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• 1. [Article] Oregon Lake Watch, 2014 Annual Report

  The Oregon Lake Watch (OLW) volunteer monitoring program is now in its second year of operation, continuing its focus on early detection of aquatic invasive species (AIS), with a secondary focus on lake ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon Lake Watch, 2014 Annual Report Author: Jordan, Meredith, Miller, Rich, Strecker, Angela L. Year: 2015 The Oregon Lake Watch (OLW) volunteer monitoring program is now in its second year of operation, continuing its focus on early detection of aquatic invasive species (AIS), with a secondary focus on lake water quality. The aquatic invasive species chosen as Watch List priorities for the OLW are based on the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Noxious Weed List (Oregon Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed Control Program 2014) as well as professional judgement (more information can be found in Oregon Lake Watch Final Report 2014). This report summarizes the data collected by 15 of 24 OLW volunteers over 2014, across 110 sampling events and 20 Oregon lakes. Data collected by trained volunteers includes sightings of both native and aquatic invasive plants and animals, as well as recordings of lake temperature profiles, and Secchi depth, a measure of clarity. Of the 16 original water bodies surveyed in OLW’s first year (2013), 12 were surveyed again in 2014, and 8 are new waterbodies. Long-term monitoring of these lakes provides valuable information over time, and expanding the number of lakes monitored, especially in the case of monitoring for invasive species, means that more potentially harmful invasions can be stopped sooner. Ideally, the OLW will continue to monitor these current lakes, and expand their volunteer network to cover more waterbodies across Oregon as this program continues to grow. Title: Oregon Lake Watch, 2014 Annual Report Author: Jordan, Meredith, Miller, Rich, Strecker, Angela L. Year: 2015 The Oregon Lake Watch (OLW) volunteer monitoring program is now in its second year of operation, continuing its focus on early detection of aquatic invasive species (AIS), with a secondary focus on lake water quality. The aquatic invasive species chosen as Watch List priorities for the OLW are based on the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Noxious Weed List (Oregon Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed Control Program 2014) as well as professional judgement (more information can be found in Oregon Lake Watch Final Report 2014). This report summarizes the data collected by 15 of 24 OLW volunteers over 2014, across 110 sampling events and 20 Oregon lakes. Data collected by trained volunteers includes sightings of both native and aquatic invasive plants and animals, as well as recordings of lake temperature profiles, and Secchi depth, a measure of clarity. Of the 16 original water bodies surveyed in OLW’s first year (2013), 12 were surveyed again in 2014, and 8 are new waterbodies. Long-term monitoring of these lakes provides valuable information over time, and expanding the number of lakes monitored, especially in the case of monitoring for invasive species, means that more potentially harmful invasions can be stopped sooner. Ideally, the OLW will continue to monitor these current lakes, and expand their volunteer network to cover more waterbodies across Oregon as this program continues to grow. Close

• 2. [Article] Survey of Aquatic Invasive Species in Selected Umpqua National Forest Lakes and Ponds

  Eleven lakes and ponds within the Umpqua National Forest were surveyed for invasive aquatic macrophytes, snails, bivalves, and crayfish during the summer of 2011. Yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata), ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Survey of Aquatic Invasive Species in Selected Umpqua National Forest Lakes and Ponds Author: Sytsma, Mark D., Miller, Rich Year: 2012 Eleven lakes and ponds within the Umpqua National Forest were surveyed for invasive aquatic macrophytes, snails, bivalves, and crayfish during the summer of 2011. Yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata), an invasive floating leaf macrophyte species, was detected in Willow Sump within the Little River drainage. European ear snails (Radix auricularia), an invasive species present in several Umpqua National Forest waterbodies, were detected in Beaver Pond within the Steamboat Creek drainage. One native crayfish species, the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), was observed in Crayfish Lake within the Brice Creek drainage. Diverse assemblages of native plant species were observed in the lakes and ponds. The UNF and the Oregon Department of Agriculture are exploring ways to eradicate the yellow floating heart infestation in Willow Sump. Title: Survey of Aquatic Invasive Species in Selected Umpqua National Forest Lakes and Ponds Author: Sytsma, Mark D., Miller, Rich Year: 2012 Eleven lakes and ponds within the Umpqua National Forest were surveyed for invasive aquatic macrophytes, snails, bivalves, and crayfish during the summer of 2011. Yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata), an invasive floating leaf macrophyte species, was detected in Willow Sump within the Little River drainage. European ear snails (Radix auricularia), an invasive species present in several Umpqua National Forest waterbodies, were detected in Beaver Pond within the Steamboat Creek drainage. One native crayfish species, the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), was observed in Crayfish Lake within the Brice Creek drainage. Diverse assemblages of native plant species were observed in the lakes and ponds. The UNF and the Oregon Department of Agriculture are exploring ways to eradicate the yellow floating heart infestation in Willow Sump. Close

