Section 5: Network-Wide Scoping, Identification, and Prioritization of Vital Signs for Aquatic Resource Monitoring

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B. Vital Signs Scoping

The Klamath Network began its vital signs monitoring scoping process in 1998. A detailed account of the process and key findings were reported in Sarr et al. (2004).

Initial park-specific Vital Signs Workshops were held between 1998 and 2003 to begin to identify stressors that potentially impact park unit ecosystems. These workshops were followed in 2004 by three network-wide workshops: (1) Marine (January 27-28); (2) Geology/Soils (March 1-4); and (3) Level 1 and 2 Categories of the National Vital Signs Framework (May 4-6). The purpose of these workshops was to identify general monitoring questions and broad-scale vital signs associated with specific ecosystems and categories (see Sarr et al. 2004, Appendix G, pages 4-17 including Table 1, pages 16-17, for a complete list of National Vital Signs Framework Categories). Detailed results of the May 4-6 workshop specific to Klamath Network park units can be reviewed in Sarr et al. 2004, Appendix G, Tables 2-7, pages 18-46.

General Water Quality Vital Signs Identified during the May 2004 Scoping Process

The dominant theme during the initial identification of network-wide general water quality vital signs was aquatic ecosystem health. The ability to (1) document improvement (or lack thereof) in the water quality of Clean Water Act section 303(d) listed streams, and (2) the ability of park unit managers to document progress toward achieving GPRA goal 1.a4 (i.e., that park units have unimpaired water quality) underscored the importance of identifying a suite of vital signs useful for effective water quality assessment. The need to fully inventory aquatic resources and document baseline and reference water quality conditions also were identified as important objectives in the development of a vital signs-based long-term water quality monitoring program. The vital signs initially identified included:

• Watershed budgets: A watershed budget is one method for monitoring water quality. It is an accounting of the inputs and outputs of water, nutrients, sediments, and chemicals passing through a particular watershed; and budgets vary considerably among watersheds. Typical monitored parameters include the concentration of major ions and isotopes, stream flow, groundwater hydrology, and continuous water temperature.

• Continuous water temperature measurement: Water temperature can be a useful indicator of the status and trends of aquatic ecosystems. Change in water temperature can be indicative of ecosystem impact due to climate change or other anthropogenic-derived perturbations. However, the intermittent monitoring of temperature can be problematic due to the significant temporal variation of temperature. Use of continuous recording devices is a preferred means of eliminating time-associated sampling variation.

• Groundwater quantity and quality: This vital sign refers to the monitoring of groundwater level and chemistry (including contamination). Monitored parameters include groundwater level and volume, pH, temperature, conductivity, trace organic compounds and metals. Samples for analysis are obtained through purging and sampling groundwater wells.

• Reservoir elevation. Lakes that are hydrologically managed (i.e., water impounded by a dam) will have fluctuating water levels that can potentially affect lake food webs and ecosystem function. Therefore, changes in water surface elevation and storage capacity, as well as water inflow and discharge should be part of the long-term monitoring of reservoirs.

• River invertebrate assemblages. The composition of an invertebrate assemblage can be a useful indicator of water quality; and may change in response to the presence of exotic species, as well as changes in sedimentation rate, nutrient loading, composition of predator population, and climate. Two methods can be used to identify and document change: (1) comparing the species of a measured assemblage structure with species that may be indicative of a particular water quality condition (e.g., Stribling et al. 1998), and (2) using multivariate analysis to compare a predicted invertebrate assemblage structure to a measured structure (e.g., Hawkins et al. 2001, Lewis et al. 2001).

• Hydrology of springs and seeps (cold and hot): This vital sign includes documenting the location, volume, duration, and seasonality of flow of springs and seeps. Parameters are quantified by calculating physical/geometric metrics (i.e., water depth [maximum, minimum, average]; site length, and width) and discharge (flow quantity, duration, and peak) at each spring or seep.

• Stream flow/discharge: Stream flow is the measure of the flow of water in a stream at a specific time relative to (1) watershed routing mechanisms and water quality, (2) watershed land-use activities, and (3) natural and point-source discharges within the watershed. Stream discharge (Q) is defined as the unit volume of water passing a given point on a stream or river over a given time. It is typically expressed in cubic feet per second (cfs) or cubic meters per second (cms) and is based on the equation: Q = A*V, where A is the cross-sectional area of the stream at the measurement point and V is the average velocity of water at that point.

