Bear Lake Class Cohort Grant Research Bibliography: Wildlife

Bear Lake Regional Commission. “Wildlife Bear Lake Basin,” October 1975. Call #3 9060 02035 6621, 979.27 B38w, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University.

This is a summary of both native and non-native wildlife species found in Bear Lake and the various habitats surrounding it. This includes sage foothills, streams and banks, swamps, canyons, meadows, forests, etc. It also includes a description of the Bear Lake Basin’s geography and a history of the wildlife in the area including the flight of the “Buffalo” (Bison), and local elk and deer populations. Beyond that, it lists problems faced (page 7) by the Forest Service in managing the area, and some consequential policies and strategies that they suggest be employed. The species in each of the Basin’s habitats are listed 7 on page 11.It similarly includes crops such as grass hay, alfalfa, and grain, as well as livestock. Includes accounts of the first Anglo settlers in the Bear Lake Valley and their trapping endeavors. Discusses the creation of the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1968 and covers 17,600 acres of marsh, which is a huge production area for Western Canada Geese, Greater Sandhill Cranes, and many other waterfowl species.

Archer, Donald L., Neilson, Bryce R., Wildlife Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. “Bear Lake Cutthroat Trout Enhancement Program”, 1975- 1985. Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, 639.91 ut19fi.

A compilation of surveys and reports on egg-taking, gill netting, fish stocking, and harvest of cutthroat trout in Bear Lake, which were taken from 1975 to 1985. The book contains these surveys to compare cutthroat trout rates and how well different enhancement programs were working. Briefly mentions the establishment of commercial fisheries in Bear Lake during the 1920s. This is in response to reduced numbers of trout in previous years. Includes the total length, weight, and sex were recorded. Results showed that many fish were recorded, and many of the fish dropped in overall sizes from past records. Includes recommendations to increase population size.

Sport fish stocking activities at Bear Lake, 1975-1989, Merrill-Cazier Special Collections & Archives, General Book Collections, 639.9 Utlp no. 138.

This booklet provides in-depth statistics about a variety of information regarding Bear Lake. Some of these statistics include temperature, the number of different species, and maps of Bear Lake. It also provides a background description on the project and the purpose of fish stocking at Bear Lake.

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge photographs, 1927-1979. Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, USU_P0020.

This collection includes over 3,000 photos that show the operations of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. Examples being the construction of dikes, canals, and service buildings. There are also lots showing birds, tourists, fishing, and the facilities and equipment. Also contains water management documents.

Albrecht, Brandon. “Spawning and winter ecology of two benthic whitefish species in Bear Lake, Utah/Idaho”, 2004. Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, THESES2004 no.3.

This is student’s master thesis treats two fish species endemic to Bear Lake; the Bear Lake whitefish and Bonneville whitefish. It looks at spawning habitat selection along with egg survival associated with that habitat. They conclude the whitefish prefer rocky habitats specifically near the southwest corner of Bear Lake. These habitats also yielded the highest egg survival. This study provides valuable information regarding spawning location, timing, substrate preferences, and associated egg survival of several Bear Lake fish species.

Neilson Bryce R., Tolentino Scott A., “The Bear Lake Whitefish Complex: Summary Report of Creel and Gill Net Data, March 1999, Collection Number 639.9, Ut1p, no. 216”, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University.

This is a document detailing research done on Bear Lake Whitefish from 1974-1997. It details what methods were used to collect data, including creeling and gill nets. This document additionally discusses the results and management recommendations for this species.

Neilson Bryce R., Tolentino Scott A., “Gill-Netting Activities on Bear Lake, 1975-1989, Collection Number 639.9, Ut1p, no. 218”, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University.

This document talks about the history of the Utah DWR using gill-netting collection methods on Bear Lake. It mentions the different ways one can run a gillnet and what data can be collected. Finally, this document talks about management implications that may be seen from using gillnetting as a collection method.

Utah State Department of Fish and Game. “Utah Furbearers.” 1952-55. Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, 639.9 Utlfu.

Report on harvest and management recommendations of animals including beavers between 1952-1955. In the report, land is subdivided to monitor drainage, available food, estimated number of specific animals, and management recommendations. Sections on beaver include food available at drainages, estimated population number, removal recommendation, nuisance complaints, and records of transplants performed. Observations on marten sightings and tracks are included, and in the ‘53 and ‘54 reports include investigations on their range and behavior as well as photos of the animals. Recorded observations and measurements are provided for otter. The ‘53 and ’54 reports include data on beaver, mink, and muskrat permits and harvests. Though the report covers Bear Lake, it is statewide in scope.

“Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge.” Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, I 49.44/2: B 38/7/2001.

This pamphlet provides general information about the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, including its species, wildlife numbers, location and size. Page 3 notes that the refuge is 17,000 acres in size and was “once part of a larger prehistoric lake.” It also includes information about environmental changes and mitigation practices that help keep the refuge in preferred condition. For example, the pamphlet details issues with water quality in certain parts of the refuge (p. 7) and the fact-controlled fire is used to maintain open areas and encourage recycled growth (p. 8). Finally, the pamphlet provides general information about visiting and permitted recreational activities in the wildlife refuge. It gives a brief history about the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, the types of habitats, and the wildlife it contains. It also highlights notable species, how they are managed, where to find them, and the activities that can be done here. This source can help us find the types of animals that surround Bear Lake and what is being done to protect them in 2001.

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.“Bear Lake biological report for calendar year 2006”, 2007. Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, 639.9 Utlp no. 371.

This report focuses on the collection and study of the various Bear Lake fish species and how they are affected by the environmental factors and sport fishing. The report focuses specifically on the years 2005 and 2006, detailing collection methods, species, fishing hours, and fishing preferences. In 2005, the highest pressure from anglers came in October and May 30 (p. 25), and most people were fishing for Cutthroat and Lake Trout (p.31). The main purpose of the article is to provide information on the fish population in Bear Lake and how that population is curated and affected by hatcheries, stocking, and sport fishing.

Valentine, Robert G. “Sport Fish Stocking Activities At Bear Lake,” 1975-1989, Special Collections, Merill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, 639.9 Ut1p.

This report decides optimal times for stocking fish in Bear Lake. This study was conducted as a way to inform those who planned to reintroduce cultured captive brood stock to Bear Lake. The report gives the numbers of fish that were successfully stocked in Bear 37 Lake during various years. It also summarizes the processes in order to analyze which way may be more successful in the future.