• 3. [Article] Aquatic Plant Surveys in the Bureau of Land Management, Medford District, 2010-2011

  The introduction of invasive aquatic plant species (IAPS) can cause significant ecological and economic harm. IAPS can displace native aquatic plant species, impair recreation, and degrade water quality. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Aquatic Plant Surveys in the Bureau of Land Management, Medford District, 2010-2011 Author: Sytsma, Mark D., Miller, Rich, Morgan, Vanessa Year: 2011 The introduction of invasive aquatic plant species (IAPS) can cause significant ecological and economic harm. IAPS can displace native aquatic plant species, impair recreation, and degrade water quality. Early detection of new invasions can improve chances for successful eradication or containment to reduce the risk of IAPS spread. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) lists the most egregious offenders as “Noxious Weeds” which are defined as plants classified by the Oregon State Weed Board that are injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife, or any public or private property (ODA 2011). Several IAPS classified as noxious have been detected within the Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Southern Oregon including yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata) and yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus). During the summers of 2010 and 2011, IAPS surveys were conducted at selected reservoirs, lakes, and river boat launches within the Medford District to determine the extent of IAPS infestations as well as the distributions of native aquatic plant species. This report summarizes results of the surveys and provides recommendations for management of IAPS within the Medford District. Observations of any invasive aquatic animal species such as New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) are also reported. Title: Aquatic Plant Surveys in the Bureau of Land Management, Medford District, 2010-2011 Author: Sytsma, Mark D., Miller, Rich, Morgan, Vanessa Year: 2011 The introduction of invasive aquatic plant species (IAPS) can cause significant ecological and economic harm. IAPS can displace native aquatic plant species, impair recreation, and degrade water quality. Early detection of new invasions can improve chances for successful eradication or containment to reduce the risk of IAPS spread. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) lists the most egregious offenders as “Noxious Weeds” which are defined as plants classified by the Oregon State Weed Board that are injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife, or any public or private property (ODA 2011). Several IAPS classified as noxious have been detected within the Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Southern Oregon including yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata) and yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus). During the summers of 2010 and 2011, IAPS surveys were conducted at selected reservoirs, lakes, and river boat launches within the Medford District to determine the extent of IAPS infestations as well as the distributions of native aquatic plant species. This report summarizes results of the surveys and provides recommendations for management of IAPS within the Medford District. Observations of any invasive aquatic animal species such as New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) are also reported. Close

• 4. [Article] Investigating the Link Between Surface Water and Groundwater in the Tule Lake Subbasin, Oregon and California

