic Rivers resident cold-water species. Trout are found here, including an occasional rainbow trout. The diversity of sport fish species in this segment is noteworthy. Few, if any, other locations on the ONF have brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, muskellunge, and smallmouth bass in a single stream segment, making this an outstandingly remarkable resource value. A 1998 MDNR inventory states, “The excellent macro invertebrate community at the Middle Branch Ontonagon River site (Station 15) at USFS road 5250 included 35 taxa, including 11 families of caddisflies and five families of mayflies. This was the most caddisfly taxa ever encountered by this biologist in an Upper Peninsula stream. Station 15 had an excellent habitat rating and was the best large river site in terms of habitat that was sampled in the Ontonagon River watershed. The high diversity of macro invertebrates at this station is reflective of the excellent habitat and high water quality.”
Walleye and other fishing for Bond Falls Flowage Area. As described by the MDNR water quality expert, this may be the most diverse macro invertebrate community on the ONF, and is certainly one of the highest water quality and habitat sites. Wildlife Important wildlife populations that are present in this segment include bald eagles and gray wolves (both federally listed at this time), and wood turtles (which reproduce here). The unusually high diversity of benthic invertebrates is outstandingly remarkable as well (discussed previously under Fish). This segment is relatively fast and has limited floodplain area. Some gravel bars are available for turtle nesting. An additional habitat feature of this segment is the diversity and abundance of benthic invertebrates, as described in the fisheries section earlier. Habitat connectivity functions are of high value here, since there is only one major road crossing (FR 5250) and little development. The upland habitat diversity is typical of the ONF with CCC-era red pine plantations, mature northern hardwoods, hemlock stands, and some wetlands adjacent to the river. Wildlife values are considered outstandingly remarkable.
Ontonagon River, Middle Branch – Recreational Segment 2 Scenery
Throughout this segment, the river flows through densely forested, steep river valleys and bottomlands with little evidence of vegetative management. Northern hardwoods with aspen, sugar and red maple are clearly visible from the river, making fall color a primary feature. However, the spectacular combination of rock and water at each end of the segment defines the scenic character for this segment. River Values Chapter 2 Ottawa National Forest Wild and Scenic Rivers 2-11 Comprehensive River Management Plan From the Bond Falls Flowage, the river drops into a steep-sided, broad river valley, meandering a short distance north where it cascades over chiseled blocks of rock, creating Bond Falls, a fantastic rush of white water known for its yearround beauty. The wide river continues after this falls through the dense forest over numerous cascades and riffles to another set of falls. Agate Falls is a series of cascades 80 feet wide tumbling over black rock stepping blocks and dropping 80 feet into a pool where it clatters over stones and bedrock becoming once again a wide meander. Above Agate Falls, both State Highway M-28 and an old railroad bed cross the river, the road on a fine arch bridge and the railroad bed on a huge, old trestle. The trestle and railroad bed are now used as an off road vehicle and snowmobile trail. The bridges add visual contrast and interest to the river corridor. The few instances of development are moderate and in the case of the roadside park at State Highway M-28 next to the river, constructed to suit the riverside setting. Recreation There are two large waterfalls on this river segment (Bond Falls and Agate Falls), neither of which are located on National Forest System lands. Agate Falls is located next to a State of Michigan highway rest area on the south side of Highway M-28 which has a trail that can be used to view Agate Falls. Bond Falls, which is on the north side of Bond Falls Flowage, has accessible trails and overlooks maintained by the State of Michigan. Both falls draw large numbers of visitors to the area. In addition to the falls, this segment is a popular trout fishery, designated by MDNR as a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. Recreation opportunities are considered outstandingly remarkable.
