Monitoring stream ecosystems in the Central Alaska Network: Protocol narrative

Simmons, Trey

This protocol describes field, laboratory, and analytical procedures for the Central Alaska Network (CAKN) Stream Monitoring Program. The protocol is composed of two documents, this Protocol Narrative, and a separate document consisting of the 18 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that provide detailed instructions for implementing all aspects of the CAKN Stream Monitoring Program. The SOPs are available at the Integrated Resource Management Applications (IRMA) website: https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2215908. In this Protocol Narrative we provide an overview of the Central Alaska Network, as well as descriptions of the fluvial ecosystems of each of the three park units that constitute the network (Denali National Park and Preserve, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, and Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve). We discuss the importance of fluvial systems and processes to network ecosystems and threats to the integrity of these systems due to the effects of climate change and other anthropogenic stressors. We provide an in-depth rationale for the selection of Vital Signs for the Stream Monitoring Program, which include hydrologic regime, composition and distribution of aquatic communities, and water quality. A set of six measurable objectives has been selected to address these Vital Signs: 1. Determine long-term trends for measures of water chemistry at sentinel sites and at larger spatial scales (ecoregion, park, network). 2. Determine long-term trends in measures of water temperature regime at sentinel sites. 3. Determine trends in annual and seasonal flow patterns for the Nabesna River. 4. Use RIVPACS biological assessment models to determine current ecological condition and water quality in selected streams and rivers. 5. Use RIVPACS biological assessment models to determine trends in ecological condition at sentinel sites and at larger spatial scales (ecoregion, park, network). 6. Document the range of chemical, physical, and biological attributes of streams and rivers in the network. We then provide an overview of all aspects of the stream monitoring program, including survey design, training and field season preparation, field methods, laboratory methods, operational requirements, data management, and data analysis. The methods described in this protocol are designed to be compatible with protocols used by other water resource monitoring programs in Alaska, including the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. Specifically, the survey design, field methods, laboratory methods, and quality assurance/quality control standards described herein are identical to or similar to those spelled out for the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Rivers and Streams Assessment program.

Monitoring stream ecosystems in the Central Alaska Network: Protocol narrative

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