Task 1.1.1.2--Conceptual Model With Updates
Task 1.2.1.4, Work Unit A--Sediment Characterization in LTRMP Study Pools: Method Development
Task 1.2.1.4, Work Unit B--Sediment Characterization in LTRMP Study Pools: Empirical Model Testing
Task 1.2.1.4, Work Unit C--Hydrodynamic Modeling in Pool 8
Task 1.2.1.4, Work Unit D--Understanding Sediment and Chemical Loading from the Maquoketa River to Pool 13
Task 1.2.2.1--Review Navigation Study Work Units
Task 1.2.2.5, Work Unit A--Effects of Navigation on Aquatic Vegetation
Task 1.2.2.5, Work Unit C--Estimation of Potential Effects of Increased Commercial Navigation Traffic on Fishes
Task 1.2.3.4--Conduct Research on the Effects of Water Levels and Discharges on the Upper Mississippi River System Ecosystem
Task 1.3.2.1, Work Unit A--Upper Mississippi River System Adaptive Environmental Assessment
Task 1.3.2.4, Work Unit A--Analysis and Visualization of Aquatic Habitat in Pool 8
Task 1.3.2.4, Work Unit C--Analysis of Changes in Landscape Composition of the UMRS Floodplain
Task 1.3.2.4, Work Unit D--Development of Conceptual Framework
Task 1.3.2.4, Work Unit E--Predicting Limnological Characteristics
Task 1.3.2.4, Work Unit F--Spatial Predictions of Floodplain Habitat Availability to Overwintering Centrarchid Fish
Task 1.3.2.4, Work Unit G--Pilot Study to Validate Overwintering Habitat for Centrarchid Fishes
Task 1.3.2.4, Work Unit H--Longitudinal Patterns in Backwater Morphometry
Task 1.3.2.4, Work Unit I--Decline and Restoration of Native Submersed Aquatic Macrophytes in the Upper Mississippi River System
Task 1.3.2.4, Work Unit J--Eurasian Watermilfoil
Task 1.3.2.4, Work Unit L--Simulating UMR Bottomland Hardwood Forest Succession
Task 1.3.2.4, Work Unit M--Testing Fish Growth Predictions of the Flood-Pulse Concept
Task 1.3.2.4, Work Unit N--Evaluating Fish Year-class Strength
Task 1.3.2.4, Work Unit O--Zebra Mussel Assessment
Task 1.1.1.2--Conceptual
Model With Updates
No work has been planned or conducted under this Task for the last several years.
Problem: The existence and importance of multiple spatial scales to the ecology of the UMRS has been recognized and identified on the original conceptual model. One criteria used to select sites for the Program Field Stations was the need to cover three distinctive river reaches based on river geomorphology of the Upper Mississippi River. Annual monitoring at the Field Stations, with few exceptions (including recent water quality work), has focused on understanding ecological structure and function at the navigation pool and habitat scales. Few analyses have been directed at linkages between spatial scales. This shortcoming potentially limits our ability to extrapolate results to nonmonitored river reaches.
The legislative definition of the UMRS includes only the navigable portions of the floodplain. Consequently, the use of significant amounts of LTRMP resources are restricted--resources that could be used to explore relations between the river and its tributary network or subbasins. The EMTC staff have increasingly been able to facilitate the work of partners and the use of external funds to initiate study of some of these relations.
The original conceptual model identified common human-induced disturbances that affect the UMRS at all spatial scales. It did not, however, identify specific economic-ecological relations that could be studied to better understand the economic consequences of management alternatives aimed at benefiting natural resources.
Objective: Update the conceptual model to describe linkages between spatial scales, to include greater detail at the stream network and subbasin scales, and to include specific economic and social factors that require understanding. These changes will allow us to continue using the conceptual model as a basic description of how the river system operates and as a primary tool for planning future LTRMP monitoring and research efforts.
Approach: The completion of the initial multiyear trend reports now gives us the opportunity to update the conceptual model.
