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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarc_Anderson_NEAFWA_Aquatic_Classification_OverviewNortheast Aquatic Habitat Classification and Mapping Arlene Olivero and Mark Anderson The Nature Conservancy Eastern Regional Office Objective Process Results Next Steps Project Objective Create a standardized, 13-state, aquatic habitat classification and mapping system to provide a foundation for state and regional conservation Northeast and Mid- Atlantic. Products 1. Northeastern Aquatic Habitat Classification System (NAHCS), a standardized aquatic habitat classification system 2. GIS dataset of aquatic habitat using the standardized aquatic habitat classification system Financial support was provided through the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Northeast Regional Conservation Needs (RCN) Grant Program. • Workgroup of representatives from all states and some federal partners (>30 participants) • Compiled the existing aquatic classification systems used by each state • Held monthly topic-focused workgroup calls to: – review potential classification variables, – Evidence to support thresholds – Reach consensus on an agreed upon regional taxonomy • Created a stream reach GIS habitat dataset linked to regional taxonomy Process State Name Email Agency ME Dave Halliwell David.Halliwell@maine.gov ME Dept. of Environmental Protection ME Dave Coutemach dave.l.courtemanch@maine.gov ME Dept. of Environmental Protection ME Katherine Webster katherine_webster@umit.maine.edu Dept. of Biological Sciences, UMO ME Merry Gallagher Merry.Gallagher@maine.gov ME Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife ME Peter Vaux peter.vaux@maine.edu Mitchell Center for Env. & Watershed Research, UMO NH Ben Nugent Benjamin.J.Nugent@wildlife.nh.gov NH Fish and Game Commission, Dept. of Inland Fisheries NH Mat Carpenter matthew.a.carpenter@wildlife.nh.gov NH Fish and Game Commission, Dept. of Inland Fisheries NH Brian Frappier brian.frappier@gmail.com Department of Natural Resources, UNH VT Rich Langdon Rich.Langdon@state.vt.us VT Fish and Wildlife Dept. VT Steve Fiske steve.fiske@state.vt.us VT Dept. of Env. Conservation, Biomonitoring Program MA Todd Richards Todd.Richards@state.ma.us MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Field Headquarters MA Alicia Norris Alicia.Norris@state.ma.us MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife MA Margaret Kearns Margaret.Kearns@state.ma.us MA Dept.of Fish and Game, Riverways Program MA/NE Jeffrey Legros jlegros@nrc.umass.edu Northeast Instream Habitat Program, UMASS Amherst MA Robert Brooks rtbrooks@fs.fed.us USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Unit NE-4251 CT Neal Hagstrom Neal.Hagstrom@po.state.ct.us CT Dept. of Environmental Protection NY Marcia Meixler msm10@cornell.edu Dept. of Natural Resources, Cornell University NY Tracey Tomajer tmtomaje@gw.dec.state.ny.us Division of Fish, Wildlife, & Marine Resources - NYSDEC NJ Lisa Barno Lisa.Barno@dep.state.nj.us NJ Department of Environmental Protection PA Mary Walsh mwalsh@paconserve.org PA Natural Heritage Program PA Jeremy Deeds jdeeds@paconserve.org PA Natural Heritage Program PA Mike Pruss mpruss@state.pa.us PA Game Commission - State Wildlife Management Agency PA Brian Chalfant bchalfant@state.pa.us PA Dept. of Environmental Protection PA David Day davday@state.pa.us PA Fish and Boat Commission PA Michael Bialousz mbialousz@state.pa.us PA Fish and Boat Commission DE Kevin Kalasz Kevin.Kalasz@state.de.us DE Division of Fish and Wildlife MD Scott Stranko sstranko@dnr.state.md.us MD Dept. of Natural Resources VA Dave Morton dave.morton@dgif.virginia.gov VA Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries