Aquatic
and Riparian Ecosystems
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RWU4352 (970) 498-1302 |
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Research/Studies
Problem 1: Determine interactions between channel morphology, flow/sediment dynamics, and native fish populations as influenced by land management and natural disturbance.
- Define the range, duration, and amount of flow needed to support functional aquatic environments in the wide range of channel types in subalpine and montane environments in the Central and Southern Rocky Mountains. (Sandra Ryan-Burkett, Mike Young)
- Improve methods for monitoring stream sedimentation, including the development and testing of new methods for measuring bedload. (Sandra Ryan-Burkett)
- Determine the effect of nonnative fishes on the response of native fishes to land management and natural disturbance. (Mike Young)
- Improve monitoring approaches for stream fish populations. (Mike Young)
Problem 2: Characterize the structural, hydrologic and biogeochemical linkages between terrestrial and aquatic environments and improve understanding of how fire, hydrologic manipulation and natural resource management influence ecosystem processes and species composition of riparian and stream environments.
- Determine the role of hydrologic and geomorphic factors in determining plant species composition and in regulating the biogeochemical function of riparian ecosystems in subalpine and montane forests of the Central Rocky Mountains. (Kate Dwire, Chuck Rhoades)
- Determine the influence of land management, particularly altered hydrologic regimes on characteristics of riparian ecosystems and plant communities, including the distribution of invasive non-native species along riparian corridors. (Kate Dwire, Chuck Rhoades)
- Determine the influence of prescribed and natural fire on characteristics of upland, riparian, and aquatic ecosystems, including nutrient cycling, organic matter dynamics, and the re-growth and distribution of native and non-native plant species. (Kate Dwire, Sandra Ryan-Burkett)
Problem 3: Effects of management and disturbance on terrestrial processes influencing water yield, water quality and carbon storage.
- Quantify the effects of forest type, structure, and disturbance on the water cycle from accumulation process to runoff, including interception , sublimation, evapotranspiration, infiltration, and other hydrological processes. (Kelly Elder)
- Determine how stand structure, particularly leaf area and its distribution, and carbon storage vary with disturbance (fire frequency, management regimes), stand age and species. (Mike Ryan)
- Evaluate how upland landscape patterns influence biogeochemical processes in stream and riparian ecosystems and assess the effect of upland disturbance and resource management on water quality. (Chuck Rhoades)
- Quantifying and integrating aquatic, riparian and terrestrial carbon storage processes from the plot scale to landscapes. (Mike Ryan)
Available work of retired unit researchers:
USDA Forest Service - RMRS - RWU4352
Last Modified: Thursday, 30 December 2004 at 16:39:22 EST
Page Contact: Marian Lathrop