  Water allocation in the upper Klamath Basin of Oregon and California has been challenging. Irrigators have increasingly turned to groundwater to make up for surface water shortages because of shifts in ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Investigating the Link Between Surface Water and Groundwater in the Tule Lake Subbasin, Oregon and California Author: Pischel, Esther Maria Year: 2014 Water allocation in the upper Klamath Basin of Oregon and California has been challenging. Irrigators have increasingly turned to groundwater to make up for surface water shortages because of shifts in allocation toward in-stream flows for Endangered Species Act listed fishes. The largest increase in groundwater pumping has been in and around the Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath Irrigation Project, which includes the Tule Lake subbasin in the southern part of the upper Klamath Basin. Previous groundwater flow model simulations indicate that water level declines from pumping may result in decreased flow to agricultural drains in the Tule Lake subbasin. Agricultural drains on the Klamath Project are an important source of water for downstream irrigators and for the Tule Lake and Lower Klamath Lake National Wildlife Refuges. To better assess the impact of increased pumping on drain flow and on the water balance of the groundwater system, flow data from agricultural drains were evaluated to investigate the changes that have taken place in groundwater discharge to drains since pumping volumes increased. Additionally, a fine-grid groundwater model of the Tule Lake subbasin was developed based on the existing regional flow model. The fine-grid model has sufficient vertical and horizontal resolution to simulate vertical head gradients, takes advantage of time-series data from 38 observation wells for model calibration, and allows agricultural drains to be more explicitly represented. Results of the drain flow analysis show that the groundwater discharge to agricultural drains has decreased by approximately 4000 hectare-meters from the 1997-2000 average discharge. Most of this decrease takes place in the northern and southeastern portions of the subbasin. Results of the groundwater model show that the initial source of water to wells is groundwater storage. By 2006, approximately 56% of the water from wells is sourced from agricultural drains. Title: Investigating the Link Between Surface Water and Groundwater in the Tule Lake Subbasin, Oregon and California Author: Pischel, Esther Maria Year: 2014 Water allocation in the upper Klamath Basin of Oregon and California has been challenging. Irrigators have increasingly turned to groundwater to make up for surface water shortages because of shifts in allocation toward in-stream flows for Endangered Species Act listed fishes. The largest increase in groundwater pumping has been in and around the Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath Irrigation Project, which includes the Tule Lake subbasin in the southern part of the upper Klamath Basin. Previous groundwater flow model simulations indicate that water level declines from pumping may result in decreased flow to agricultural drains in the Tule Lake subbasin. Agricultural drains on the Klamath Project are an important source of water for downstream irrigators and for the Tule Lake and Lower Klamath Lake National Wildlife Refuges. To better assess the impact of increased pumping on drain flow and on the water balance of the groundwater system, flow data from agricultural drains were evaluated to investigate the changes that have taken place in groundwater discharge to drains since pumping volumes increased. Additionally, a fine-grid groundwater model of the Tule Lake subbasin was developed based on the existing regional flow model. The fine-grid model has sufficient vertical and horizontal resolution to simulate vertical head gradients, takes advantage of time-series data from 38 observation wells for model calibration, and allows agricultural drains to be more explicitly represented. Results of the drain flow analysis show that the groundwater discharge to agricultural drains has decreased by approximately 4000 hectare-meters from the 1997-2000 average discharge. Most of this decrease takes place in the northern and southeastern portions of the subbasin. Results of the groundwater model show that the initial source of water to wells is groundwater storage. By 2006, approximately 56% of the water from wells is sourced from agricultural drains. Close

• 5. [Article] Modeling Fecal Bacteria in Oregon Coastal Streams Using Spatially Explicit Watershed Characteristics

  Pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and fecal coliforms, are causing the majority of water quality impairments in U.S., making up ~87% of this grouping's violations. Predicting and characterizing source, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Modeling Fecal Bacteria in Oregon Coastal Streams Using Spatially Explicit Watershed Characteristics Author: Pettus, Paul Bryce Year: 2013 Pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and fecal coliforms, are causing the majority of water quality impairments in U.S., making up ~87% of this grouping's violations. Predicting and characterizing source, transport processes, and microbial survival rates is extremely challenging, due to the dynamic nature of each of these components. This research built upon current analytical methods that are used as exploratory tools to predict pathogen indicator counts across regional scales. Using a series of non-parametric methodologies, with spatially explicit predictors, 6657 samples from non-estuarine lotic streams were analyzed to make generalized predictions of regional water quality. 532 frequently sampled sites in the Oregon Coast Range Ecoregion, were parsed down to 93 pathogen sampling sites in effect to control for spatial and temporal biases. This generalized model was able to provide credible results in assessing regional water quality, using spatial techniques, and applying them to infrequently or unmonitored catchments. This model's 56.5% explanation of variation, was comparable to other researchers' regional assessments. This research confirmed linkages to land uses related to anthropogenic activities such as animal operations and agriculture, and general riparian conditions. Title: Modeling Fecal Bacteria in Oregon Coastal Streams Using Spatially Explicit Watershed Characteristics Author: Pettus, Paul Bryce Year: 2013 Pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and fecal coliforms, are causing the majority of water quality impairments in U.S., making up ~87% of this grouping's violations. Predicting and characterizing source, transport processes, and microbial survival rates is extremely challenging, due to the dynamic nature of each of these components. This research built upon current analytical methods that are used as exploratory tools to predict pathogen indicator counts across regional scales. Using a series of non-parametric methodologies, with spatially explicit predictors, 6657 samples from non-estuarine lotic streams were analyzed to make generalized predictions of regional water quality. 532 frequently sampled sites in the Oregon Coast Range Ecoregion, were parsed down to 93 pathogen sampling sites in effect to control for spatial and temporal biases. This generalized model was able to provide credible results in assessing regional water quality, using spatial techniques, and applying them to infrequently or unmonitored catchments. This model's 56.5% explanation of variation, was comparable to other researchers' regional assessments. This research confirmed linkages to land uses related to anthropogenic activities such as animal operations and agriculture, and general riparian conditions. Close