FY 1996 Accomplishments: N/A
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: Complete this effort in FY 1997 by first outlining the specific elements of the concept model that need work. A workshop for EMTC staff, Field Station staff, and invited scientists will be held to review the original conceptual model. The workshop participants will also develop additions to the model, review what we have learned since the original model was created, and examine how the model affects Program planning and implementation. An updated conceptual model will be developed and distributed for external review. (POC: K. Lubinski) Funding Allocation: $8.1K
Task
1.2.1.4, Work Unit A--Sediment Characterization in LTRMP Study Pools: Method
Development
FY 1996 Accomplishments: (1) Technical presentations of the methods and the data derived were made at the international Rivertech meeting and at the Mississippi River Research Consortium (MRRC). (2) A draft of the Procedures Manual for sediment characterization was prepared. The decision was made to revise the draft Procedures Manual for sediment characterization in light of the results derived from the first attempt to incorporate sediment monitoring as part of the stratified random sampling associated with water quality monitoring. Funding Allocation: $23.6K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: (1) Penetrometer evaluation report documenting the effectiveness of the in situ sediment penetrometer in the characterization of sediment types in the UMRS. (2) Revision and finalization of a Procedures Manual for sediment characterization. (POC: R. Gaugush and J. Rogala) Funding Allocation: $12.8K
Task
1.2.1.4, Work Unit B--Sediment Characterization in LTRMP Study Pools: Empirical
Model Testing
FY 1996 Accomplishments: (1) Presentations of the empirical sediment distribution model were made at several technical meetings (regional and national) and briefings. (2) The model was tested with data from Lake Onalaska. (3) Testing of the model with data from Pool 8 was delayed because the original plan required FastTABS current velocity output for the entire pool. This FastTABS model was not produced by the St. Paul District in FY 1996. Funding Allocation: $22.6K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: A technical report documenting the development and testing of the empirical model on Lake Onalaska and lower Pool 8 will be prepared. (POC: R. Gaugush) Funding Allocation: $33.0K
Task
1.2.1.4, Work Unit C--Hydrodynamic Modeling in Pool 8
FY 1996 Accomplishments: This work is being done in cooperation with the St. Paul District COE. In 1996, their Hydraulics group made field observations of current velocity necessary for model calibration. Funding Allocation: $22.0K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: TABS model results for the lower third of Pool 8 will be supplied to EMTC. Model verification runs for the middle part of the pool will be completed. The model will be used to simulate alternatives for the Pool 8 Channel Maintenance Plan. Coordination meetings to apply the model to ecological questions in Pool 8 will continue. (POC: D. Wilcox) Funding Allocation: $21.6K
Task
1.2.1.4, Work Unit D--Understanding Sediment and Chemical Loading from the
Maquoketa River to Pool 13
This is a new initiative in FY 1997.
Considerable effort has gone into monitoring and analyzing the water quality and sediment loads of the mainstem of the Upper Mississippi River. This new initiative begins our study of landscape factors that result in large contributions of sediment from mainstem tributaries.
Problem: The sediment and water quality component contributions of the watersheds feeding directly into the mainstem of the Mississippi River have great effects on water quality, sediment load and distribution, and habitat quantity and quality. Many of the factors that control sediment and chemical contributions from these watersheds are suspected of affecting sedimentation on the main stem but these factors are poorly quantified. The first step toward establishing hypotheses linking watershed contributions to mainstem water quality is to create a model using a geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing approach. Next, "what if" modeling could be performed to evaluate the effectiveness of various landscape management approaches. This approach could ultimately result in holding sediments and chemicals at their source rather than managing them after they enter the mainstem of the Upper Mississippi River.
Objectives: To understand components of the Maquoketa Watershed that contribute sediments and chemicals to the mainstem of the Mississippi River by using a spatial process model.
Approach: (1) Create a GIS database of the Maquoketa River Watershed that includes land cover, soils, elevation models, and agricultural practices; (2) from the data in the GIS database, create a model of the Maquoketa River Watershed using the ADAPTS methodology; (3) create an interface that could be used by non-GIS experts to perform "what if" modeling on the effects of different agricultural practices on water quality and sediment as it leaves the watershed.
