Project Timeline:
December 1, 2017 - June 30, 2030
CMER Scientist:
Aimee McIntyre
Project Manager:
Jenny Schofield
Rule Group:
Type N Riparian Prescriptions Rule Group
SAG:
Landscape and Wildlife Scientific Advisory Group
This project will inform the Overall Performance Goals to meet or exceed water quality standardsand to support the long-term viability of other covered species, which includes FP-designated stream-associated amphibians, by evaluating water temperature and amphibian use of intermittent stream reaches of Type Np streams. Type Np Waters are perennial streams that do not go dry at any time of a year of normal rainfall and include the intermittent dry portions of the perennial channel below the uppermost point of perennial flow (WAC 222-16-010). Hunter and colleagues (2005) found that, during periods of low flow, intermittent stream reaches frequently occurred near the origin of headwater streams (i.e., the Perennial Initiation Point (PIP)), and that they exhibited one of two spatial patterns of surface flow, i.e., a single dry reach located adjacent to the PIP or flowing sections interspersed with dry sections. While some existing and planned CMER research studies did/or plan to collect information relative to spatial intermittency and amphibian use, not all existing studies reported on these data. The frequency and distribution of intermittently flowing reaches of Type Np streams may affect stream physical characteristics and biota. Furthermore, the incidence, timing and locations of intermittently dry Type Np stream reaches in relation to the placement of riparian buffers has not yet been considered. These uncertainties motivate work in Fiscal Year (FY20), which includes a synthesis of existing data from CMER-supported studies and other published literature. This is a data and literature synthesis project and inference will be limited largely to the study sites included in previous studies. The intent is to provide valuable information for evaluating the need and/or desire for future evaluations of the contributions of stream intermittency to water quality and amphibian population viability. The topic of the frequency, distribution and effects of intermittent reaches on instream characteristics and biota should be of interest to those wishing to consider the ecological benefits and economic costs of the current riparian buffer prescription for Type N streams relative to potential alternatives. This project will inform the effectiveness of FP rules for riparian buffer placement on Type Np Waters,including insights on buffer placement to maximize resource protection to support the Overall Performance Goals of meeting water quality standards and the long-term viability of covered species. The literature/data summary will inform a Scoping Paper, which may be used by CMER and Timber, Fish and Wildlife Policy (Policy) to identify needs and priorities for potential allocation of funds in future biennia for implementation of a field study to evaluate the effects of intermittent stream reaches on stream temperature and FP-covered amphibian use on the FP HCP landscape. This work will also provide important context for informing possible future modifications of or additions to related critical questions in the CMER work plan.
Project Manager, DNR
Principle Investigator, WDFW
Project Team Member, WA Dept. of Ecology
Project Team Member, WFPA
Project Team Member, Washington State Association of Counties
Project Team Member, WDFW
No documents associated with this phase.
No documents associated with this phase.
No documents associated with this phase.
No documents associated with this phase.
No documents associated with this phase.