Geology
The geology of this segment of river begins to change once leaving Bond Falls Flowage as the river valley deepens and widens. Major erosional features occur wherever the river meanders into and undercuts the stream valley wall. The Middle Branch generally drops steeply within this segment. The river flows through a deep (up to 300 feet), steeply incised, and broad river valley that has cut down through fine silty, clayey and fine sandy glacial lake sediments. Notably, two waterfalls define this segment; Bond Falls to the south, composed of basaltic rocks, and Agate Falls to the north, composed of sedimentary rocks. The geologic characteristics of this segment are unique and unusual compared to other rivers in the region and are considered outstandingly remarkable. Fish brook trout and brown trout are present in sufficient numbers to support a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream designation. Other cold-water fish species, such as longnose dace and mottled sculpins, are present in moderate numbers. The self- Chapter 2 River Values Comprehensive River Management Plan 2-12 Ottawa National Forest Wild and Scenic Rivers sustaining brook and brown trout populations are outstandingly remarkable and attract both local and regional anglers. Habitat includes a moderately high gradient, as well as a cobble and sand bottom and a regulated flow regime. The riparian area includes mature northern hardwoods and lowland conifers that that create favorable conditions for shade, bank stability, and recruitment of large woody debris. While this river segment has a regulated flow out of Bond Falls Flowage, there have been significant improvements in habitat and aquatic species populations as a direct result of improved, more natural flows coming out of the reservoir. Wildlife The river corridor contains nationally or regionally important wildlife populations, including wood turtles, gray wolves, American marten, and northern goshawk (RFSS). Many other riparian and migratory wildlife species utilize the corridor as well. Numerous gravel bars, point bars, and cutbanks exist, providing nesting habitat for wood turtles. The river corridor provides connectivity across the landscape for numerous riparian and migratory wildlife species. Riparian forests within this corridor are very productive wildlife habitats, important to invertebrates and vertebrates of many taxa and contribute to outstandingly remarkable wildlife values.
Ontonagon River, Middle Branch – Scenic Segment 2 Scenery
The vegetation along this segment is composed of a wide variety of tree species, brush, and wetlands in a gradually widening and deepening valley. For the most part, the river meanders with many tight bends and some cut off oxbow ponds. There are also numerous large mass failure areas (landslides) where banks over 100 feet have eroded. The majority of tree types along the stream include various age-classes of aspen, spruce, balsam, paper birch, jack pine, and other species that regenerated after the extensive logging activities in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Much of the adjacent topography is very steep. Moderate development occurs along the river, including cabins constructed on National Forest lands under special use permits. There are a few natural overlooks along the river where the stream can be seen from the rim area, most of which are associated with mass failures. The distinctive landforms, dense hardwood forest, and a broad, meandering watercourse with dramatic, steep edges combine to create outstandingly remarkable scenery.
River Values Chapter 2 Ottawa National Forest Wild and Scenic Rivers 2-13 Comprehensive River Management Plan Geology This segment of the river continues to flow through a steep sided, broad valley. As the river valley continues to widen and deepen, the soil characteristics change from loamy, to clayey and fine silty. Access to the river becomes more difficult. River meandering and fluvial river bottom landforms become more evident as the river progresses downstream. Soil erosion, landslides, and mass wasting processes also become more evident and active. The active geologic processes present here are considered outstandingly remarkable. Fish populations on this river segment are outstandingly remarkable. There is a good walleye fishery and northern pike in this segment. Steelhead trout are seasonal visitors to this reach for spawning, but the year-round brook and brown trout are more common. Trophy-sized brown trout are produced here. The brown trout population probably represents at least some Lake Superior-run trout in combination with resident trout, indicating a diversity of brown trout stocks. Steelhead trout and coho salmon is good. Moderately high gradients and 1-3 inch “steelhead-sized” gravel (which is relatively rare on the ONF), is abundant. Spring flows are near ideal since most of the water is merely passed down the original channel during the spring at Bond Falls Flowage. Agate Falls marks the upstream limit of the movement of migratory species in the Middle Branch. Wildlife The river corridor contains nationally or regionally important wildlife populations, including wood turtles, gray wolves, American marten, and northern goshawk. Many other riparian and migratory wildlife species utilize the corridor as well. Nesting habitat for wood turtles is ideal in this segment due to the presence of numerous gravel bars, point bars, and cutbanks, and due to the low levels of human use. In addition, the river corridor provides ample coniferous thermal cover for wintering deer and other species, and provides connectivity across the landscape for numerous riparian and migratory wildlife species. Riparian forests within this corridor are very productive wildlife habitats, important to invertebrates and vertebrates of many taxa and contribute to outstandingly remarkable wildlife values.