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: (1) A peer-reviewed Scope of Work detailing the project, (2) a complete GIS database to begin modeling, and (3) initial version of interface for modeling. (POC: P. Gowda, D. Olsen, and T. Owens) Funding Allocation: $17.4K
Task
1.2.2.1--Review Navigation Study Work Units
FY 1996 Accomplishments: Staff participated in two Navigation Environmental Coordinating Committee meetings and provided technical comments regarding review of navigation study documents to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Rock Island Field Office. Barko accepted a lead role in directing the Modeling, Integration, and Simulation Team. Funding Allocation: $6.5K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: Because of EMTC staff attrition, navigation coordination activities in FY 1997 will be reduced to only those activities that can be reimbursed from the feasibility study. (POC: K. Lubinski) Funding Allocation: $4.1K
Task
1.2.2.5, Work Unit A--Effects of Navigation on Aquatic Vegetation
FY 1996 Accomplishments: (1) A study on the effects of sediment resuspension and deposition on plants was conducted by Waterways Experiment Station (WES) scientists, and (2) a Scope of Work for propagule investigations was completed. Funding Allocation: $27.2K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: (1) A draft report on the effects of sediment resuspension and deposition, and (2) propagule-related investigations will continue at WES and EMTC. (POC: S. Rogers) Funding Allocation: $34.2K
Task
1.2.2.5, Work Unit C--Estimation of Potential Effects of Increased Commercial
Navigation Traffic on Fishes
FY 1996 Accomplishments: An annual increment of data was completed and a letter progress report was submitted to the COE. Funding Allocation: $19.8K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: Completion of field sampling and start of data analysis. Navigation funding will be used to complete the remaining work. (POC: S. Gutreuter)
Task
1.2.3.4--Conduct Research on the Effects of Water Levels and Discharges
on the Upper Mississippi River System Ecosystem
FY 1996 Accomplishments: Final paper published--Wlosinski, J. H., and L. Hill. 1995. Analysis of water level management on the Upper Mississippi River (1980-1990). Regulated Rivers--Research & Management 11(2):239-248.
Final report published--Wlosinski, J. H., and E. R. Koljord. 1996. Effects of water levels on ecosystems: An annotated bibliography. U.S. Geological Survey, Environmental Management Technical Center, Onalaska, Wisconsin. LTRMP 96-T007. 261 pp.
Final paper published--Wlosinski, J. H., D. A. Olsen, C. Lowenberg, T. W. Owens, J. Rogala, and M. Laustrup. 1995. Habitat changes in the Upper Mississippi River floodplain. Pages 234-236 in E. LaRoe, G. S. Farris, C. E. Puckett, P. D. Doran, and M. J. Mac, editors. Our living resources: A report to the Nation on the distribution, abundance, and health of U.S. plants, animals, and ecosystems. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Biological Service, Washington, D.C.
A draft dataset of historical (1928-1995) bottom geometry at three open river sites developed. Workshop was held on use of two-dimensional models for UMRS. Letter report on use of 2-D FastTABS model for Pool 25. Funding Allocation: $33.8K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: Final dataset for three sites, draft dataset for three additional sites, and initial data analyses of historical bottom geometry. Development of historical bottom geometry at three additional open river sites continuing in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Rolla, Missouri, office. Prepare 2-D workshop report. Other products outlined in Goal 3. (POC: J. Wlosinski) Funding Allocation: $45.6K
Task
1.3.2.1, Work Unit A--Upper Mississippi River System Adaptive Environmental
Assessment
FY 1996 Accomplishments: Two workshops were successfully completed. Two models (instead of one) were constructed and evaluated at the workshop. Spatial data developed for the LTRMP were vital to model completion. The models describe river ecosystem processes at the mainstem and pool spatial scales. Funding Allocation: $17.9K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: The steering committee for the Adaptive Environmental Assessment (AEA) is in the process of completing a plan for using the models to evaluate alternative management scenarios and to seek partner funding for the plan. The proposal will be presented at the February 1997, River Summit. We propose to continue supporting mutual learning about the UMRS by serving on the AEA steering committee, by assisting with data needs and model refinement, and by being one of the partner agencies that provides the funding required for future management scenario workshops. The level of support necessary for FY 1997 workshops has not yet been determined. A workshop schedule will not be available until after the 1997 River Summit. (POC: K. Lubinski) Funding Allocation: $6.5K
Task
1.3.2.4, Work Unit A--Analysis and Visualization of Aquatic Habitat in Pool
8
FY 1996 Accomplishments: GIS analysis and application programming were not initiated in FY 1996 because the original plan required FastTABS current velocity output for the entire pool. The St. Paul District of the COE provided current velocity data for the lower third of the pool only. Funding Allocation: $67.2K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: During the week of February 10, a meeting will be held at the EMTC with the POC, the GIS programmer, and a group of potential users of these products to determine what products will be produced. A brief, internal report will be made of the results of the meeting. A matrix of habitat relations for fingernail clams and bluegills will be completed May 31. Data will be assembled and models will be run to map the habitat relations by September 15. A prototype ArcView Project will be completed by September 30. (POC: D. Wilcox, D Olsen, J Rogala, D. Soballe, and T. Owens) Funding Allocation: $7.1K
