Clarks Creek – Stream Monitoring Pilot Study

The Clarks Creek Watershed is located in Puyallup. It contains a mixture of land uses and supports runs of steelhead trout, Chinook, pink, Coho, and chum salmon. Pollution from microbial contamination (bacteria and other pathogens)  has been detected in high levels within Clarks Creek. The creek has been classified as a 303 (d) for fecal coliform.  Water molds such as Phytophthora and Pythium species have also been detected in the creek. Invasive Phytophthora species such as P. ramorum can cause serious damage to native forests and to the nursery and forest products industries.  P. ramorum has not been found in Clarks Creek but is present in other streams in western Washington. Early detection of these organisms will allow for rapid response and reduce their impacts to the ecosystems. Another water mold, Saprolegnia, is common on fish raised in hatcheries and could affect populations of native amphibians if present in high enough numbers.

WSU monitoring on Clarks Creek

2010

Downstream

• 1001 – Puyallup HS

Near headwaters

• 1007 – Pierce College Biology 213

2011

Downstream

• 1102 – Puyallup HS

Near headwaters

• 1103 – Puyallup HS
• Sampling for Oomycetes using ‘Bait in a Bottle’ method – Pierce College Biology 213

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More about Clarks Creek: Clarks Creek Initiative