VA Brian Roosa Brian.roosa@dgif.virginia.gov VA Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries WV Walter Kordek waltkordek@wvdnr.gov WV Division of Natural Resources WV David Thorne davidthorne@wvdnr.gov WV Division of Natural Resources WV Dan Cincotta dancincotta@wvdnr.gov WV Division of Natural Resources MI Paul Seelbach seelbacp@michigan.gov MI Dept.of Natural Resources, University of Michigan PA/DE Cara Campbell ccampbell@usgs.gov USGS Northern Appalachian Research Branch NY James McKenna jemckenna@usgs.gov Unites States Geological Survey MA/NE Ken Sprankle Ken_Sprankle@fws.gov USFWS - Wildlife & Sport Fish Restoration Program, Region 5 MA/NE Willa Nehlsen Willa_Nehlsen@fws.gov U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Regional Fisheries Program Workgroup Participants 35+ State Fish and Wildlife Agency, DEP, Natural Heritage Program, Federal Agency, University, NGO Partners…. Initial Compilation of Existing Classifications General Trends • Very little consistency across states (>200 types) • Used Different River Variables: stream size, coldwater/warmwater, gradient, elevation/ecoregions, flow permanence, chemistry, or indicator species/fish community/macroinvertebrate community • Used Different Lake Variables: trophic status, depth, ph Team agreed to develop a unambiguous biophysically based standard taxonomy and map for the region. Size classes from state and regional classifications using drainage area to measure size State Size Classes from classifications that used drainage area to measure size sq.mi. NAHCS Stream Size Class 12345101520253035501001502005001000200040005000700090001000020000 WV WV: intermittent < 18 acres 0.02813 sqmi 1a NY NY Rocky Headwater Stream: 5-10m across .005-.05 sq.mi.1aNY NY Marshy Headwater Stream: <3m across < 0.015 sq.mi 1a PA PA Macroinvertebrate Physical Stream Type: 0-2 sq.mi.1aMA MA: <2 sq.mi. break for perennial vs. intermittent 2 sqmi.1a VT VT Biomonitoring: Small High Gradient Streams (SHG):10 square kilometers 3.861 sqmi 1aPA PA Macroinvertebrate Physical Stream Type: 3-10 sq.mi.1a, 1b WV WV: Small: ≤ 10,000 acres <15.63 sq.mi.1a, 1b MA MA: <50 ft break for wadeable <25 sq.mi. (from DA = (w/14.7)^(2.632)1a, 1bME ME/TNC ERO: 0-29sq.mi.1a, 1b NY NY GAP: 0-39 sq.mi.1a, 1b PA PA Fish Community Type Synthesis Recommendations: 0-50 sq mi 1a, 1b, 2 VT VT Aquatic Communities: Brook Trout: mean 11 sqkm (3-30) 4.247 (1.158 - 11.58) sqmi 1b VT VT Aquatic Communities: Brook Trout - Slimy Sculpin mean 12 sqkm (2-30) 4.633 (0.7722 - 11.58) sqmi 1b US USA B3: indicator: creek chub; homogeneous cluster: eastern mean 4.247 sq.mi (95% conf. int. 0-10 sq.mi.)1b CT CT: <30ft break for wadeable 6.5 sq.mi. (from DA = (w/14.7)^(2.632)1b VT VT Biomonitoring: Slow Winders:average 25 square kilometers 9.653 sqmi 1b US USA B2: indicator: fathead minnow; least homogenous: eastern mean 10.04 sq.mi. (95% conf. int. 0-45 sq.mi.)1b US USA D2: highest elevations, steepest slopes, and coolest air; mountainous areas of the wester USA: indicator rainbow trout: eastern mean 12.74 sq.mi. (95% conf. int 0-28 sq.mi.1b VT VT Aquatic Communities: Brook Trout - Blacknose Dace: mean 41 sqkm (4-103)15.83 (1.544 - 39.77) sqmi 1b US USA C3: streams of mountainous west, east, and north-central indicator: blacknose dace: eastern mean 15.44 sqmi (95% conf. int. 0-42 sq.mi.)1b US USA C2: streams of mountainous west, east, and north-central: indicator brook trout, brown trout, mottled sculpin: eastern mean 23.55 sq.mi. (95% conf. int. 0-101 sq.mi.)1b DE DE: 1-3rd order is break for wadeable mean 2-23 sq.mi. (10- 90% percentile = .91-40)1b VT VT Biomonitoring: Medium High Gradient Streams (MHG):average 88 square kilometers 33.98 sqmi 1b VT VT Aquatic Communities: Bluntnose Minnow - Creek