• Water chemistry: Information from monitoring water chemistry is used to evaluate water quality with respect to stressors such as atmospheric deposition, nutrient enrichment, and inorganic contaminants. The following parameters and ions are usually monitored: alkalinity, ammonia, bicarbonate, carbonate, calcium, chloride, fluoride, trace metals, nitrate, pH, potassium, silica, sodium, sulfate, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, total nitrogen, and total phosphorous. In streams, concurrent discharge measurements allow data to be presented as mass flow (e.g., g/hr).

• Algal species composition and biomass: Algal species composition refers to the kinds of species present in a body of water. Algal biomass refers to the combined mass of the species. Certain species can indicate changes in water column nutrient input or water temperature. Algal composition is measured by examining algal assemblages, whereas algal biomass can be measured using chlorophyll ą concentrations or Secchi disk water clarity measurements.

• Escherichia coli (E. coli): The presence of E. coli in a water sample is an indicator of fecal contamination. This bacterium can cause gastrointestinal distress and illness in humans and can be contracted by drinking contaminated water or by swimmers recreating in contaminated swimming areas. Determination of E. coli contamination is based on the density of the indicator organism in a water sample. The EPA requires that the concentration of E. coli in a water sample be no more than a geometric mean of 126 E. coli per 100 ml of fresh water, or 260 E. coli per 100 ml for any single sample.

• Exotic aquatic species community structure and composition: Introduced exotic aquatic species can affect the ecosystem dynamics of a water body and negatively impact naturally occurring native biota in affected systems. Monitoring the distribution (geographical location), abundance (number at each sampling location), and spread of exotic species can help managers understand the potential environmental consequences of these organisms. Introduced exotic species of concern include fish (e.g., kokanee [Oncorhynchus nerka] in Crater Lake and brook trout [Salvelinus fontinalis] in western montane lakes and streams), as well as invertebrates (e.g., the New Zealand mud snail [Potamopyrgus antipodarum]).

• Native aquatic species community structure, composition, stability and genetic integrity: This vital sign is associated with the overall health of native biota in water bodies of interest. Monitored parameters include the determination of the condition of native biotic communities based on metrics of species richness, composition, and trophic status, relative abundance, presence/absence, and genetics.

• Atmospheric deposition (wet and dry) of nitrogen, sulfur, and all major anions and cations: Atmospheric deposition is the process whereby air-borne particles, aerosols, and gases move from the atmosphere to the earth's surface. This vital sign is quantified by measuring snow-pack chemistry and direct measurements of wet (NADP/NTN) and dry (CASTNet) deposition. Fire (e.g., wildfire or controlled burns) also is a source of atmospheric deposition of pollutants, and can reduce visibility in KLMN park units.

• Basic climatological measurements: Monitoring parameters associated with this vital sign will help park unit managers identify potential climate change. Basic climatological measurements include: temperature (maximum, minimum, and average), precipitation, relative humidity, wind velocity and pattern, surface pressure, as well as snow cover, depth and water equivalent. The following are recommended standard metrics for these climatological variables: air temperature (°C), surface wind (m/s), and atmospheric humidity/water vapor (as percent, mixing ratio in g H2O/kg-air, or concentration in g H2O/m3), surface pressure (hectopascals [hPa] or millibars [mb]), snow cover and depth (water equivalent per km2 and/or percent of area for cover and mm/cm for depth).