• 6. [Article] Siltcoos Lake Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant: Water Quality Conditions and Nutrient Sources

  Siltcoos Lake is a large (1280 hectares), shallow (mean depth 3.3 m; maximum depth 6.7 m) lake located on the Central Oregon Coast, just south of Florence and bordered by Dunes City, Oregon. The outflow ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Siltcoos Lake Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant: Water Quality Conditions and Nutrient Sources Author: Sytsma, Mark D., Miller, Rich Year: 2010 Siltcoos Lake is a large (1280 hectares), shallow (mean depth 3.3 m; maximum depth 6.7 m) lake located on the Central Oregon Coast, just south of Florence and bordered by Dunes City, Oregon. The outflow and water level of Siltcoos Lake is regulated by a dam on the Siltcoos River 4 km upstream from the Pacific. Several permanent streams feed the lake from its 176 square kilometer watershed including Fiddle Creek, Maple Creek, and Woahink Creek, the outflow from Woahink Lake. Much of the watershed is forested and used for timber harvest, residential development, and limited agricultural production. The lake is popular for recreational activities, particularly fishing for wild coastal Coho salmon, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and yellow perch (Buckman 2004). The lake is also the domestic drinking water source for approximately 125 of the 1330 residents of Dunes City and numerous residents outside the city limits within Lane and Douglas Counties (LCOG 2002). During the fall of 2007 a dense bloom of the potentially toxigenic blue-green algal species Anabaena planktonica prompted Dunes City, the South Coast Water District, the Lane County Health Department, and the Oregon Department of Human Services to issue an advisory against usage of Siltcoos Lake water for drinking and other domestic use (DHS 2007). Residents dependent upon Siltcoos Lake were forced to find alternate domestic water sources for a total of 52 days. This incident was part of a long history of water quality problems including dense algal growth and excessive growth of the non-native aquatic macrophytes Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa), parrotsfeather (Myriophyllum aquaticum), and two-leaf water milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) (Pfauth and Sytsma 2005; Johnson et al. 1985; McHugh 1979). Because of the water quality problems, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) placed the lake the 303(d) list of impaired water bodies; specifically due to violations of the “aquatic weeds and algae” water quality criterion (DEQ 1998; DEQ 2006). Dunes City has acted on water quality concerns for both Siltcoos and Woahink Lakes by issuing a temporary building moratorium (Dunes City 2006a), a septic tank maintenance ordinance (Dunes City 2006b), and an ordinance limiting phosphorus use (Dunes City 2007). Preliminary assessments (Johnson, et al. 1985, LCOG 2002) indicate multiple sources of water quality problems including excess nutrient and/or sediment loading from residential development, poorly functioning on-site septic systems, private forestry and agricultural practices and introductions of non-native aquatic plant species. This report summarizes data collected by Portland State University and project partners between June 2008 and May 2009 to better define water quality conditions within the lake as well as potential nutrient sources. Physical, chemical, and biological data were collected at lake and tributary sites over the one year period. Data were evaluated across sites, depth and the season. The information collected will contribute to total maximum daily load (TMDL) development for the Midcoast Lakes and can be used to identify and prioritize restoration activities in the Siltcoos Lake watershed. Title: Siltcoos Lake Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant: Water Quality Conditions and Nutrient Sources Author: Sytsma, Mark D., Miller, Rich Year: 2010 Siltcoos Lake is a large (1280 hectares), shallow (mean depth 3.3 m; maximum depth 6.7 m) lake located on the Central Oregon Coast, just south of Florence and bordered by Dunes City, Oregon. The outflow and water level of Siltcoos Lake is regulated by a dam on the Siltcoos River 4 km upstream from the Pacific. Several permanent streams feed the lake from its 176 square kilometer watershed including Fiddle Creek, Maple Creek, and Woahink Creek, the outflow from Woahink Lake. Much of the watershed is forested and used for timber harvest, residential development, and limited agricultural production. The lake is popular for recreational activities, particularly fishing for wild coastal Coho salmon, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and yellow perch (Buckman 2004). The lake is also the domestic drinking water source for approximately 125 of the 1330 residents of Dunes City and numerous residents outside the city limits within Lane and Douglas Counties (LCOG 2002). During the fall of 2007 a dense bloom of the potentially toxigenic blue-green algal species Anabaena planktonica prompted Dunes City, the South Coast Water District, the Lane County Health Department, and the Oregon Department of Human Services to issue an advisory against usage of Siltcoos Lake water for drinking and other domestic use (DHS 2007). Residents dependent upon Siltcoos Lake were forced to find alternate domestic water sources for a total of 52 days. This incident was part of a long history of water quality problems including dense algal growth and excessive growth of the non-native aquatic macrophytes Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa), parrotsfeather (Myriophyllum aquaticum), and two-leaf water milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) (Pfauth and Sytsma 2005; Johnson et al. 1985; McHugh 1979). Because of the water quality problems, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) placed the lake the 303(d) list of impaired water bodies; specifically due to violations of the “aquatic weeds and algae” water quality criterion (DEQ 1998; DEQ 2006). Dunes City has acted on water quality concerns for both Siltcoos and Woahink Lakes by issuing a temporary building moratorium (Dunes City 2006a), a septic tank maintenance ordinance (Dunes City 2006b), and an ordinance limiting phosphorus use (Dunes City 2007). Preliminary assessments (Johnson, et al. 1985, LCOG 2002) indicate multiple sources of water quality problems including excess nutrient and/or sediment loading from residential development, poorly functioning on-site septic systems, private forestry and agricultural practices and introductions of non-native aquatic plant species. This report summarizes data collected by Portland State University and project partners between June 2008 and May 2009 to better define water quality conditions within the lake as well as potential nutrient sources. Physical, chemical, and biological data were collected at lake and tributary sites over the one year period. Data were evaluated across sites, depth and the season. The information collected will contribute to total maximum daily load (TMDL) development for the Midcoast Lakes and can be used to identify and prioritize restoration activities in the Siltcoos Lake watershed. Close

