title: Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework.
abstract: There is a critical need for tools and methodologies capable of managing aquatic systems within heavily impacted watersheds. Current efforts often fall short as a result of an inability to quantify and predict complex cumulative effects of current and future land use scenarios at relevant spatial scales. The goal of this manuscript is to provide methods for conducting a targeted watershed assessment that enables resource managers to produce landscape-based cumulative effects models for use within a scenario analysis management framework. Sites are first selected for inclusion within the watershed assessment by identifying sites that fall along independent gradients and combinations of known stressors. Field and laboratory techniques are then used to obtain data on the physical, chemical, and biological effects of multiple land use activities. Multiple linear regression analysis is then used to produce landscape-based cumulative effects models for predicting aquatic conditions. Lastly, methods for incorporating cumulative effects models within a scenario analysis framework for guiding management and regulatory decisions (e.g., permitting and mitigation) within actively developing watersheds are discussed and demonstrated for 2 sub-watersheds within the mountaintop mining region of central Appalachia. The watershed assessment and management approach provided herein enables resource managers to facilitate economic and development activity while protecting aquatic resources and producing opportunity for net ecological benefits through targeted remediation.
authors: Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University; emerriam@mix.wvu.edu.
authors: Eric R
authors: ER
authors: Merriam
authors: Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University.
authors: J Todd
authors: JT
authors: Petty
authors: Division of Resource Management, West Virginia University.
authors: Michael P
authors: MP
authors: Strager
mesh_terms: D001061:Appalachian Region; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005618:Fresh Water; D016014:Linear Models; D008906:Mining; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D014872:Water Movements