Stream Classification Workgroup Update

Summary:   The Stream Classification Workgroup was formed during the 2001 RSTC spring meeting to help coordinate stream classification efforts in the North Central Division.  Individuals from many of the classification efforts have been discussing and sharing ideas for many years.  However, the last opportunity to discuss stream classification with researchers representing several jurisdictions was held in December, 1999 at the Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference in Chicago.  As additional jurisdictions begin stream classification and aquatic GAP initiatives, we need a forum to discuss issues, collaborate, and standardize efforts.  Members of the Stream Classification Workgroup feel strongly that this group should meet annually, perhaps in conjunction with the Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference.  Plans for a meeting in conjunction with the 2002 Midwest Fisheries meeting are underway. 

 

Update by State:

Wisconsin

Purpose: The overall objective of this effort is to classify streams in Wisconsin and to develop/modify models that can predict stream water temperature, base flow, and biological communities using landscape and stream segment features.  The products of this project will be used for allocating monitoring efforts, assessing stream status and developing biocriteria, and assessing realization of management goals.  Although eventually this project may work with the USGS aquatic GAP program, at present time it is entirely funded by the state program.

Status: We have collected nearly 200 stream sites on flow discharge, water temperature, physical habitat, and fish community.  The watersheds boundaries of these streams have been delineated and the landscape features within the watersheds have also been clipped out from the needed GIS layers for the model development.  We are creating a statewide coldwater stream map, which will be used to test our temperature models.  We are on the final stage of completing the DARCY map for Wisconsin with the help from the Michigan group.  We will start stream segment classification and model development before July 2002.

Personnel: John Lyons and Li Wang (main contact person, 608-221-6335) are the main persons working on the stream classification related projects.  One seasonal GIS assistant is also assigned to this project. the main contact person.

Time Frame: Stream segment classification (TNC already has an early version of segment classification map for Wisconsin) and model development will be completed by the end of June, 2003.  Stream current biological status classification, biological potential classification, biocriteria, and other final products will be completed by the end of 2005.

 

Missouri

Purpose:  We've been working with staff from The Nature Conservancy's Freshwater Initiative (FI's) over the last five years developing a hierarchical ecological classification framework for riverine ecosystems.  The result is an 8-level hierarchy which ultimately places each individual stream segment into a global ecological context.  The first 6 levels of the hierarchy are essentially watershed-based units and in level 7 we jump into the "linear dimension" where valley segment types are defined and mapped.  The final level of the hierarchy: habitat units, are simply too small and dynamic to map within a GIS but it is still important to recognize this level of stratification in any stream classification hierarchy.  There are a few differences between our methods (MO Aquatic GAP Pilot Project) and those of the FI.  We use the 1:100,000 NHD as our base layer and have modified or developed new processing tools for efficiently classifying valley segments using the NHD.  We also incorporate biological data into the classification process. 

Status:  We have completed MO and are now working with IA, KS, NE, and SD to classify  the entire MO River Basin.  Several other states, like OH, ME, and FL are also using our methods to classify streams in their respective states.  We have provided training to 16 states in all.  The MO Dept. of Natural Resources has recently proposed using our classification for the development and enforcement of biological criteria in the state. 

Personnel: Scott Sowa (573-441-2791, scott_sowa@usgs.gov ) and Gust Annis (573-441-2792, gust_annis@usgs.gov )are the two lead investigators for developing the classification units in MO and the MO River Basin. 

Time Frame:  We anticipate completing the MO River basin in 2004 or 2005.

 

Michigan

Purpose:  In Michigan, we are continuing work on our valley segment ecological classification system (VSEC).  This is a joint effort between researchers from MDNR Fisheries Division and The University of Michigan, School of Natural Resources and Environment.   The main purposes of the classification effort are directed at fisheries management applications but is also being used for a number of research projects.  Uses of the system include stratification for sampling (especially for long term monitoring) and for data summarization and communication.  We are in the process of working with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality on ways in which they can use the VSEC system for their biomonitoring program.  We have recently been involved in discussions with USGS regarding use of the VSEC system for aquatic gap in Michigan.  Work on the GAP project will begin soon.

Status:  To date, we have delineated Valley Segments for all streams in Michigan (both upper and lower peninsula) except in the smallest tributaries on the 1:100:000 RF3 hydrography layer.  We have also built data tables with estimated attributes (hydrology, temperature, chemistry, slope, fish data) for each valley segment.   Our current work is focusing on updating existing attribute tables with survey data (actual field measures of temperature, fish etc) and validating valley segments using these data.  We are also incorporating feedback from our field biologists regarding the accuracy/utility of delineated segments.  Additional work includes transferring the VSEC system to the new National Hydrography Data layer (NHD) at 1:100000 scale.

Personnel:  The staff involved include: Kevin Wehrly ( (734) 663-3554 ext 120) and Paul Seelbach (MDNR) and Mike Wiley (U of M).

Time Frame: Data should be transferred to NHD within the year, and the validation process probably will take another year.    

 

Illinois

Purpose: The main objective of Illinois' effort is to develop an ecological classification system that provides an intermediate spatial framework between large geographic areas and stream sites.  The intended uses of the classification include:

Site selection - Stream classification system will help biologists insure that monitoring stations address the variability of stream types in a river basin.

Stream restoration - By relating the success of BMPs in varying stream types, it is expected that stream conditions appropriate for these practices can be identified.

Coordination among planning groups statewide - Given a specific type of stream, a statewide classification of streams would allow the knowledge and experience learned from a planning effort in one stream to be applied to other streams in the state.

Illinois' project is jointly funded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.  Eventually this project may lead to work with the USGS aquatic GAP program. 

Status: In preparation for defining valley segments, we began generating attributes for stream segments in the 1:100,000 RF3 hydrography layer.  Initial attributes include: upstream and downstream connectivity, and stream gradient and elevation.  Before progressing further, we are changing our streams base layer from RF3 to the new 1:100,000 National Hydrography Data layer (NHD).  In early April, we plan to train with Scott Sowa and acquire Missouri's automated processing tools for efficiently classifying valley segments using the NHD.  Recently, we met with a member of the Illinois State Water Survey to discuss flow duration curves and appropriate ways of attributing hydrologic patterns.  Additionally, members of the Illinois State Geological Survey are helping us apply Michigan's DARCY model to Illinois.  

Personnel:  Ann Holtrop (217-785-4325, ahogan@dnrmail.state.il.us) and Chad Dolan (217-557-1406, cdolan@dnrmail.state.il.us) are the lead investigators on the project.  

Time Frame: A preliminary classification will be completed by February 2003.