2022 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Virtual Conference

March 13 - 15, 2022

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5/22/2018 | 2:15 PM - 2:30 PM | KEY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN INCORPORATING ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS INTO BIOASSESSMENT | 330 A

KEY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN INCORPORATING ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS INTO BIOASSESSMENT

California’s biointegrity program proposes to regulate stream conditions based on benthic macroinvertebrate community composition. Several approaches are being explored to quantitatively link hydrologic alteration to benthic community changes. To be effective, methods should be applicable statewide, founded on mechanistic flow - ecology relationships, and able to discern hydrologic alteration from covariates. To accomplish these goals, we propose a regional approach for linking ecological endpoints with functional aspects of the flow regime. This functional flows framework offers an opportunity to develop mechanistic regional flow – ecology relationships through selection of function-specific hydrologic and biological metrics. Key steps of this framework are to (1) generate a statewide stream classification; (2) formulate a set of functional components of the natural flow regime and associated metrics relevant to ecological endpoints; and (3) propose and test biological response mechanisms to metric alteration. Expected outcomes of this framework are mechanistic stream class- and function-specific flow – ecology relationships to guide scientifically-informed establishment of flow targets, designation of impairment thresholds, and establishment of causal assessment relationships. We will demonstrate early products of this effort in support of the state’s developing biointegrity program.

Functional Ecology
Flow
Function

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Presenters/Authors

Belize Lane (), Utah State University, belize.lane@usu.edu;