• 7. [Article] Willamette River and Columbia River Waste Load Allocation Model

  A hydrodynamic and water quality model of the Lower Willamette River was developed to evaluate management alternatives designed to improve water quality. The Lower Willamette River is located in Oregon ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Willamette River and Columbia River Waste Load Allocation Model Author: Berger, Chris, Annear, Robert Leslie, Wells, Scott A. Year: 2002 A hydrodynamic and water quality model of the Lower Willamette River was developed to evaluate management alternatives designed to improve water quality. The Lower Willamette River is located in Oregon and drains a watershed covering 11500 square miles consisting of forested, agricultural, and urban lands. Inflows include treated municipal wastes and industrial effluents along with non-point sources from agricultural, silvicultural and urbanized land. The model was designed to address temperature, dissolved oxygen, algae, pH and bacteria concerns. The Corps of Engineers two-dimensional, laterally averaged, hydrodynamic and water quality model CE-QUAL-W2, Version 3 was applied. CE-QUAL-W2 consists of directly coupled hydrodynamic and water quality transport models and simulates parameters such as temperature, algae concentration, dissolved oxygen concentration, pH, nutrient concentrations and residence time. The model domain covers a total of about 126 river miles, including the Lower Willamette River from its intersection with the Columbia River upstream to Canby Ferry (RM 35.0) and the Columbia River from Bonneville Dam (RM 144.5) to Beaver Army Terminal (River Mile 53.8). Modeling of the Columbia River was necessary to simulate tidal fluctuations and influxes of Columbia River water into the Lower Willamette. Major tributaries and major NPDES point sources were point inflows to the system model. The ability to model multiple water bodies was a feature of CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3 and allows the simulation of river, reservoir or estuary sections with varying bottom slopes separated by dams and other hydraulic structures. The model was calibrated for the summers of 1993, 1994, 1997, 1998, and 1999. Hydrodynamics were calibrated first followed by temperature and water quality. Root mean square error of model water level predictions was generally less than 0.05 m. Because of the short residence time within the model domain, the development of accurate boundary conditions was essential for good model calibration. Title: Willamette River and Columbia River Waste Load Allocation Model Author: Berger, Chris, Annear, Robert Leslie, Wells, Scott A. Year: 2002 A hydrodynamic and water quality model of the Lower Willamette River was developed to evaluate management alternatives designed to improve water quality. The Lower Willamette River is located in Oregon and drains a watershed covering 11500 square miles consisting of forested, agricultural, and urban lands. Inflows include treated municipal wastes and industrial effluents along with non-point sources from agricultural, silvicultural and urbanized land. The model was designed to address temperature, dissolved oxygen, algae, pH and bacteria concerns. The Corps of Engineers two-dimensional, laterally averaged, hydrodynamic and water quality model CE-QUAL-W2, Version 3 was applied. CE-QUAL-W2 consists of directly coupled hydrodynamic and water quality transport models and simulates parameters such as temperature, algae concentration, dissolved oxygen concentration, pH, nutrient concentrations and residence time. The model domain covers a total of about 126 river miles, including the Lower Willamette River from its intersection with the Columbia River upstream to Canby Ferry (RM 35.0) and the Columbia River from Bonneville Dam (RM 144.5) to Beaver Army Terminal (River Mile 53.8). Modeling of the Columbia River was necessary to simulate tidal fluctuations and influxes of Columbia River water into the Lower Willamette. Major tributaries and major NPDES point sources were point inflows to the system model. The ability to model multiple water bodies was a feature of CE-QUAL-W2 Version 3 and allows the simulation of river, reservoir or estuary sections with varying bottom slopes separated by dams and other hydraulic structures. The model was calibrated for the summers of 1993, 1994, 1997, 1998, and 1999. Hydrodynamics were calibrated first followed by temperature and water quality. Root mean square error of model water level predictions was generally less than 0.05 m. Because of the short residence time within the model domain, the development of accurate boundary conditions was essential for good model calibration. Close

