Current Research (2015)
Impacts of Climate Change on Stream Temperature [NALCC-funded research]. This study will gather existing stream temperature data, identify data gaps, deploy temperature monitoring to locations lacking data, and compare state-of-the-art stream temperature models across the Northeast domain
Development of a Hydrologic Foundation and Flow-ecology Relationships for Monitoring Riverine Resources in the Marcellus Shale Region [AppLCC-funded research]. The emergence of hydraulic fracturing has led to the rapid expansion of natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale deposit in portions of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Millions of gallons of water are needed per fracturing event and will likely put a substantial strain on regional surface and ground water supplies, as well as lead to changes in stream flow that may alter available habitat for freshwater biodiversity. There is a great need for the development of region-wide flow policies to protect stream ecosystems and enhance long-term management of aquatic resources. To that end, this research will develop model(s) that predict ecological responses to flow alteration within the Marcellus Shale region of the Appalachian Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCC).
A Stream Classification System for the Appalachian Landscape Conservation Cooperative [AppLCC-funded research]. River classification information is needed to develop and implement instream flow standards and management recommendations so that environmental flows can become integral to all water management decisions from the onset. This study will identify and consistently map ecologically similar types of rivers and streams using a hierarchical set of geomorphic and hydrologic variables deemed appropriate by independent peer reviewers and relevant to the spatial scale of management.
