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Research to inform policy on headwater streams: ongoing and future directions
Citation:
FRITZ, K. M. Research to inform policy on headwater streams: ongoing and future directions. Presented at Office of Science Policy Seminar for Office of Water, Washington, DC, December 12, 2007.
Impact/Purpose:
The purpose is to provide an overview of these studies and propose future resaearch areas. Addressing the scientific needs associated with jurisdictional water policy is among our focal areas of research. Specifically, we have developed assessment tools to assess hydrologic permanence in headwater streams and conducted a broad study to identify physical and biological indicators of permanence. Another area of headwater research assesses the downstream contributions of headwater streams using spatially explicit models. The last area of ongoing research is the development of rapid functional measures of headwater stream condition in channels draining surface coal mines and valley fills. Further research is needed to better quantify spatial extent of channels and associated hydrologic connectivity; independent and cumulative influences of various headwater classes on downstream water quality; and critical characteristics and functions for protection and restoration. An important aspect to all of our research is to communicate the science such that it can be efficiently transferred to regulators and policy makers.
Description:
Headwater streams are the exterior links of stream networks and represent a substantial proportion of U.S. stream miles. Alteration and loss of headwater streams have occurred without an understanding of the potential consequences to larger downstream waterbodies. Recent court cases have brought headwater streams into the forefront for regulatory agencies. In response to the needs of regional and program offrices, the Ecological Exposure Research Division has conducted several studies on headwater streams.