• 8. [Article] History, Current Conditions, and Wetland Restoration at Killin Wetlands Natural Area, Washington County, Oregon

  In September 2014, the Metro Natural Area Program engaged The Wetland Conservancy to develop a scientific assessment of Metro’s 590-acre Killin Wetlands Natural Area. Metro acquired the lands comprising ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: History, Current Conditions, and Wetland Restoration at Killin Wetlands Natural Area, Washington County, Oregon Author: Christy, John A. Year: 2015 In September 2014, the Metro Natural Area Program engaged The Wetland Conservancy to develop a scientific assessment of Metro’s 590-acre Killin Wetlands Natural Area. Metro acquired the lands comprising the KWNA between 2000 and 2012 with funds from two voterapproved open space bond measures. Since 2000, Metro has sought to advance natural area restoration at the site, focusing on the suppression of non-native pasture weeds and planting of native trees and shrubs in higher parts of the floodplain and its edges. Most uplands in Metro ownership have been maintained in agriculture through leased partnerships with local farmers. Metro and its partners have observed the effects of persistent flooding at the site, which began prior to Metro’s acquisition of the property. Most notable has been the decline of the once abundant Geyer willow stand, a prominent and valued feature of the site. In February 2014, Metro convened several key scientists familiar with the wetland, and its underlying Labish soil, to discuss what was known about the Killin Wetlands and possible next steps in advancing restoration there. That discussion focused on the subsidence of organic soils, caused by artificial drainage, and led to the recommendation that a review of regional peat soil wetlands would be an important step in developing an informed plan for preserving and restoring Killin Wetlands. This report presents that review. Title: History, Current Conditions, and Wetland Restoration at Killin Wetlands Natural Area, Washington County, Oregon Author: Christy, John A. Year: 2015 In September 2014, the Metro Natural Area Program engaged The Wetland Conservancy to develop a scientific assessment of Metro’s 590-acre Killin Wetlands Natural Area. Metro acquired the lands comprising the KWNA between 2000 and 2012 with funds from two voterapproved open space bond measures. Since 2000, Metro has sought to advance natural area restoration at the site, focusing on the suppression of non-native pasture weeds and planting of native trees and shrubs in higher parts of the floodplain and its edges. Most uplands in Metro ownership have been maintained in agriculture through leased partnerships with local farmers. Metro and its partners have observed the effects of persistent flooding at the site, which began prior to Metro’s acquisition of the property. Most notable has been the decline of the once abundant Geyer willow stand, a prominent and valued feature of the site. In February 2014, Metro convened several key scientists familiar with the wetland, and its underlying Labish soil, to discuss what was known about the Killin Wetlands and possible next steps in advancing restoration there. That discussion focused on the subsidence of organic soils, caused by artificial drainage, and led to the recommendation that a review of regional peat soil wetlands would be an important step in developing an informed plan for preserving and restoring Killin Wetlands. This report presents that review. Close

• 9. [Article] Scenario Development and Analysis of Freshwater Ecosystem Services under Land Cover and Climate Change in the Tualatin and Yamhill River Basins, Oregon