Ontonagon River, Middle Branch – Wild Segment Scenery
Downstream to the northern Forest boundary, the vegetation along this segment is made up of a wide variety of tree Chapter 2 River Values Comprehensive River Management Plan 2-14 Ottawa National Forest Wild and Scenic Rivers species, brush, and wetlands. The valley gradually deepens and widens, exhibiting even more landforms that are striking, along with a dramatically undulating river course. Channel bars and islands periodically occur in the river and side slopes are very steep. Relief rises to 300 feet and floodplains that accommodate the river’s meanders and oxbow ponds are much wider than the interim designated river corridor in places. The majority of tree types along the stream are aspen, spruce, balsam, paper birch, jack pine, and other species that regenerated after the extensive logging activities in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Sediments cloud the river, especially after heavy rains and during spring runoff. The periodically clouded water is a visual symbol of this interesting, erosive landscape. Scenic values are outstandingly remarkable. Geology Through glacial uplift and river down cutting, this outstandingly remarkable segment of the Middle Branch has formed a deep (up to 300 feet), naturally unstable, steep-sided and broad river valley as it flows north through layered fine silty, sandy and clayey glacial lake sediments formed 9,000 to 10,000 years ago. This spectacular valley makes much of this river segment difficult to access. The river channel meanders up to 1 ½ miles in places through this valley and periodically alters its course.
This creates striking examples of fluvial landforms, relic channels, oxbow lakes, and ancient river terraces. Also within this segment are areas of exposed sandstone bedrock, boulders in the river bottom and valley wall side slopes, and numerous smaller rapids. The active process of valley formation continues to be evident to this day. The steep-sided valley walls are actively eroding, with numerous examples of mass wasting, major landslides, and slumping occurring frequently wherever the river channel touches and undercuts the adjacent valley walls. Fish The outstandingly remarkable fish values in this segment are due to the high quality fish habitat. Migratory trout, salmon, and even brown trout ascend this segment and continue upstream through the Middle Branch Scenic 2 segment as high as Agate Falls. The presence of young fish of each species indicates successful spawning. Fish habitat is good with deep fast pools and spawning riffles. Numerous small springs feed into the river and cool the water. Because of the inaccessibility of this segment, fishing pressure is low. One major tributary, Trout Creek, is probably the major spawning stream for brook trout found in this segment.
River Values Chapter 2 Ottawa National Forest Wild and Scenic Rivers 2-15 Comprehensive River Management Plan Wildlife Wildlife values in this river segment are outstandingly remarkable. Gray wolves, bald eagles, and other predators occupy the area, using the deer population as a prey base. Wood turtles are present and likely reproduce in this reach. This segment is believed to be ideal habitat for wood turtles, due to the eroding banks, remoteness, and low human use. In addition, the river corridor provides conifer thermal cover to wintering deer and other species. Connectivity across the landscape for numerous riparian and migratory wildlife species is provided along the forested valley. Riparian forests within this corridor are very productive wildlife habitats, important to invertebrates and vertebrates of many taxa
Ontonagon River, Middle Branch, Recreation Segment 1 – Recreational
This section of river provides popular canoeing and kayaking opportunities, which includes some shallows and some Class III rapids. It is known to have good trout fishing, and is listed as a Michigan Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. Outfitting/guiding services are available on portions of this river segment, and primarily occur between State Highway 45 and Burned Dam. It is one of only a few river segments on the Ottawa National Forest which has outfitter/guiding service performed under special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service. Recreationists are drawn to the area to experience the outstandingly remarkable recreation opportunities of the Middle Branch. Fish Native brook trout and naturalized brown trout are present here, along with a few resident rainbow trout. Other species include longnose dace, blacknose dace, creek chubs, common shiner, mottled sculpin, white sucker, central mudminnow, smallmouth bass, rock bass, and yellow perch. This river segment is a regionally important producer of resident fish species. Habitat in this section was rated “good” by MDNR and has been designated a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. Duck Creek, a tributary, has the capability to produce large trout and the habitat quality is related to groundwater input (cold springs). Duck Creek contributes significantly to the overall quality of this segment by producing big fish. Cold water, moderate gradients, gravel and rubble bottom, abundant macro invertebrate populations, and a good mix of riffles and pools contribute to the “good” habitat rating and to the recognition of fish values as outstandingly remarkable.
