ORD Research on Headwater Streams and Isolated Wetlands Framework and Overview

1. Randy Bruins and ORD Scientist Panel Regional Science Workshop on Headwaters and Associated Wetlands In the Mid-Atlantic Highlands Region June 20-21, Philadelphia, PA ORD Research on Headwater Streams and Isolated WetlandsFramework and Overview

2. Session Goals • Provide overview of research • Isolated wetlands • Headwater streams • Clarify, add detail (Q & A with Panel) • Set up breakout group discussions on research to meet program and regional needs

3. Topics • Policy questions driving research • Generalized research framework • Overview of ongoing and planned ORD projects as they relate to research framework

4. Policy questions • Where are HS-IW actually located? How many are there?unmapped = unprotected • What legal authorities apply to the protection of HS-IW?Clean Water Act: connectivity? water quality role? designated uses? Endangered Species Act? species supported? locations?

5. Policy questions • What condition are HS-IW in?status & trends? reference? • What is the downstream significance of activities that disturb HS-IW? What about activities to restore HS-IW?Permit evaluations? 319 grant evaluations?Alternative futures?

6. Research Framework • Generic to needs for both headwaters and isolated wetlands • Presents idealized progression of research tasks

7. ORD Framework for Headwater Streams/Isolated Wetlands Research Tasks A Process for Developing Science Tools That Will Answer Policy Questions Classification and Mapping Methods Develop efficient (automated) methods for locating and mapping HS-IW Develop HS-IW classification system 1 2 Areal Assessments Assessment Methods For selected areas, produce HS-IW maps (with landscape characterization) 7 Develop methods and indicators for assessing structure, function and habitat suitability Conduct condition assessments, functional assessments 3 Issue-based Assessments Develop multi-tiered methods and indicators for assessing HS-IW condition 8 Model Development & Application Produce maps showing HS-IW condition & function 4 9 Develop (or adapt) and validate models relating HS-IW status to downstream ecosystem services 11 Apply models for restoration design, impact assessment, futures analysis Assess impacts of selected humanactivities on HS-IW 12 Produce study of empirical relationships among, e.g.: land use/cover; HS-IW class, condition and function; downstream WQ and condition 5 10 Assess effectiveness of selected HS-IW BMPs or restoration projects 6 See handout.

8. design ofState, Tribal water quality standards andmonitoring programs Develop efficient methods for locating and mapping HS-IW Develop HS-IW classification system 1 2 303d &305b reports For selected areas, produce HS-IW maps (with landscape characterization) ESA opinions 7 Develop methods and indicators for assessing structure, function and habitat suitability Conduct condition assessments, functional assessments • watershed • planning • TMDLs • education • regional land-use planning 3 Develop efficient methods and indicators for assessing HS-IW condition 8 Produce maps showing HS-IW condition & function 4 9 Assess impacts of selected humanactivities on HS-IW Produce study of empirical relationships among, e.g.: land use/cover; HS-IW class, hydrology, condition and function; and downstream WQ and condition 5 10 Assess effectiveness of selected HS-IW BMPs or restoration projects 6 • 401 & 404 permit evaluation • EIS development • BMP design • restoration planning • 319 grant decisions • OW regulatory • policy development • OW regulatory • impact assessment Classification and Mapping Methods Areal Assessments Assessment Methods Issue-based Assessments Model Development & Application Develop (or adapt) and validate simulation models relating HS-IW status to downstream ecosystem services 11 Apply models for restoration design, impact assessment, futures analysis 12 ____________________ * Use of different colors is only for clarity

9. Headwater Stream (HS) Research: OngoingandProposed Expected Products and Dates (ORD Division) Develop efficient methods for locating and mapping HS-IW Develop HS-IW classification system 1 2 For selected areas, produce HS-IW maps (with landscape characterization) 7 Develop methods and indicators for assessing structure, function and habitat suitability Conduct condition assessments, functional assessments 3 Develop efficient methods and indicators for assessing HS-IW condition 8 Produce maps showing HS-IW condition & function 4 9 Assess impacts of selected humanactivities on HS-IW Produce study of empirical relationships among, e.g.: land use/cover; HS-IW class, hydrology, condition and function; and downstream WQ and condition 5 10 Assess effectiveness of selected HS-IW BMPs or restoration projects 6 • 2006 HS Field Operations Manual (EERD) • 2006 Coho salmon success in HS habitats (WED) • 2007 Flow Permanence Indicators (EERD) • 2007 Biogeochemical indicators of land use (ERD) • 2010 Rapid Functional Assessment Methods (EERD) Classification and Mapping Methods • Hydrologic LandscapeRegions as stream chemistry predictors (WED) Areal Assessments • Develop, verify HSmapping methods (EERD, ESD) Assessment Methods • South Dakota intermittent stream reference site selection (REMAP-WED) • Development of HScondition Indices? (RARE/RM?) • 2008, 2009 Models predicting stream biota based on watershed characteristics (ERD) • 2008 Models predicting stream biota based on stream network characteristics (WED) Issue-based Assessments Model Development & Application Develop (or adapt) and validate simulation models relating HS-IW status to downstream ecosystem services 11 • 2007 LIDAR detection of urban impacts on HS channels (ESD) • 2008 WQ study of headwaters and MTM/VF (EERD) • 2008TDS impacts on aquatic invertebrates (MED, R3) • 2010 Functions of forested and mined streams (EERD, ERD, R3) • Ecological processes in ag ditches (REMAP-MED) • Date? Urban stormwaterimpacts on headwaters (WSWRD) Apply models for restoration design, impact assessment, futures analysis 12 • Date? MTM/VF mitigation effectiveness (R4, ERD, EERD) • 2011 Functional assessment of a restored ag ditch (EERD/WSWRD) • Date? Implement and assess urban stormwater BMPs (STD) • Structural comparison of forested and mined streams(REMAP-EERD)

10. Classification and Mapping Methods • 2006 Texas coastal plain (ESD) • 2007 Urban Rhode Island (AED) • 2008 Parts of R4 coastal plain (EERD) Develop efficient methods for locating and mapping HS-IW Develop HS-IW classification system 1 2 Areal Assessments For selected areas, produce HS-IW maps (with landscape characterization) 7 Develop methods and indicators for assessing structure, function and habitat suitability Conduct condition assessments, functional assessments • 2008 Florida soils, PO4 sorption (EERD) 3 Develop efficient methods and indicators for assessing HS-IW condition 8 Produce maps showing HS-IW condition & function 4 Model Development & Application 9 Assess impacts of selected humanactivities on HS-IW Produce study of empirical relationships among, e.g.: land use/cover; HS-IW class, hydrology, condition and function; and downstream WQ and condition Develop (or adapt) and validate simulation models relating HS-IW status to downstream ecosystem services 5 10 Assess effectiveness of selected HS-IW BMPs or restoration projects Apply models for restoration design, impact assessment, futures analysis 6 • 2008 3-tiered assessmentmethods for R4 coastal plain and New England; examinesland use impacts (AED, EERD) Isolated Wetland Research: Ongoing Expected Products and Dates (ORD Division) Assessment Methods Issue-based Assessments 11 11 12