An Aquatic Multi-Scale Assessment and Planning “Framework”

Kerry Overton

USDA Forest Service R1/R4/RMRS Technology Transfer Program

A web-based decision support tool was developed to assist aquatic practitioners in managing fisheries and watershed information.  The Framework was designed to support resource assessments and planning efforts from the broad scale to the fine scale, document procedures, and link directly to relevant research. The Framework is a hierarchical-hyperlinked template that is readily updateable. The Framework products consist of tabular and spatial displays of:  1) current aquatic resource condition and distribution; 2) desired aquatic resource future conditions; 3) aquatic resource risks and threats; 4) analysis approaches; 5) a conservation & restoration strategy; and, 6) a monitoring, inventory and research strategy.  The Framework provides a logical template for developing, tracking and documenting aquatic information; hierarchical for summarizing available information at various scales associated with universally coded true watersheds (e.g. basin, subbasin, watershed, subwatershed); transparent and defensible; links management questions and data to best available science and procedures; and, helps define and display information assumptions and gaps.  Different analysis approaches with supporting science or case studies are directly linked and downloadable from the Framework (e.g. extinction risk matrix table, influence diagrams, probabilistic networks). The Framework is designed to support USFS Regional species status overviews, subbasin assessments, watershed analysis, cumulative effects assessments, and project NEPA and consultation. Spatially explicit outputs are used to define and display risks and threats associated with fish, fish habitats, stream-riparian environments and watershed conditions. Broad scale summaries provide context for fine scale projects to help prioritize management actions for addressing risks and threats. The transparent design helps step down data and priorities for field unit implementation. The Framework is currently being utilized to support the aquatic portion of Forest Plan Revision in Region 1 and 4, and in implementing completed Forest plans.

Biodiversity Session - Thursday Afternoon

corresponding author:

Kerry Overton
Boise Aquatic Sciences Lab
322 E Front St., Suite 401
Boise, ID 83702
208-373-4357
koverton@fs.fed.us