Chub: mean 88 sqkm (2-515)33.98 (0.7722 - 198.8) sqmi 1b, 2 PA PA Macroinvertebrate Physical Stream Type: 11-100 sq.mi.1b, 2WV WV: Medium: 10,001-100,000 acres 15.63-156.3 sq.mi.1b, 2 NY NY Confined River: >30 sq.mi. < 1000 sq.mi.1b, 2, 3a NY NY Unconfined River: >30 sq.mi. < 1000 sq.mi.1b, 2, 3aME ME/TNC ERO: 30-199 sq.mi.2 VT VT Aquatic Communities: Pumpkinseed - Bluntnose Minnow: mean 336 sqkm (8-728)129.7 (3.089 - 281.1) sqmi 2 VT VT Aquatic Communities: Blacknose Dace -Common Shiner: mean 104 sqkm (10-298)40.15 (3.861 - 115.1) sqmi 2 US USA B1: indicator: common shiner and white sucker: eastern mean 46.72 sqmi (95% conf. int. 0-128 sq.mi)2 PA PA Fish Community Type Synthesis : 50-199 sq mi 2 PA PA Fish Community Type Synthesis : 50-199 sq mi or 50-100 sq.mi.2 US USA C1: streams of mountainous west, east, and north-central: indicator longnose dace: eastern mean 67.57 sq.mi. (95% conf. int 0-193 sq.mi.)2 US USA A4: indicator: central stoneroller and striped shiner;: eastern mean 160.6 sq.mi (95% conf. int. 0-650 sq.mi.2 VT VT Biomonitoring: Warm Water Moderate Gradient Streams and Rivers:average 480 square kilometers 185.3 sqmi 2NY NY GAP: 39-1158 sq.mi.2, 3a PA PA Fish Community Type Synthesis : 100-499sqmi.2, 3a PA PA Macroinvertebrate Physical Stream Type: >100 sq.mi. 2, 3a, 3b, 4, 5 WV WV: Large: > 100,000 acres >156.3 sq.mi.2, 3a, 3b, 4, 5 PA PA Fish Community Type Synthesis : 200-749 sq mi 3aME ME/TNC ERO: 200-999 sq.mi.3a US USA A2:indicator species: bluegill; consists of many different warm water species: eastern mean 432.4 sqmi (95% conf. int. 0-1773 sq.mi.)3a PA PA Fish Community Type Synthesis : 500-1999 sq.mi.3a, 3bPA PA Fish Community Type Synthesis : 750-2999 sq mi 3a, 3b US USA A3: indicator species spotfin shiner, shorthead readhorse, and common carp; all river species: eastern mean 2319 sqmi (95% conf. int. 0- 7083sq.mi.)3bME ME/TNC ERO: 1000-6999 sq.mi.3b, 4 NY NY GAP: >1158 sq.mi.3b, 4, 5 NY NY Deepwater River: > 965.3 sqmi.3a, 3b, 4, 5 PA PA Fish Community Type Synthesis : 3000-6499 sq mi 4PA PA Fish Community Type Synthesis : 6500+ sq mi or > 6000 4, 5ME ME/TNC ERO: 7000+ sqmi 4,5 defined class boundaries, or for field Product was not intended to override state classifications, but was meant to complement state classifications and provide a means for looking at patterns across the region. ++++ = Classification Approach Workgroup determined most important classification variables and thresholds for our region within this Higgins et al 2006. framework. Initial Classification Variables … • Size - upstream drainage area, order, mean annual flow … • Channel Gradient (slope) • Geology and Chemistry – bedrock types, surficial types, PH, ANC, channel substrate (cobble, gravel, sand…) • Water Temperature • Network Position •Elevation • Air Temperature • Precipitation • Baseflow and flow stability • Watershed average slope, surrounding landforms • Riparian wetlands and floodplains RESULTS: Four Key Habitat Variables SIZE GRADIENT GEOLOGY TEMPERATURE Each variable had internal classes Size Class Description Definition (sq.mi.) 1a Headwaters 0<3.861 1b Creeks >=3.861<38.61 2 Small Rivers >= 38.61<200 3a Medium Tributary Rivers >=200<1000 3b Medium Mainstem Rivers >=1000<3861 4 Large Rivers >=3861<96535Great Rivers >=9653 Gradient Class Description Definition (slope of stream channel (m/m) * 100)1 Very Low Gradient <0.02% 2 Low Gradient >= 0.02 < 0.1% 3 Moderate-Low Gradient >= 0.1 < 0.5% 4 Moderate-High Gradient >=0.5 < 2% 5 High Gradient >=2 < 5% 6 Very High Gradient >5% Geology Class Description Definition (index based on cumulative upstream geology; only applied to size 1a, 1b and 2 rivers) 1 Low Buffered; Acidic 100-174 2 Moderately Buffered; Neutral 175-324 3 Highly Buffered; Calc-Neutral 