Name: watershed planning within a quantitative scenario analysis framework
Uploaded: 2016-07-24T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework at JoVE.com

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&#39;s required peer and policy review and, therefore, does not necessarily reflect the views of the agency, and no official endorsement should be inferred.

1. Target Sites for Inclusion in Watershed Assessment
<ol>
	<li>Identify the dominant land use activities within the target 8-digit hydrologic unit code (HUC) watershed that are impacting physicochemical and biological condition3, 7. 
	Note: This methodology assumes pre-existing knowledge of important stressors within the watershed of interest. However, consulting regulatory agencies or watershed groups familiar with the system can aid in this effort.</li>
	<li>Select landscape-based measures of dominan...

<ol>
	<li>Allan, J. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Landscapes+and+riverscapes:+the+influence+of+land+use+on+stream+ecosystems.">Landscapes and riverscapes: the influence of land use on stream ecosystems.</a> Annu. Rev. Ecol. Evol. Syst. 35, 257-284 (2004).</li><li>Merovich, G. T., Petty, J. T., Strager, M. P., Fulton, J. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hierarchical+classification+of+stream+condition:+a+house-neighborhood+framework+for+establishing+conservartion+priorities+in+complex+riverscapes.">Hierarchical classification of stream condition: a house-neighborhood framework for establishing conservartion priorities in complex riverscapes.</a> Freshwater Science. 32, 874-891 (2013).</li><li>Merriam, E. R., Petty, J. T., Strager, M. P., Maxwell, A. E., Ziemkiewicz, P. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Scenario+analysis+predicts+context-dependent+stream+response+to+land+use+change+in+a+heavily+mined+central+Appalachian+watershed.">Scenario analysis predicts context-dependent stream response to land use change in a heavily mined central Appalachian watershed.</a> Freshwater Science. 32, 1246-1259 (2013).</li><li>Petty, J. T., Fulton, J. B., Strager, M. P., Merovich, G. T., Stiles, J. M., Ziemkiewicz, P. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Landscape+indicators+and+thresholds+of+stream+ecological+impairment+in+an+intensively+mined+Appalachian+watershed.">Landscape indicators and thresholds of stream ecological impairment in an intensively mined Appalachian watershed.</a> J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc. 29, 1292-1309 (2010).</li><li>Seitz, N. E., Westbrook, C. J., Noble, B. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Bringing+science+into+river+systems+cumulative+effects+assessment+practice.">Bringing science into river systems cumulative effects assessment practice.</a> Environ. Impact Asses. 31, 172-179 (2011).</li><li>Duinker, P. N., Greig, L. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+importance+of+cumulative+effects+assessment+in+Canada:+ailments+and+ideas+for+redeployment.">The importance of cumulative effects assessment in Canada: ailments and ideas for redeployment.</a> Environ. Manage. 37, 153-161 (2006).</li><li>Merriam, E. R., Petty, J. T., Strager, M. P., Maxwell, A. E., Ziemkiewicz, P. 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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 (<...

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.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="1173">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:436px;">Slack Invert Sampling Kit</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Wildco</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">3-425-N56</td>
			<td style="width:448px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">HDPE Square Jars</td>
			<td>US Plastic Corp</td>
			<td>66188</td>
			<td>32oz./for storing fixed, composite invertebrate samples</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Ethyl Alcohol 190 Proof</td>
			<td>PHARMCO-AAPER</td>
			<td>111000190</td>
			<td>For fixing and storing invertebrate samples</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">5in. by 20in. Macroinvertebrate sub-samplilng grid</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>This item cannot be purchased and must be made in house</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Stereomicroscope Stemi 2000 with stand C LED</td>
			<td>ZEISS</td>
			<td>000000-1106-133</td>
			<td>For macroinvertebrate sorting and identification</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Thermo Scientific Nalgene Reusable Filter Holders with Receiver</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>09-740-23A</td>
			<td></td>
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		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Immobilon-NC Transfer Membrane</td>
			<td>Millipore</td>
			<td>HATF04700</td>
			<td>Triton-free, mixed cellulose exters, 0.45um, 47mm, disc</td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Actron Vacuum Pump Brake Bleeder Kit</td>
			<td>Advanced Auto Parts</td>
			<td>CP7835</td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Nitric Acid Solution</td>
			<td>HACH</td>
			<td>254049</td>
			<td>1:1, 500mL</td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Oblong NDPE Wide Mouth Bottles</td>
			<td>Thomas Scientific</td>
			<td>1229Z38</td>
			<td>250 mL/for collection of water samples</td>
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		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:436px;">650 Multi-parameter display, standard memory</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Fondriest Environmental</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">650-01</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">600XL Sonde with temperature/conductivity sensor</td>
			<td>Fondriest Environmental</td>
			<td>065862</td>
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		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">pH calibration buffer pack</td>
			<td>Fondriest Environmental</td>
			<td>603824</td>
			<td>2 pints each of pH 4, 7, &#38; 10</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">conductivity standard</td>
			<td>Fondriest Environmental</td>
			<td>065270</td>
			<td>1 quart, 1000 uS</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Flo-Mate 2000</td>
			<td>TTT Environmental</td>
			<td>2000-11</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">Keson English/Metric Open Reel Fiberglass Tape</td>
			<td>Forestry Suppliers</td>
			<td>40025</td>
			<td>300&#39;/100m</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">ArcGIS 10.3.1</td>
			<td>ESRI</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

watershed planning within a quantitative scenario analysis 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.

Forty 1:24,000 NHD catchments were selected as study sites within the Coal River, West Virginia (Figure 2). Study sites were selected to span a range influence from surface mining (% land area24), residential development [structure density (no./km2)], and underground mining [national pollution discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit density (no./km2)] such that each major land use activity occurred both in isolation and in combination ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework at JoVE.com

Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework

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 ...

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Rapid bioassessment protocols using benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages have been successfully used to assess human impacts on water quality. ...

An Aquatic Microbial Metaproteomics Workflow: From Cells to Tryptic Peptides Suitable for Tandem Mass Spectrometry-based Analysis

Meta-omic technologies such as metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics can aid in the understanding of microbial community structure and ...

Extracting Metrics for Three-dimensional Root Systems: Volume and Surface Analysis from In-soil X-ray Computed Tomography Data

Plant roots play a critical role in plant-soil-microbe interactions that occur in the rhizosphere, as well as processes with important implications to ...

A Protocol for Collecting and Constructing Soil Core Lysimeters

Leaching of nutrients from land applied fertilizers and manure used in agriculture can lead to accelerated eutrophication of surface water. Because the ...

Extraction and Analysis of Microbial Phospholipid Fatty Acids in Soils

Phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) are key components of microbial cell membranes. The analysis of PLFAs extracted from soils can provide information about ...

Modification and Application of a Leaf Blower-vac for Field Sampling of Arthropods

Rice fields host a large diversity of arthropods, but investigating their population dynamics and interactions is challenging. Here we describe the ...