Grantee Research Project Results
2000 Progress Report: Restoring and Maintaining Riparian Ecosystem Integrity in Arid Watersheds: Meeting the Challenge through Science and Policy Analysis
EPA Grant Number: R827150Title: Restoring and Maintaining Riparian Ecosystem Integrity in Arid Watersheds: Meeting the Challenge through Science and Policy Analysis
Investigators: Maddock, Thomas , Rogers, James E. , Colby, Bonnie G. , Glennon, Robert J. , Baker, Victor R. , Stromberg, Julie
Current Investigators: Maddock, Thomas , Colby, Bonnie G. , Glennon, Robert J. , Baker, Victor R. , Breckenridge, Cabell , Stromberg, Julie , Baird, Kate
Institution: University of Arizona , Arizona State University
Current Institution: University of Arizona
EPA Project Officer: Chung, Serena
Project Period: January 15, 1999 through January 1, 2002
Project Period Covered by this Report: January 15, 2000 through January 1, 2001
Project Amount: $849,638
RFA: Water and Watersheds (1998) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Water , Watersheds
Objective:
This project brings together experts from a broad range of disciplines that are centrally involved in the restoration of riparian areas in the arid West? hydrology, ecology, economics, and law. The objective is to further community-based environmental protection by integrating hydrologic models, a riparian ecosystem integrity index, and economic analyses into a user-friendly decision support system (DSS), coupled with an analysis of the legal strengths and weaknesses of various management approaches. To this end, the project is actively clarifying the hydrologic, ecological, economic, and legal characteristics of two endangered arid watersheds?the South Fork of the Kern River in California, and the San Pedro River in Arizona?and using this information to construct a comprehensive DSS.Our research is pursuing a series of distinct but interrelated objectives. Based on extensive field studies, we are refining existing hydrologic models of riparian corridors to account for the complex interactions between variations in streamflow, evapotranspiration, and groundwater. We are then quantifying changes in the structure, function, and biotic integrity of the riparian community in response to these hydrologic interactions?as well as to anthropogenic influences such as land use changes, streamflow diversions, and groundwater pumping?creating a riparian ecosystem integrity index based on landscape, community, and population level traits. This information will be incorporated into a comprehensive hydrologic and ecological model to: (1) provide a framework for examining alternative land and river management practices, and (2) assess potential risks to the biotic integrity of the riparian ecosystem from the anthropogenic manipulation of the hydrology and ecology systems.
Simultaneously, we are developing economic models to assess the cost of the hydrologic and ecological management alternatives within the context of the local community, evaluating the competency of institutional structure in water resource management, and developing procedures that provide management institutions with scientifically and economically sound information on the current status of a resource?while improving their ability to predict the economic and ecological outcomes of management decisions. Combined with an analysis of legal constraints and opportunities relating to riparian management, these projects will be combined into an integrated model that can assist local governments and stakeholders in understanding the impact of development on a particular watershed?and in evaluating different strategies for achieving environmental restoration from a scientific, economic, and legal perspective.
Progress Summary:
On the hydrologic front, the end of the second year has seen the completion of all required fieldwork on the South Fork Kern River. During the second field season, additional groundwater, surface water, meteorological, evapotranspiration, and GPS information was collected. As a result of a lawsuit by the Southwest Center for Biological Diversity, required ecological data previously promised to us are no longer accessible. This resulted in considerable extra data collection and field personnel on our part.To predict surface water behavior, we have chosen to use the Hydrologic Engineering Center's River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This software was designed for interactive use in a multi-tasking, multi-user environment and is widely available and free to all users. Surface water and elevation data have been entered and initial model runs are complete. We currently are in the process of calibrating the model.
Daily and seasonal evapotranspiration needs have been calculated for measured size classes of cottonwood and willow trees. Community water requirements are being calculated from these values combined with density and size class information gathered in the field and coverage estimates from recent aerial photographs. Correlation analysis for climate, evapotranspiration, and plant physiological conditions are being completed. Use of the Penman-Monteith equation to predict accurate evapotranspiration values for short time scales is being explored.