325-400 Temperature Estimated Natural Temperature Regime Definition 1Cold2Transitional Cool 3 Transitional Warm4Warm Complex rules; see CART analysis and final rules on Temperature Metadata worksheet Size Results: 7 agreed upon classes 1) Headwaters (0-3.9) 2) Creeks (3.9-39) 3) Small River (39<200) 4) Medium Tributary Rivers (200<1000) 5) Medium Mainstem Rivers (1000<3900) 6) Large Rivers (>=3900) 7) Great Rivers (>=9653) ( square miles of upstream drainage area. Rounding 3.89 to 3.9) Size: 7 classes Streams 1) Headwaters (0-3.9) 2) Creeks (3.9- 39) Rivers 3) Small (39<200) 4) Medium Tributary (200<1000) 5) Medium Mainstem (1000<3900) 6) Large (>=3900) 7) Great (>=9653) In square miles of upstream drainage area. Stream Size Classes tested with Pennsylvanian Fisheries Data 0.00 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.10 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.18 0.20 12345 Size class Options Cl a s s i f i c a t i o n S t r e n g t h Atlantic Basin Fish Ohio-Great Lakes Basins Fish Option 1 (sq.mi): 1=0-29, 2=30-199, 3=200-999, 4=1000-6999, 5=7000+ Option 2 (sq.mi): 1=2-9, 2=10-49, 3=50-99, 4=100-499, 5=500-1999, 6=2000-5999, 7=6000+ Option 3 (sq.mi): 1=0-50, 2=50-199, 3=200-749, 4=750-2999, 5=3000-6499, 6=6500+ Option 4 (sq.mi): 1=0-9, 2=10-24, 3=25-199, 4=200-499, 5=500-1999, 6=2000-3999, 7=4000-6999, 8=7000+ Option 5 (sq.mi): 1=1-9, 2=10-29, 3=30-199, 4=200-999, 5=1000-6999, 6=7000+ Our scheme (Option 1) had high classification strength in both basins Gradient Results: 6 classes 1) Very low 0-0.02% 2) Low 0.02-0.1% 3) Moderate 0.1-0.5% 4) Moderate-High 0.5-2% 5) High 2-5% 6) Very High 5% Measure = rise/run * 100 Rare Stream Biota and Gradient Classes. A cluster analysis using 6672 points representing 317 Heritage tracked species of fish, mussels, snails, amphibians, and aquatic insects (317 species, 6672 point occurrences) was used to test gradient classes. Geology: 3 classes 1)Acidic Geology, low buffering capacity (100-200*) 2)Neutral Geology, moderate buffering capacity (200-300*) 3)Calcareous Geology, highly buffered (300+*) measure = Norton buffering capacity index value of upstream geology in the watershed Average Stream pH by underlying geology type ** Norton: 100 200 300 400 Temperature Natural Expected Water Temperature Results: 4 classes 1) Cold 2) Transitional Cool 3) Transitional Warm 4) Warm measure = based on CART Statistical model predicting class based on size, cumulative air temperature, stream gradient, baseflow index. Rivers : Temperature was estimated from air temperature models and stream size class. Streams: Used a slightly different model incorporating base flow Air Temp Class, with USGS PRISM AIR TEMP MODEL: exact ranges of cumulative area weighted mean annual temp in detree C * 10 Size 5: >= 9653 sq.mi. Size 4: 3861- 9653 sq.mi. Size 3b: 1000-3861 sq.mi. Size 3a: 200-1000 sq.mi. size 2 200- 38 sq.mi. baseflow index < 40% size 2 200-38 sq.mi. baseflow index >= 40% 2: 15-30 transitional cool transitional cool transitional cool cold cold cold 3: 30-45 transitional cool transitional cool transitional cool cold cold cold 4: 45-60 transitional warm transitional cool transitional cool transitional cool transitional cool cold 5: 60-76 transitional warm transitional warm transitional warm transitional cool transitional cool transitional cool 6: 75-90 transitional warm transitional warm transitional warm pink transitional cool transitional cool 7: 90-105 transitional warm transitional warm transitional warm transitional warm transitional w arm transitional cool 8: 105-120 transitional warm transitional warm transitional warm transitional warm transitional warm pink 9: 120-135 very warm very warm transitional warm transitional warm transitional