Linking hydrological change and ecological response in streams and rivers of the eastern United States Days Hotel and Conference Center at Dulles Herndon, Virginia February 8-10, 2005

Agenda |  Abstracts |  Synopsis |  TNC Special Session |  Attendees |  Organizers (Contacts) |  Home Resource Issue Land managers are confronted with increasing demands to tap flowing (lotic) aquatic systems and the surficial aquifers that feed them for agricultural, industrial, and domestic uses. Concurrently, aquatic resource managers are being asked to specify controls on water withdrawals and diversions to sustain the functions of associated ecosystems. The functions of unaltered rivers and streams include processing organic matter and nutrients, maintaining banks and riparian functions, dissipating floods, and sustaining biological diversity and productivity. Although scientists have made significant progress in assessing and explaining various components of riverine systems, resource managers require more specific information on ecosystem response to hydrologic alteration and enhanced decision-support tools to resolve issues related to water use and habitat protection. Multi-component, integrated approaches are required to address questions related to how quantity and timing of flow shape and control the integrity and normal variability of lotic systems. The effects of water extraction on fundamental biological and hydrological processes must be quantified and evaluated holistically and management strategies developed to mitigate impacts. Purpose and Goals of Workshop The purpose of this workshop was to provide information, improve communication, and promote collaborations among scientists and aquatic resource managers. The focus was on rivers and streams of the eastern United States, but examples and experiences from central and western states may also be applied. Information was exchanged through written materials, oral and poster presentations, and a panel session. Workshop sessions over the three-day period encompassed the following topics as they relate to the workshop theme: Issues and information needs of partners and stakeholders Standards and criteria used by regulators to set flow requirements (and related short-comings) and evaluate withdrawals and diversions The scope of current research activities, including the capabilities and interests of USGS investigators Synopses of current techniques used to characterize and monitor the hydrological regime Synopses of current techniques used to characterize and monitor the biological regime Case studies that have successfully linked hydrological change and biological response State-of-the-art modeling efforts Perspectives on priority research needs and challenges Opportunities for research collaborations across USGS Disciplines, Regions, and with partners Products of the workshop will include a conference proceeding of extended abstracts and speaker Power Point presentations and a workshop synthesis paper on priority issues, research needs, and a USGS plan for the implementation of integrated studies.