Tree ring and historical river gauging data have been used to estimate the flood flows responsible for riparian recruitment events on the South Fork. Habitat coverages are being created from measured ecological data, aerial photography and previous habitat suitability work on the endangered willow flycatcher. Once completed, alpha and beta diversity will be correlated with the surface water, elevation, and groundwater conditions.
Preliminary work on the decision support system is underway. Habitat and economic information will interact with the surface water and groundwater models through a physically based, interactive support system (GIS). Currently, we are working on completing the habitat coverages and developing an interactive platform for HEC-RAS input/output.
To determine the effects of a declining water table on ET rates in the San Pedro River Basin, an extensive field experiment is planned for spring 2001. Unsaturated flow models were used to determine the multiple-pumping well design (number and placement) needed to produce the desired groundwater draw down. The completed design was sent out for competitive bid, the contract was awarded, and construction is set to begin. To compliment this experiment, a SAHRA grant to measure unsaturated flow during the pumping experiment was procured. Additional moneys are being sought to pay for much needed tree cavitation measurements. This work will be complimentary to a joint Harvard, Desert Research Institute, and University of Arizona study on Alternative Futures for the Basin; the work is being funded by the U.S. Army.
Products this year have included a senior capstone project by Phil Bredfeldt, a recent graduate of the University of Arizona's Department of Hydrology. Phil's work on the South Fork helped him earn the competitive 2000 Leonard Halpenny award for outstanding undergraduate. Last summer's large wild fires on the upper Kern watershed, have resulted in considerable concern about potential flooding on the South Fork Kern valley. Our preliminary results provided critical information to the U.S. Forest Service enabling them to respond more accurately and rapidly to these concerns than would have otherwise been possible. On a more local level, we provided professional input on a misguided locally proposed flood control project.
Ecological research also has been highly productive over the past year. During 2000, we conducted field research at 18 sites along the San Pedro River. The sites spanned a gradient from wet (perennial stream flow) to dry (ephemeral flow). Data were collected on riparian vegetation diversity, structure, and composition, by two graduate students in the Arizona State University Plant Biology Department (Ken Bagstad, MS, and Sharon Lite, PhD). Data were collected on abundance, diversity, and composition of terrestrial arthropods by Dr. Williams and her students (San Diego State University subcontract). Some variables were measured during the dry season (pre-monsoon) and again during the wet season (monsoon).
Another major task accomplished during 2000 was analysis of field data collected during 1999. This included analysis of the Populus-Salix (cottonwood-willow) bioproductivity data, by graduate student Heidi Johnson (Johnson, 2000); analysis of the Sporobolus wrightii (big sacaton) grassland bioproductivity data by Dr. Stromberg and graduate student Ron Tiller (PhD); and analysis of arthropod data for Populus-Salix forests and S. wrightii grasslands, by Dr. Williams. Additionally, some preliminary analysis was conducted on the year 2000 vegetation field data. Statistical analyses have involved the use of correlation analysis and univariate regression analysis to determine the relationship of the plant and insect variables with site hydrology variables (depth to groundwater, surface flow frequency, and in some cases, soil moisture). Additionally, multiple regression analysis has been used to determine whether some of the vegetation metrics vary with geomorphic variables (flood plain width, fluvial surface diversity) and site elevation, as well as with site hydrology. This will allow us to determine whether the Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) will require stratification by geomorphic reach type and/or site elevation. Analysis also has been conducted to identify threshold values, above or below which vegetation metrics change sharply, or above or below which specific plant associations do not occur.
Gathering and analysis of economic data relevant to water use and water management in the two study areas have continued over the past year. A survey for visitors to the Kern River Preserve was developed early in 2000, pre-tested on site in April, and implemented in May, June, July, and August. The survey data are being analyzed and results will allow us to estimate the current local economic impacts of visitation to the riparian preserve and the likely consequences to the local economy of impairment of riparian areas accessible to the public along the South Fork of the Kern River.