  Humans make decisions within ecosystems to enhance their well-being, but choices can lead to unintended consequences. The ecosystem services (ES) approach supports decision-making that considers all environmental ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Scenario Development and Analysis of Freshwater Ecosystem Services under Land Cover and Climate Change in the Tualatin and Yamhill River Basins, Oregon Author: Hoyer, Robert Wesley Year: 2013 Humans make decisions within ecosystems to enhance their well-being, but choices can lead to unintended consequences. The ecosystem services (ES) approach supports decision-making that considers all environmental goods and services. Many challenges remain in the implementation of the ES approach like how specific ES vary through space and time. We address this research problem using the Tualatin and Yamhill river basins in northwestern Oregon as a study area. Freshwater ES are quantified and mapped with the spatially-explicit ES modeling tool, Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST). In chapter II, we develop a simple urban land cover change modeling approach with selected stakeholder input. The products of this analysis are used in part to answer the question of how the freshwater ES of water yield, nutrient retention, and sediment retention will change in the future, and how their distribution potentially will change? In chapter III, these ES are modeled in InVEST using the land cover scenarios and three downscaled global climate models. The base period is 1981 to 2010 and the future period is 2036 to 2065. The models are calibrated to empirical estimates, and display different sensitivities to inputs. Water yield increases with higher rainfall but decreases with the highest temperature scenario. Nutrient export and retention estimates are positively correlated. In the Tualatin basin, more urban lands generally lead to increases in nutrient exports and retention. The effect is reversed in the Yamhill basin from much larger agricultural exports. Sediment exports and retention increase with higher winter rainfall but are negatively spatially correlated due to topographic effects. Simulation of a landscape scale installation of riparian buffers leads to decreases in exports and increases in retention. The distribution of the provision of freshwater ES remains unchanged throughout the scenarios. With few parameters in each InVEST model, all display a high degree of sensitivity. Parameterization is subject to high uncertainty even with calibrated values. We discuss the assumptions and limitations of InVEST's freshwater models. The spatially explicit nature of InVEST is its main advantage. This work coupled with other analyses in the study area can facilitate the identification of tradeoffs amongst ES leading to better ecosystem management. Title: Scenario Development and Analysis of Freshwater Ecosystem Services under Land Cover and Climate Change in the Tualatin and Yamhill River Basins, Oregon Author: Hoyer, Robert Wesley Year: 2013 Humans make decisions within ecosystems to enhance their well-being, but choices can lead to unintended consequences. The ecosystem services (ES) approach supports decision-making that considers all environmental goods and services. Many challenges remain in the implementation of the ES approach like how specific ES vary through space and time. We address this research problem using the Tualatin and Yamhill river basins in northwestern Oregon as a study area. Freshwater ES are quantified and mapped with the spatially-explicit ES modeling tool, Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST). In chapter II, we develop a simple urban land cover change modeling approach with selected stakeholder input. The products of this analysis are used in part to answer the question of how the freshwater ES of water yield, nutrient retention, and sediment retention will change in the future, and how their distribution potentially will change? In chapter III, these ES are modeled in InVEST using the land cover scenarios and three downscaled global climate models. The base period is 1981 to 2010 and the future period is 2036 to 2065. The models are calibrated to empirical estimates, and display different sensitivities to inputs. Water yield increases with higher rainfall but decreases with the highest temperature scenario. Nutrient export and retention estimates are positively correlated. In the Tualatin basin, more urban lands generally lead to increases in nutrient exports and retention. The effect is reversed in the Yamhill basin from much larger agricultural exports. Sediment exports and retention increase with higher winter rainfall but are negatively spatially correlated due to topographic effects. Simulation of a landscape scale installation of riparian buffers leads to decreases in exports and increases in retention. The distribution of the provision of freshwater ES remains unchanged throughout the scenarios. With few parameters in each InVEST model, all display a high degree of sensitivity. Parameterization is subject to high uncertainty even with calibrated values. We discuss the assumptions and limitations of InVEST's freshwater models. The spatially explicit nature of InVEST is its main advantage. This work coupled with other analyses in the study area can facilitate the identification of tradeoffs amongst ES leading to better ecosystem management. Close

• 10. [Article] Climate Change Effects and Water Vulnerability in the Molalla Pudding River Basin, Oregon, USA

