Topic: Ecosystems, Water | Region: Pacific Northwest

Stream Temperature Handbook

  • Christian Torgersen, USGS Forest & Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center/University of Washington School of Environmental & Forest Sciences
  • Crystal Raymond, UW Climate Impacts Group
  • Aimee Fullerton, NOAA and Northwest Fisheries Science Center
  • Francine Mejia, USGS Forest & Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center/University of Washington School of Environmental & Forest Sciences
  • Zachary Johnson, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington
  • Andrew Shirk, UW Climate Impacts Group
  • Se-Yeun Lee, Seattle University
  • Active
  • United States Geological Survey Forest & Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  • Northwest Fisheries Science Center
  • Seattle University
  • Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center

The Climate Impacts Group is collaborating with local natural resource managers and colleges at USGS to develop a handbook that can be used to guide the selection of appropriate stream temperature data and models for specific management questions. This work will be summarized in a webinar and report/handbook for natural resources managers who are considering the impacts of climate change on future water quality in the Pacific Northwest.

Project Background

As climate change progresses, air temperatures rise, and precipitation patterns change, the temperature and content of many streams and rivers in the Pacific Northwest is expected to change. While there is growing awareness among natural resource managers of the importance of integrating climate change information into their work, they face significant challenges when applying stream temperature datasets or projections to climate adaptation efforts. This project aims to help resource managers more easily utilize existing stream temperature projection data.

Approach

Our work will involve the following components:
We will engage resource managers and conservation planners to learn about their adaptation efforts, their stream temperature data needs, and the types of data that they are presently using.
Using input from these stakeholders, we will draft the handbook, which will provide a synthesis of applications for existing stream temperature data and modeling and decision trees that connect data/models to specific management questions.
We will engage stakeholders to get feedback about the utility of the handbook.