A parallel study is underway for the San Pedro River site, with the visitor survey being implemented in the spring of 2001. In additional to estimating local economic impacts associated with riparian areas, both surveys collect data to assess visitor economic benefits from riparian area protection. There have been only a handful of studies conducted on the local economic importance of, and visitor economic benefits associated with riparian areas. The results from the two site studies under this grant will add substantially to the overall knowledge base on this aspect of riparian area management and protection.
Research also continues regarding the economic value of water to irrigated crop production in the two study areas, estimating value of marginal product functions for water, and on water pricing, conservation initiatives, market transactions and other economic mechanisms to make additional water available to maintain riparian ecosystems.
The legal department has continued the process of constructing a coherent picture of the legal regime that governs water use and distribution on the South Fork of the Kern. Because the South Fork has never been subject to a stream adjudication, information about individual water rights in the watershed?particularly concerning its smaller users?simply does not exist. In the verbatim words of the South Fork Watermaster, "it's something of a mystery up there ..." However, information collected over the course of the first 2 years on the watershed stakeholders?who include landowners and water users throughout the watershed, the Kern River Audubon Preserve, local communities and municipalities, recreationists, and federal agencies?has given us a relatively comprehensive database of information with which to work. We also will shortly complete an extensive report on California groundwater and surface water law. Because California, like Arizona (as well as many other Western states), legally treats groundwater as if it is largely unconnected to surface water, a careful analysis of the legal precedents is essential to developing effective management strategies.
On the San Pedro, we have virtually completed our analysis of the legal management options for the river, which include the creation of a new Active Management Area or Irrigation Non-Expansion Area under Arizona law. In addition, we completed a report on the role of the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?both as a limitation and a management tool?in the future legal management of the river. The ESA report will have similar potential application on the South Fork of the Kern River as well.
Future Activities:
Each of our research groups?hydrology, ecology, economics, and law?will continue on its present course of research, reporting, and publication. Over the next 6-8 months, we expect to complete the vast majority of planned research and model development, and begin the process of integrating our research into the planned DSS model.Journal Articles on this Report : 4 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
Other project views: | All 36 publications | 11 publications in selected types | All 6 journal articles |
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Type | Citation | ||
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Colby BG. Cap-and-trade policy challenges: a tale of three markets. Land Economics 2000;72:638-658. |
R827150 (2000) |
not available |
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Colby BG, d'Estree TP. Economic evaluation of mechanisms to resolve water conflicts. International Journal of Water Resource Development 2000;16(2):239-251. |
R827150 (2000) |
not available |
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Colby BG. Evaluating market transactions, litigation and regulation as tools for implementing environmental restoration. Arizona Law Review 2000;42:381-394. |
R827150 (2000) |
not available |
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Glennon RJ, Thorson JE. Federal environmental restoration initiatives: an analysis of agency performance and the capacity for change. Arizona Law Review 2000;42:483-524. |
R827150 (2000) |
not available |
Supplemental Keywords:
water, watersheds, groundwater, ecosystem indicators, restoration, habitat, integrated assessment, decision making, survey, socioeconomic, compensation, conservation, environmental assets, social science, ecology, hydrology, economics, law, socioeconomic surveys., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Economic, Social, & Behavioral Science Research Program, Water, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Hydrology, Water & Watershed, Ecosystem/Assessment/Indicators, Restoration, Ecology and Ecosystems, decision-making, Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration, Watersheds, Economics & Decision Making, Mercury, ecosystem valuation, risk assessment, community involvement, urban watershed rehabilitation method, decision making, community-based research, arid watersheds, conservation, socioeconomics, ecological recovery, integrated assessment, aquatic ecosystems, GIS, public policy, ecology assessment models, riparian ecosystem integrity, watershed restoration, econometrics, restoration planningRelevant Websites:
At this time, we have not attempted Web publication of our research efforts or results. Web publication of the final DSS model is planned, but not until completion. Certain research papers are available on the University of Arizona Hydrology and Water Resources Web Site at http://www.hwr.arizona.edu .Progress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.