  Water management plans are typically developed using historical data records and historical return periods for extreme events, such as floods or droughts. Since these analyses of return periods typically ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Climate Change Effects and Water Vulnerability in the Molalla Pudding River Basin, Oregon, USA Author: Wherry, Susan Amelia Year: 2012 Water management plans are typically developed using historical data records and historical return periods for extreme events, such as floods or droughts. Since these analyses of return periods typically assume a certain degree of stationarity (constant mean, standard deviation, distribution) in hydrologic variables, the potential future impacts of climate change are excluded. In developing water management plans, predicted changes to climate variables should be considered to evaluate the degree of non-stationarity that may exist in the future. In this way, regions most sensitive to climate change can be identified and managed appropriately. This study performed such a task by using predicted climate data that were downscaled from general circulation models (GCM) by regional climate models (RCM) to compare climate variables in the historical period of 1971-1998 to the future period of 2041-2068. The study evaluated the precipitation and minimum/maximum temperature data from five different GCM/RCM combinations: 1) CCSM/CRCM; 2) CCSM/WRFG; 3) CGCM3/CRCM; 4) CGCM3/WRFG; and 5) HadCM3/HRM3. The five datasets were then used to calculate drought indices and drive a calibrated PRMS model of the Molalla Pudding river basin in order to evaluate changes in droughts and streamflow. The predicted changes in droughts and streamflow were then evaluated with social/economic factors for twelve cities in the Molalla Pudding river basin by two different water vulnerability indices. The index values were used to determine a rank for each city that indicated its relative vulnerability to water scarcity as compared to the other cities. In this study, three out of the five datasets predicted increased precipitation (+97-115 mm/year) over the Molalla Pudding basin and the two datasets using the CCSM GCM data predicted either no change or slightly decreased precipitation (-60 mm/year) over the Molalla Pudding basin in 2041-2068. All datasets predicted increased minimum and maximum average temperature of +1.5°C and +1.4°C respectively, and all datasets displayed increasing trends in temperature. The drought indices predicted fewer drought events (-2.4 events) over 2041-2068 with no change in duration, and no change to the number of serious drought events over 2041-2068 but with increased durations (+1.9 months). Results from the hydrologic modeling predicted increased streamflow (+4-249 cfs) in four out of the five future datasets. Using the predicted changes in hydrologic variables and social/economic census data from 2000, two types of water vulnerability indices were calculated for the twelve cities of interest. The results suggested that cities in the western portion of the basin would be more susceptible to current and future water vulnerability due to high irrigation demands for water and high social vulnerability as determined by minority populations and higher poverty, while the small cities with less dependence on agriculture would be less vulnerable. Title: Climate Change Effects and Water Vulnerability in the Molalla Pudding River Basin, Oregon, USA Author: Wherry, Susan Amelia Year: 2012 Water management plans are typically developed using historical data records and historical return periods for extreme events, such as floods or droughts. Since these analyses of return periods typically assume a certain degree of stationarity (constant mean, standard deviation, distribution) in hydrologic variables, the potential future impacts of climate change are excluded. In developing water management plans, predicted changes to climate variables should be considered to evaluate the degree of non-stationarity that may exist in the future. In this way, regions most sensitive to climate change can be identified and managed appropriately. This study performed such a task by using predicted climate data that were downscaled from general circulation models (GCM) by regional climate models (RCM) to compare climate variables in the historical period of 1971-1998 to the future period of 2041-2068. The study evaluated the precipitation and minimum/maximum temperature data from five different GCM/RCM combinations: 1) CCSM/CRCM; 2) CCSM/WRFG; 3) CGCM3/CRCM; 4) CGCM3/WRFG; and 5) HadCM3/HRM3. The five datasets were then used to calculate drought indices and drive a calibrated PRMS model of the Molalla Pudding river basin in order to evaluate changes in droughts and streamflow. The predicted changes in droughts and streamflow were then evaluated with social/economic factors for twelve cities in the Molalla Pudding river basin by two different water vulnerability indices. The index values were used to determine a rank for each city that indicated its relative vulnerability to water scarcity as compared to the other cities. In this study, three out of the five datasets predicted increased precipitation (+97-115 mm/year) over the Molalla Pudding basin and the two datasets using the CCSM GCM data predicted either no change or slightly decreased precipitation (-60 mm/year) over the Molalla Pudding basin in 2041-2068. All datasets predicted increased minimum and maximum average temperature of +1.5°C and +1.4°C respectively, and all datasets displayed increasing trends in temperature. The drought indices predicted fewer drought events (-2.4 events) over 2041-2068 with no change in duration, and no change to the number of serious drought events over 2041-2068 but with increased durations (+1.9 months). Results from the hydrologic modeling predicted increased streamflow (+4-249 cfs) in four out of the five future datasets. Using the predicted changes in hydrologic variables and social/economic census data from 2000, two types of water vulnerability indices were calculated for the twelve cities of interest. The results suggested that cities in the western portion of the basin would be more susceptible to current and future water vulnerability due to high irrigation demands for water and high social vulnerability as determined by minority populations and higher poverty, while the small cities with less dependence on agriculture would be less vulnerable. Close