Grantee Research Project Results
2001 Progress Report: Using bioindicators to develop a calibrated index of regional ecological integrity for forested headwater ecosystems
EPA Grant Number: R825866Title: Using bioindicators to develop a calibrated index of regional ecological integrity for forested headwater ecosystems
Investigators: Brooks, Robert P. , O'Connell, Timothy J. , Master, Terry L. , Mulvihill, Robert S.
Current Investigators: Brooks, Robert P. , Mulvihill, Robert S. , Master, Terry L. , OConnell, Timothy J. , Laubscher, Susan E.
Institution: Pennsylvania State University , Powdermill Nature Reserve , East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Current Institution: Pennsylvania State University , East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania , Powdermill Nature Reserve
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: June 1, 1998 through May 31, 2001 (Extended to September 30, 2002)
Project Period Covered by this Report: June 1, 2000 through May 31, 2001
Project Amount: $850,000
RFA: Ecosystem Indicators (1997) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Ecological Indicators/Assessment/Restoration , Aquatic Ecosystems
Objective:
The overall objective of this research project is to develop an integrated and calibrated indicator of ecological integrity for forested headwater streams in the Mid-Atlantic States. The primary objective of this research project is to investigate aspects of Louisiana Waterthrush (a.k.a. LOWA) ecology as the basis for a calibrated and integrated indicator of forested headwater stream condition. Ecological indicators provide a quick, objective, and relatively easy method to gauge the condition of a particular resource, and aid greatly in the establishment of conservation priorities and in the development of restoration goals. Headwater systems are degraded by point source stressors, e.g., acid mine drainage, and by more cumulative and insidious stressors that operate at large scales, such as forest fragmentation. Ecological indicators exist that respond to site-level attributes, such as water quality. Recently, new indicators have emerged that respond to landscape-scale attributes, like bird communities. We are investigating the utility of a new indicator that would be sensitive to stressors at both the site and landscape scale in forested headwaters (i.e., integrated). This indicator is being developed through the application of existing indicators such that the assessments of multiple indicators can be compared directly (i.e., calibrated). Primarily because of its dependence on both high stream water quality and large patches of mature forest, we see great potential in the Louisiana Waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla) to provide meaningful biological data to incorporate into our new indicator.
In addition, we are working to expand earlier research to develop a bird community indicator in the Mid-Atlantic Highlands to the Mid-Atlantic Piedmont and Coastal Plain. Concurrent with this initiative, we are exploring the utility of Breeding Bird Survey data as a source for ecological assessment using these bird-based indicators.
Progress Summary:
In 2001, we completed our analysis of stream macroinvertebrates on our study streams. We used these data to rank sites on a scale of ecological integrity with the Stream Condition Index (SCI). Theoretical SCI scores range from 0 to 100; streams in this study produced scores ranging from the mid 40s to the upper 90s. Thus, most of our sites occur in states of relatively high ecological integrity, rather than being representative of the total range of degradation possible. This narrowed range of condition for the sites in our study is an artifact of studying only sites that support at least some Louisiana Waterthrush.
Although SCI analysis is ongoing, we have so far documented that SCI scores vary among study regions. Sites in the Delaware River Drainage supported stream macroinvertebrate communities of significantly lower integrity than the Susquehanna and Ohio River Drainage sites. The Delaware River study streams also revealed the study's lowest values for phosphorous concentration in the water column. We are investigating the degree to which unusually low phosphorous might degrade stream macroinvertebrate communities.
Also in 2001, we made significant progress on the additional objectives of this project. We sampled breeding songbirds at 83 sites in the Mid-Atlantic Piedmont and Coastal Plain. These sites ranged from relatively pristine old-growth forest remnants to urban and industrial centers. We will rank these sites based on vegetation structure and composition data, Habitat Suitability Index scores, a modified rapid bioassessment geared toward uplands, and landscape condition. Against this gradient of sites in varying degrees of ecological condition, we will test our potential avian metrics to develop this new indicator.
Future Activities:
Future activities on this project will focus on final report generation and distribution. We have begun work on several papers intended for submission to scientific journals. We currently are preparing our report recommending the appropriate usage of Breeding Bird Survey data for ecological assessments with our bird-based indicators. At the conclusion of this project, we will produce guidelines for a potential national ecological assessment program in concert with the Breeding Bird Survey.Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 39 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
watersheds, animal, population, stressor, discharge, acid rain, particulates, pH, ecosystem, indicators, restoration, scaling, aquatic, habitat, integrated assessment, conservation, ecology, modeling, monitoring, surveys, Mid-Atlantic, EPA Region 3, Chesapeake Bay, Delaware River, Susquehanna River, Ohio River, Pennsylvania, PA, macroinvertebrate, bird, community, Louisiana Waterthrush, LOWA, Seiurus motacilla, riparian, mining, forest fragmentation, headwater streams, bird banding, Breeding Bird Survey, BBS., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Water, Geographic Area, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Water & Watershed, Ecosystem/Assessment/Indicators, Ecosystem Protection, State, Ecological Effects - Environmental Exposure & Risk, Monitoring/Modeling, Ecological Risk Assessment, Watersheds, Ecological Indicators, bioindicator, forested headwater ecosystems, landscape indicator, stressors, avian productivity, biodiversity, macroinvertebrates, ecosystem indicators, regional scale, Louisiana (LA), aquatic ecosystems, water quality, forested watershedRelevant Websites:
http://www.wetlands.cas.psu.edu
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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.