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IMPLICATIONS OF INTER-HABITAT VARIATION FOR MONITORING GREAT RIVER ECOSYSTEMS: EMAP-UMR EXPERIENCE
Citation:
Angradi, T. IMPLICATIONS OF INTER-HABITAT VARIATION FOR MONITORING GREAT RIVER ECOSYSTEMS: EMAP-UMR EXPERIENCE. Presented at Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program 2002 Symposium, Kansas City, MO, May 6-9, 2002.
Description:
Great River ecosystems (GREs) are complex mosaics of habitats that vary at multiple scales. GRE monitoring designs can capture some but not all of this variation. Each discrete habitat, however defined, must either be sampled as a separate strata or "resource population", combined with other habitats, or omitted from the design. In the Upper Missouri River EMAP pilot project, we used several considerations in deciding which habitats to sample, which to lump with other habitats and which to omit. These interrelated considerations included assessment needs, variance structure (within- vs. among-habitat variance in indicators), sensitivity to stressors, habitat-specific ecosystem functionality, and sampling efficiency. In the EMAP-UMR design, each habitat to be sampled as a discrete resource population required its own randomized set of about 40 samples points. Therefore cost was a critical consideration. The EMAP-UMR sample design includes 3 aquatic lotic habitats (open water, backwaters, and shorelines), 2 riparian habitats (in-channel riparian, and terrace forest), and 2 reservoir habitats (open water and embayments). The final design reflect interpretation of preliminary data, interaction with stakeholders, and professional judgement. End-use of the data are an important consideration, because variation in sampling methods and designs among habitats can complicate the integration of multi-resource data, and constrain comprehensive statement of GRE condition. A similar process will be incorporated in the development of designs for the Great River Ecosystem EMAP Central Basin pilot project. This abstract does not necessarily reflect EPA policy.