• Stream sediment transport. Sediment data, both suspended and bedload, are required for the evaluation of stream sediment yield with respect to (1) background environmental conditions (geology, soils, climate, runoff, topography, ground cover, and size of drainage area), (2) historic and current land use, and (3) erosion and deposition in channel systems. Additionally, understanding the temporal distribution of sediment concentration, size characteristics, and transport rates is crucial to the management of in-stream aquatic communities and riparian ecosystems. Standardized sediment sampling methods and the frequency of collection will be dictated by the hydrologic and sediment characteristics of the water body to be sampled, the required accuracy of the data, the funds available, and the proposed use of the collected data. Also during the May 2004 vital signs scoping meeting, the Level 1 category, water, was divided into three Level 2 subcategories (i.e., hydrology, subterranean, and water quality). General conceptual models of freshwater and marine ecosystems (e.g., Attachment III, pages 146-154) were used by participants to help organize and frame the discussions of ecosystem processes, dynamics, and linkages. Out of these discussions, general, broad-scale monitoring questions were developed and associated vital signs were identified for each Level 2 subcategory. The outcome of this process is presented in Table 12. Full details of the results of the May 2004 meeting are available in Appendix G of Sarr et al. (2004). These general monitoring questions and vital signs were assessed and refined (i.e., narrowed) during subsequent scoping meetings (see pages 55-85 and Tables 14-24).

Table 12: Broad-Scale Monitoring Questions and Potential Vital Signs for Water, a National Framework Level 1 Category (SAC = Science Advisory Committee), NPS Klamath Network Vital Signs Scoping Workshop, May 4-6, 2004

Priority Water Quality Vital Signs Associated with Monitoring Questions

In October 2004 the Klamath Network began the detailed assessment and refinement (i.e., narrowing) of the general water quality monitoring questions and vital signs identified during the May 2004 workshops. The process was initiated by sending an Aquatic Resources and Water Quality Questionnaire (see Attachment II) to the Chief of Resources Management of each park unit. Park-specific information was sought in five basic categories: (1) identification of aquatic resources within park unit boundaries (i.e., marine, estuarine, lotic, lentic, palustrine, ice caves, and geothermal/hydrothermal); (2) a list of water bodies of particular importance or interest to the park unit management; (3) a list of past and current water quality monitoring efforts; (4) a list of water resource management and/or land use issues that impact resources from either within or outside each park unit; and (5) qualification of the level of knowledge and experience of park unit staff in monitoring water quality. All park units except ORCA were able to complete and return the questionnaire. Answers to the questionnaire categories were summarized into preliminary park-specific Vital Signs Tables that included columns for: (1) Aquatic Resource; (2) Potential Resource Stressors; (3) Potential Indicators of Stress; (4) Potential Monitoring Options; and (5) Stressor Priority. (The Oregon Caves Vital Signs Table was completed at the December 1, 2004 scoping session described below.)

The preliminary Vital Signs Tables were presented to representatives of each park unit at the Klamath Network Inventory and Monitoring Program Board of Directors Meeting (FY05) in Ashland, Oregon, December 1, 2004. A Water Quality Vital Signs Scoping Session was held in the afternoon at which time the Vital Signs Tables were reviewed and refined. Session participants (Table 13) were separated into three working groups: (1) Crater Lake and Lassen; (2) Lava Beds and Redwoods; (3) Oregon caves and Whiskeytown. The objectives of the small groups were, for each park unit, to: (1) identify specific water quality vital signs, ecosystem stressors associated with each vital sign, and associated monitoring options; and (2) prioritize aquatic resource vital signs. Final park specific Vital Signs Tables were then developed based on feedback from the small groups (Tables 14-20).

The Vital Signs Tables created during this process include monitoring options useful in detecting potential resource change due to stress of natural or anthropogenic origin. These suggested options are not intended as a complete list of potential monitoring procedures useful for detecting ecosystem change, and the list of options can be amended as necessary during future program assessments. In addition to these options, several field measured parameters will be required as part of any monitoring program. These required parameters include: (1) water temperature; (2) specific conductance (as well as salinity in marine systems); (3) pH; and (4) dissolved oxygen. At flowing sites, some measure of qualitative flow will be required, and an estimate of water body stage or level will be required at non-flowing/still freshwater sites. Additional required parameters at marine sites include tidal stage and estimated wave height. Guidance concerning these required parameters is available in the National Park Service Water Resources Division draft document titled “Vital Signs Long-term Aquatic Monitoring Projects: Part C, Draft Guidance on WRD Required and Other Field Parameter Measurements, General Monitoring Methods and some Design Considerations in Preparation of a Detailed Study Plan (August 2003).” This document is available on the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program website at: http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/monitor/protocols/wqPartC.doc.