Protocol for monitoring spring communities at Ozark National Scenic River-ways, Missouri: Version 2.0
Dodd HR, Bowles DE, Hinsey JA, Cribbs JT, Morrison LW, DeBacker MD, Rowell GA, Haack-Gaynor JL, Williams JM. 2021. Protocol for monitoring spring communities at Ozark National Scenic River-ways, Missouri: Version 2.0. Natural Resource Report. NPS/HTLN/NRR—2021/2231. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado. https://doi.org/10.36967/nrr-2284630
Ozark National Scenic Riverways (OZAR) was established to preserve and interpret the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork rivers, as well as other aquatic resources in the park. The extensive karst topography in the area surrounding OZAR is conducive to the formation of springs. Within the karst terrain of OZAR there are 425 known springs, including several first and second magnitude springs. Because springs at OZAR receive their baseflows from groundwater and only 5% of the watershed is protected within OZAR boundaries, contamination of groundwater and its direct impact on biological communities in the springs is of special concern. Due to the rapid recharge and transport of contaminants through the soluble bedrock system of caves, springs, and sinkholes, land use and other anthropogenic disturbances threaten the integrity of these springs. Thus, the NPS monitors the springs for indication of potential impacts. This protocol describes the background, justification, and detailed procedures for monitoring and analysis of the seven large springs (first and second magnitude) at OZAR, including water quality, instream and riparian habitat condition, aquatic vegetation, aquatic invertebrates, and fish.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Dodd, Hope; Bowles, David; Hinsey, Janice; Cribbs, J.; Morrison, Lloyd; DeBacker, Michael; Rowell, Gareth; Haack-Gaynor, Jennifer; Williams, Jeffrey
- Date of Issue
- 2021-02
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- DOI
- 10.36967/nrr-2284630
- Units
- HTLN , IMDP , NRSS , OZAR
- Keywords
- HTLN Spring Communities Protocol
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Water | Water Quality | Aquatic Macroinvertebrates and Algae , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Freshwater Invertebrates , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Fishes