Ontonagon River, Middle Branch – Scenic Segment 1; Recreation
This segment of the Middle Branch has outstanding whitewater and fly-fishing opportunities, primarily in the spring and early summer. This segment contains a good mixed warm-water and cold-water fishery, as well as canoeing and kayaking opportunities. Some sections are only navigable by experienced paddlers (Mex-i-min-e Falls, Class III rapids). Outfitting and guiding services are available on this segment. This section of river provides a more remote recreation experience for the user, as there is only one bridge crossing and limited road access for most of its length. People are drawn to the area because of the outstandingly remarkable recreation opportunities and experiences that can be found on this segment. Fish This stream segment has a warm water influence resulting in a mixed community of smallmouth bass, walleye, and an occasional muskellunge occurring with the Chapter 2 River Values Comprehensive River Management Plan 2-10 Ottawa National Forest Wild and Scenic Rivers resident cold-water species. Trout are found here, including an occasional rainbow trout. The diversity of sport fish species in this segment is noteworthy. Few, if any, other locations on the ONF have brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, muskellunge, and smallmouth bass in a single stream segment, making this an outstandingly remarkable resource value. A 1998 MDNR inventory states, “The excellent macro invertebrate community at the Middle Branch Ontonagon River site (Station 15) at USFS road 5250 included 35 taxa, including 11 families of caddisflies and five families of mayflies. This was the most caddisfly taxa ever encountered by this biologist in an Upper Peninsula stream. Station 15 had an excellent habitat rating and was the best large river site in terms of habitat that was sampled in the Ontonagon River watershed. The high diversity of macro invertebrates at this station is reflective of the excellent habitat and high water quality.”
Walleye and other fishing for Bond Falls Flowage Area. As described by the MDNR water quality expert, this may be the most diverse macro invertebrate community on the ONF, and is certainly one of the highest water quality and habitat sites. Wildlife Important wildlife populations that are present in this segment include bald eagles and gray wolves (both federally listed at this time), and wood turtles (which reproduce here). The unusually high diversity of benthic invertebrates is outstandingly remarkable as well (discussed previously under Fish). This segment is relatively fast and has limited floodplain area. Some gravel bars are available for turtle nesting. An additional habitat feature of this segment is the diversity and abundance of benthic invertebrates, as described in the fisheries section earlier. Habitat connectivity functions are of high value here, since there is only one major road crossing (FR 5250) and little development. The upland habitat diversity is typical of the ONF with CCC-era red pine plantations, mature northern hardwoods, hemlock stands, and some wetlands adjacent to the river. Wildlife values are considered outstandingly remarkable.
Ontonagon River, Middle Branch – Recreational Segment 2 Scenery
Throughout this segment, the river flows through densely forested, steep river valleys and bottomlands with little evidence of vegetative management. Northern hardwoods with aspen, sugar and red maple are clearly visible from the river, making fall color a primary feature. However, the spectacular combination of rock and water at each end of the segment defines the scenic character for this segment. River Values Chapter 2 Ottawa National Forest Wild and Scenic Rivers 2-11 Comprehensive River Management Plan From the Bond Falls Flowage, the river drops into a steep-sided, broad river valley, meandering a short distance north where it cascades over chiseled blocks of rock, creating Bond Falls, a fantastic rush of white water known for its yearround beauty. The wide river continues after this falls through the dense forest over numerous cascades and riffles to another set of falls. Agate Falls is a series of cascades 80 feet wide tumbling over black rock stepping blocks and dropping 80 feet into a pool where it clatters over stones and bedrock becoming once again a wide meander. Above Agate Falls, both State Highway M-28 and an old railroad bed cross the river, the road on a fine arch bridge and the railroad bed on a huge, old trestle. The trestle and railroad bed are now used as an off road vehicle and snowmobile trail. The bridges add visual contrast and interest to the river corridor. The few instances of development are moderate and in the case of the roadside park at State Highway M-28 next to the river, constructed to suit the riverside setting. Recreation There are two large waterfalls on this river segment (Bond Falls and Agate Falls), neither of which are located on National Forest System lands. Agate Falls is located next to a State of Michigan highway rest area on the south side of Highway M-28 which has a trail that can be used to view Agate Falls. Bond Falls, which is on the north side of Bond Falls Flowage, has accessible trails and overlooks maintained by the State of Michigan. Both falls draw large numbers of visitors to the area. In addition to the falls, this segment is a popular trout fishery, designated by MDNR as a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. Recreation opportunities are considered outstandingly remarkable.
