Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework

Summary

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.

Abstract

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.

Introduction

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 watersheds^2-3. 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....

Protocol

1. Target Sites for Inclusion in Watershed Assessment

1. Identify the dominant land use activities within the target 8-digit hydrologic unit code (HUC) watershed that are impacting physicochemical and biological condition^{3, 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.
2. Select landscape-based measures of dominant land use activities [e.g., 2011 National Land Cover Database (NLCD)] ^{3, 7}.
   1. Consult published literature to help identi....

Results

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 .......

Discussion

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 watersheds^5-6. 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 (<.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Slack Invert Sampling Kit	Wildco	3-425-N56
HDPE Square Jars	US Plastic Corp	66188	32 oz; for storing fixed, composite invertebrate samples
Ethyl Alcohol 190 Proof	PHARMCO-AAPER	111000190	For fixing and storing invertebrate samples
5 in. by 20 in. 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, 0.45 μm, 47 mm, disc
Actron Vacuum Pump Brake Bleeder Kit	Advanced Auto Parts	CP7835
Nitric Acid Solution	HACH	254049	1:1, 500 ml
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, 1,000 µS
Flo-Mate 2000	TTT Environmental	2000-11
Keson English/Metric Open Reel Fiberglass Tape	Forestry Suppliers	40025	300'/100 m
ArcGIS 10.3.1	ESRI