Evaluating Existing Water Resources Information in the Sierra Nevada Network for the Vital Signs Water Quality Monitoring Plan
Heard A and Stednick JD. 2005. Evaluating Existing Water Resources Information in the Sierra Nevada Network for the Vital Signs Water Quality Monitoring Plan. Colorado State University. Fort Collins, Colorado
The purpose of this report is to evaluate existing water quality information, including data sets, publications and current research and monitoring projects, for water resources in the Sierra Nevada Network parks. The network is developing a vital signs water quality monitoring plan using a three phase approach (Fancy and Gross 2004). Phase I entails synthesizing existing information, identifying key management issues, and developing conceptual models to support planning efforts. Phase II entails prioritizing vital signs indicators. Phase III is developing the monitoring design. This report provides the background information needed to develop a long-term monitoring plan. There are six objectives: 1. Describe the water resources in the parks. 2. Identify historic water resources research and monitoring projects. Document existing data sets. 3. Identify current water resources research and monitoring projects. 4. Identify local water resource issues including 303(d) waters, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and issues identified in 305(b) reports and by local managers. 5. Identify current and emerging threats to aquatic ecosystems. 6. Identify long-term data sets and analyze for temporal trends.