Geology
The geology of this segment of river begins to change once leaving Bond Falls Flowage as the river valley deepens and widens. Major erosional features occur wherever the river meanders into and undercuts the stream valley wall. The Middle Branch generally drops steeply within this segment. The river flows through a deep (up to 300 feet), steeply incised, and broad river valley that has cut down through fine silty, clayey and fine sandy glacial lake sediments. Notably, two waterfalls define this segment; Bond Falls to the south, composed of basaltic rocks, and Agate Falls to the north, composed of sedimentary rocks. The geologic characteristics of this segment are unique and unusual compared to other rivers in the region and are considered outstandingly remarkable. Fish brook trout and brown trout are present in sufficient numbers to support a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream designation. Other cold-water fish species, such as longnose dace and mottled sculpins, are present in moderate numbers. The self- Chapter 2 River Values Comprehensive River Management Plan 2-12 Ottawa National Forest Wild and Scenic Rivers sustaining brook and brown trout populations are outstandingly remarkable and attract both local and regional anglers. Habitat includes a moderately high gradient, as well as a cobble and sand bottom and a regulated flow regime. The riparian area includes mature northern hardwoods and lowland conifers that that create favorable conditions for shade, bank stability, and recruitment of large woody debris. While this river segment has a regulated flow out of Bond Falls Flowage, there have been significant improvements in habitat and aquatic species populations as a direct result of improved, more natural flows coming out of the reservoir. Wildlife The river corridor contains nationally or regionally important wildlife populations, including wood turtles, gray wolves, American marten, and northern goshawk (RFSS). Many other riparian and migratory wildlife species utilize the corridor as well. Numerous gravel bars, point bars, and cutbanks exist, providing nesting habitat for wood turtles. The river corridor provides connectivity across the landscape for numerous riparian and migratory wildlife species. Riparian forests within this corridor are very productive wildlife habitats, important to invertebrates and vertebrates of many taxa and contribute to outstandingly remarkable wildlife values.
Ontonagon River, Middle Branch – Scenic Segment 2 Scenery
The vegetation along this segment is composed of a wide variety of tree species, brush, and wetlands in a gradually widening and deepening valley. For the most part, the river meanders with many tight bends and some cut off oxbow ponds. There are also numerous large mass failure areas (landslides) where banks over 100 feet have eroded. The majority of tree types along the stream include various age-classes of aspen, spruce, balsam, paper birch, jack pine, and other species that regenerated after the extensive logging activities in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Much of the adjacent topography is very steep. Moderate development occurs along the river, including cabins constructed on National Forest lands under special use permits. There are a few natural overlooks along the river where the stream can be seen from the rim area, most of which are associated with mass failures. The distinctive landforms, dense hardwood forest, and a broad, meandering watercourse with dramatic, steep edges combine to create outstandingly remarkable scenery.
