watervulnerability

Gallatin National Forest Watershed Vulnerability Assessment, Northern Region (R1)
CONNECTIONS TO OTHER PROJECTS AND ASSESSMENTS
GNF Stream Temperature Modeling
The objective of this project is to develop a broad-scale geographic information system (GIS) model to
predict the effects of climate change on stream thermal regimes that in turn, provide the basis for
estimating impacts on fisheries resources. A standardized approach was developed to collect and share
temperature information among partner agencies and the public. The results will be used in conjunction
with the GNF Watershed Vulnerability Assessment (WVA) to identify thermally-sensitive habitats and
vulnerable native fish populations, and to prioritize future restoration activities to mitigate the effects of
climate change on aquatic resources.
GIS analysis identified locations for deployment of stream temperature loggers in HUC-6 watersheds
intersecting the Gallatin and Custer National Forests. A matrix was developed comparing stream size (yaxis)
and elevation (x-axis). Multiple temperature deployment locations were chosen from each cell of the
matrix across broad spatial scales (see Figure 4 for the Lower East Boulder River HUC-6 watershed).
Approximately 100 stream temperature loggers will be deployed, which include 40 long-term/multi-year
deployments and 60 short-term/annual deployments. The data collected will be used to develop a model
to predict changes in stream temperature with respect to elevation, contributing area (stream size), and air
temperature.
The methods employed were developed by the Rocky Mountain Research Station. For a complete
description, refer to the following website.
www.fs.fed.us/rm/boise/AWAE/projects/stream_temp/multregression/methods.shtml
Blakely Creek
East Boulder River
Wright Gulch
Canyon Creek
Figure 4. Temperature deployment locations within the Lower East Boulder
River HUC-6 watershed
34 Assessing the Vulnerability of Watersheds to Climate Change
Dry Fork Creek
Burnt Gulch