warm pink 10: 135-150 very warm very warm very warm very warm very warm very warm RIVER MODEL: Definition of Water Temperature Classes Regional Taxonomy Combine 4 Key Habitat Variables 259 types occur, 208 with more than 10km of length From Very high gradient, acidic, cold Headwater stream (1a_6_1_1) To Very low gradient, calcareous, warm Great river (5_1_3_4) Size Class Description Definition (sq.mi.) 1a Headwaters 0<3.861 1b Creeks >=3.861<38.61 2 Small Rivers >= 38.61<200 3a Medium Tributary Rivers >=200<1000 3b Medium Mainstem Rivers >=1000<3861 4 Large Rivers >=3861<9653 5 Great Rivers >=9653 Gradient Class Description Definition (slope of stream channel (m/m) * 100) 1 Very Low Gradient <0.02% 2 Low Gradient >= 0.02 < 0.1% 3 Moderate-Low Gradient >= 0.1 < 0.5% 4 Moderate-High Gradient >=0.5 < 2% 5 High Gradient >=2 < 5% 6 Very High Gradient >5% Geology Class Description Definition (index based on cumulative upstream geology; only applied to size 1a, 1b and 2 rivers) 1 Low Buffered; Acidic 100-174 2 Moderately Buffered; Neutral 175-324 3 Highly Buffered; Calc-Neutral 325-400 Temperature Estimated Natural Temperature Regime Definition 1Cold 2 Transitional Cool 3 Transitional Warm 4Warm Complex rules; see CART analysis and final rules on Temperature Metadata worksheetSize, Gradient, Geo, Temp Example: High gradient, acidic coldwater creeks (1b_5,6_1_1) Highly Buffered Headwaters/CreeksExample: Highly buffered calcareous headwater creeks (1b_5,6_1_1) Additional Habitat Descriptors Distributed for Each Stream… 100+ other “habitat descriptors” variables -drainage area, -stream order -channel elevation -channel slope -estimated mean-annual flow -estimated mean-annual flow velocity -PRISM model air temperature (local and cumulative upstream) -PRISM model precipitation (local and cumulative upstream) -local and cumulative areas of NLCD92 land cover types, etc.) -area and % of local and cumulative geology types -average baseflow index -average catchment slope -area of different landform types in local catchment -upstream and downstream connectivity class (e.g. is the reach upstream a lake, is the reach downstream a very large river etc.), Streams on the edge of transitional cool vs. transitional warm Use detailed baseflow and cumulative upstream air temp query certain transitional stream types Also included Large Scale Descriptors for each Stream • Freshwater Ecoregion • Ecological Drainage Unit • HUC8 • Terrestrial Ecoregion • State Simplified Set of types this set retains the most important variation in each class while hiding some of the detail of the full set. This example simplification used • 4 size classes • 4 gradient classes • 3 geology classes • 3 temperature classes This simplified map groups them into 92 types. Three Simplification Methods Mapping all 259 types is not always practical, nor necessary for certain regional applications. Team developed 3 recommendations regarding simplifying the classification. 1. Variable Prioritization 2. Within Variable Collapsing 3. Remove Biotically Insignificant Combinations Allows for the combination of primary variables in simpler forms to create a flexible and most desired reporting scheme for your purpose Download report from http://rcngrants.org/node/38 and GIS data from… http://rcngrants.org/spatialData Anticipated Uses • Provides common definitions and mapping of aquatic habitats across state lines. • Facilitate a new understanding of aquatic biota on a regional scale • Create a new opportunity to assess condition and prioritize habitats • Facilitate more effective and efficient habitat conservation Thank You • Work with states to use the classification. Link types to biota. Stratifying biological and temperature sampling Contact: arlene_olivero@tnc.org