River Values Chapter 2 Ottawa National Forest Wild and Scenic Rivers 2-13 Comprehensive River Management Plan Geology This segment of the river continues to flow through a steep sided, broad valley. As the river valley continues to widen and deepen, the soil characteristics change from loamy, to clayey and fine silty. Access to the river becomes more difficult. River meandering and fluvial river bottom landforms become more evident as the river progresses downstream. Soil erosion, landslides, and mass wasting processes also become more evident and active. The active geologic processes present here are considered outstandingly remarkable. Fish populations on this river segment are outstandingly remarkable. There is a good walleye fishery and northern pike in this segment. Steelhead trout are seasonal visitors to this reach for spawning, but the year-round brook and brown trout are more common. Trophy-sized brown trout are produced here. The brown trout population probably represents at least some Lake Superior-run trout in combination with resident trout, indicating a diversity of brown trout stocks. Steelhead trout and coho salmon is good. Moderately high gradients and 1-3 inch “steelhead-sized” gravel (which is relatively rare on the ONF), is abundant. Spring flows are near ideal since most of the water is merely passed down the original channel during the spring at Bond Falls Flowage. Agate Falls marks the upstream limit of the movement of migratory species in the Middle Branch. Wildlife The river corridor contains nationally or regionally important wildlife populations, including wood turtles, gray wolves, American marten, and northern goshawk. Many other riparian and migratory wildlife species utilize the corridor as well. Nesting habitat for wood turtles is ideal in this segment due to the presence of numerous gravel bars, point bars, and cutbanks, and due to the low levels of human use. In addition, the river corridor provides ample coniferous thermal cover for wintering deer and other species, and provides connectivity across the landscape for numerous riparian and migratory wildlife species. Riparian forests within this corridor are very productive wildlife habitats, important to invertebrates and vertebrates of many taxa and contribute to outstandingly remarkable wildlife values.
Ontonagon River, Middle Branch – Wild Segment Scenery
Downstream to the northern Forest boundary, the vegetation along this segment is made up of a wide variety of tree Chapter 2 River Values Comprehensive River Management Plan 2-14 Ottawa National Forest Wild and Scenic Rivers species, brush, and wetlands. The valley gradually deepens and widens, exhibiting even more landforms that are striking, along with a dramatically undulating river course. Channel bars and islands periodically occur in the river and side slopes are very steep. Relief rises to 300 feet and floodplains that accommodate the river’s meanders and oxbow ponds are much wider than the interim designated river corridor in places. The majority of tree types along the stream are aspen, spruce, balsam, paper birch, jack pine, and other species that regenerated after the extensive logging activities in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Sediments cloud the river, especially after heavy rains and during spring runoff. The periodically clouded water is a visual symbol of this interesting, erosive landscape. Scenic values are outstandingly remarkable. Geology Through glacial uplift and river down cutting, this outstandingly remarkable segment of the Middle Branch has formed a deep (up to 300 feet), naturally unstable, steep-sided and broad river valley as it flows north through layered fine silty, sandy and clayey glacial lake sediments formed 9,000 to 10,000 years ago. This spectacular valley makes much of this river segment difficult to access. The river channel meanders up to 1 ½ miles in places through this valley and periodically alters its course.
This creates striking examples of fluvial landforms, relic channels, oxbow lakes, and ancient river terraces. Also within this segment are areas of exposed sandstone bedrock, boulders in the river bottom and valley wall side slopes, and numerous smaller rapids. The active process of valley formation continues to be evident to this day. The steep-sided valley walls are actively eroding, with numerous examples of mass wasting, major landslides, and slumping occurring frequently wherever the river channel touches and undercuts the adjacent valley walls. Fish The outstandingly remarkable fish values in this segment are due to the high quality fish habitat. Migratory trout, salmon, and even brown trout ascend this segment and continue upstream through the Middle Branch Scenic 2 segment as high as Agate Falls. The presence of young fish of each species indicates successful spawning. Fish habitat is good with deep fast pools and spawning riffles. Numerous small springs feed into the river and cool the water. Because of the inaccessibility of this segment, fishing pressure is low. One major tributary, Trout Creek, is probably the major spawning stream for brook trout found in this segment.
River Values Chapter 2 Ottawa National Forest Wild and Scenic Rivers 2-15 Comprehensive River Management Plan Wildlife Wildlife values in this river segment are outstandingly remarkable. Gray wolves, bald eagles, and other predators occupy the area, using the deer population as a prey base. Wood turtles are present and likely reproduce in this reach. This segment is believed to be ideal habitat for wood turtles, due to the eroding banks, remoteness, and low human use. In addition, the river corridor provides conifer thermal cover to wintering deer and other species. Connectivity across the landscape for numerous riparian and migratory wildlife species is provided along the forested valley. Riparian forests within this corridor are very productive wildlife habitats, important to invertebrates and vertebrates of many taxa
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