There is a critical need for tools and methodologies capable of managing aquatic systems in the face of uncertain future conditions. We provide methods for conducting a targeted watershed assessment that enables resource managers to produce landscape-based cumulative effects models for use within a scenario analysis management framework.
There is a critical need for tools and methodologies capable of managing aquatic systems within heavily impacted watersheds. Current efforts often fall short as a result of an inability to quantify and predict complex cumulative effects of current and future land use scenarios at relevant spatial scales. The goal of this manuscript is to provide methods for conducting a targeted watershed assessment that enables resource managers to produce landscape-based cumulative effects models for use within a scenario analysis management framework. Sites are first selected for inclusion within the watershed assessment by identifying sites that fall along independent gradients and combinations of known stressors. Field and laboratory techniques are then used to obtain data on the physical, chemical, and biological effects of multiple land use activities. Multiple linear regression analysis is then used to produce landscape-based cumulative effects models for predicting aquatic conditions. Lastly, methods for incorporating cumulative effects models within a scenario analysis framework for guiding management and regulatory decisions (e.g., permitting and mitigation) within actively developing watersheds are discussed and demonstrated for 2 sub-watersheds within the mountaintop mining region of central Appalachia. The watershed assessment and management approach provided herein enables resource managers to facilitate economic and development activity while protecting aquatic resources and producing opportunity for net ecological benefits through targeted remediation.
Anthropogenic alteration of natural landscapes is among the greatest current threats to aquatic ecosystems throughout the world1. In many regions, continued degradation at current rates will result in irreparable damage to aquatic resources, ultimately limiting their capacity to provide invaluable and irreplaceable ecosystem services. Thus, there is a critical need for tools and methodologies capable of managing aquatic systems within developing watersheds2-3. This is particularly important given that managers are often tasked with conserving aquatic resources in the face of socioeconomic and political pressures to continue development activities.
Management of aquatic systems within actively developing regions requires an ability to predict likely effects of proposed development activities within the context of pre-existing natural and anthropogenic landscape attributes3, 4. A major challenge to aquatic resource management within heavily degraded watersheds is the ability to quantify and manage complex (i.e., additive or interactive) cumulative effects of multiple land use stressors at relevant spatial scales2, 5. Despite current challenges, however, cumulative effects assessments are being incorporated into regulatory guidelines throughout the world5-6.
Targeted watershed assessments designed to sample the full range of conditions with respect to multiple land use stressors can produce data capable of modeling complex cumulative effects7. Moreover, incorporating such models within a scenario analysis framework [predicting ecological changes under a range of realistic or proposed development or watershed management (restoration and mitigation) scenarios] has the potential to greatly improve aquatic resource management within heavily impacted watersheds3, 5, 8-9. Most notably, scenario analysis provides a framework for adding objectivity and transparency to management decisions by incorporating scientific information (ecological relationships and statistical models), regulatory goals, and stakeholder needs into a single decision-making framework3, 9.
We present a methodology for assessing and managing cumulative effects of multiple land use activities within a scenario analysis framework. We first describe how to appropriately target sites for inclusion within the watershed assessment based on known land use stressors. We describe field and laboratory techniques for obtaining data on the ecological effects of multiple land use activities. We briefly describe modeling techniques for producing landscape-based cumulative effects models. Lastly, we discuss how to incorporate cumulative effects models within a scenario analysis framework and demonstrate the utility of this methodology in aiding regulatory decisions (e.g., permitting and restoration) within an intensively mined watershed in southern West Virginia.
We provide a framework for assessing and managing cumulative effects of multiple land use activities in heavily impacted watersheds. The approach described herein addresses previously identified limitations associated with managing aquatic systems in heavily impacted watersheds5-6. Most notably, the targeted watershed assessment design (i.e., sampling along individual and combined stressor axes) produces data that are well suited for quantifying complex cumulative effects at relevant spatial scales (<…
The authors have nothing to disclose.
We thank the numerous field and laboratory helpers that were involved in various aspects of this work, especially Donna Hartman, Aaron Maxwell, Eric Miller, and Alison Anderson. Funding for this study was provided by the US Geological Survey through support from US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region III. This study was partially developed under the Science To Achieve Results Fellowship Assistance Agreement number FP-91766601-0 awarded by the US EPA. Although the research described in this article has been funded by the US EPA, it has not been subjected to the agency's required peer and policy review and, therefore, does not necessarily reflect the views of the agency, and no official endorsement should be inferred.
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HDPE Square Jars | US Plastic Corp | 66188 | 32oz./for storing fixed, composite invertebrate samples |
Ethyl Alcohol 190 Proof | PHARMCO-AAPER | 111000190 | For fixing and storing invertebrate samples |
5in. by 20in. Macroinvertebrate sub-samplilng grid | N/A | N/A | This item cannot be purchased and must be made in house |
Stereomicroscope Stemi 2000 with stand C LED | ZEISS | 000000-1106-133 | For macroinvertebrate sorting and identification |
Thermo Scientific Nalgene Reusable Filter Holders with Receiver | Fisher Scientific | 09-740-23A | |
Immobilon-NC Transfer Membrane | Millipore | HATF04700 | Triton-free, mixed cellulose exters, 0.45um, 47mm, disc |
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Nitric Acid Solution | HACH | 254049 | 1:1, 500mL |
Oblong NDPE Wide Mouth Bottles | Thomas Scientific | 1229Z38 | 250 mL/for collection of water samples |
650 Multi-parameter display, standard memory | Fondriest Environmental | 650-01 | |
600XL Sonde with temperature/conductivity sensor | Fondriest Environmental | 065862 | |
pH calibration buffer pack | Fondriest Environmental | 603824 | 2 pints each of pH 4, 7, & 10 |
conductivity standard | Fondriest Environmental | 065270 | 1 quart, 1000 uS |
Flo-Mate 2000 | TTT Environmental | 2000-11 | |
Keson English/Metric Open Reel Fiberglass Tape | Forestry Suppliers | 40025 | 300'/100m |
ArcGIS 10.3.1 | ESRI |