Task
1.3.2.4, Work Unit C--Analysis of Changes in Landscape Composition of the
UMRS Floodplain
FY 1996 Accomplishments: Spatial analyses of landscape change from 1898 to 1989, longitudinal gradients in landscape metrics, and associated datasets were completed; pool-scale analyses concentrating on the process of forest fragmentation are ongoing. Analyses were presented at two internal meetings of EMTC staff--one presentation at a professional scientific meeting and the other at the Program Management Review and Scientific Review Committee meetings. Because of the extensive amount of computer resources required to complete the analyses, individual summary reports for each analysis were not completed within FY 1996. Instead, all three analyses will be compiled into a Ph.D. dissertation in FY 1997. Funding Allocation: $61.6K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: A Ph.D. dissertation will summarize the 1898-1989 and longitudinal comparisons completed during 1995 and 1996. An analysis of long-term physiographic change associated with side channels in the open river, begun in FY 1996 using external funds, will be continued in FY 1997. Analyses will be completed, a final report will be prepared, and results will be presented at partner coordination meetings and one scientific conference. (POC: K. Lubinski) Funding Allocation: $55.1K
Task
1.3.2.4, Work Unit D--Development of Conceptual Framework
FY 1996 Accomplishments: The draft conceptual document was revised and received limited internal review in FY 1996. Funding Allocation: $6.9K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: Draft conceptual document will be sent for external review and revised. (POC: D. Soballe) Funding Allocation: $2.2K
Task
1.3.2.4, Work Unit E--Predicting Limnological Characteristics
FY 1996 Accomplishments: (1) Collected limnological data for backwaters in Pools 8 and 11; (2) collected temporally and spatially dense limnological data for Lawrence Lake, Pool 8; (3) generated GIS datasets for selected backwater parameters in Pool 8; and (4) reported progress as oral and poster presentations and a status report of findings. Funding Allocation: $14.1K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: (1) Collect backwater limnological data for Pools 8 and 10, (2) collect temporally dense data in selected Pool 8 backwaters, and (3) continue to refine the predictive model. (POC: J. Rogala and D. Soballe) Funding Allocation: $33.9K
Task
1.3.2.4, Work Unit F--Spatial Predictions of Floodplain Habitat Availability
to Overwintering Centrarchid Fish
FY 1996 Accomplishments: This work was closely tied to Work Unit G (which follows). Funding Allocation: $36.6K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: Future progress will be delayed until external funds become available to validate the spatial model's predictions with field samples and observations. (POC: K. Lubinski)
Task
1.3.2.4, Work Unit G--Pilot Study to Validate Overwintering Habitat for
Centrarchid Fishes
FY 1996 Accomplishments: Work was not initiated because the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, a cooperative partner in this task, did not receive funding.
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: No work is scheduled for FY 1997. (POC: A. Bartels)
Task
1.3.2.4, Work Unit H--Longitudinal Patterns in Backwater Morphometry
FY 1996 Accomplishments: (1) Backwater parameters were selected on the basis of findings from work conducted for prediction of limnological characteristics (Work Unit E of this Substrategy) and were measured with GIS programs; (2) data were summarized and text and graphics for a draft report were begun. The reporting of longitudinal patterns will be incorporated into a report on bathymetric comparisons (Task 2.2.1.5) and, therefore, were not published because of the larger scope of the report. Funding Allocation: $14.9K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: Draft report on morphometry of Pools 4, 8, 13, and 26 will be completed (see Task 2.2.1.5). (POC: J. Rogala and D. Soballe) Funding Allocation: $9.0K
Task
1.3.2.4, Work Unit I--Decline and Restoration of Native Submersed Aquatic
Macrophytes in the Upper Mississippi River System
FY 1996 Accomplishments: Laboratory analysis of sediment and water quality samples were completed. An EMTC report remains to be completed because time was allocated to other LTRMP tasks. Funding Allocation: $26.3K
FY 1997 Scheduled Activities and Products: An EMTC report based on 1994 and 1995 field studies on nutrients, originally scheduled for FY 1996, will be completed. (POC: S. Rogers) Funding Allocation: $5.1K
Task
1.3.2.4, Work Unit J--Eurasian Watermilfoil
FY 1996 Accomplishments: The 1995 progress report (Within-bed distribution of Myriophyllum spicatum in Lake Onalaska) was accepted by the Journal of Freshwater Ecology. Fieldwork regarding the distribution of Myriophyllum was competed. Data entry was completed and maps were created. Funding Allocation: $14.5K
FY 1997 Scheduled Activities and Products: An EMTC report investigating relations of distribution patterns with bathymetry, potential fetch, and habitat type in Pools 4, 7, and 8 will be completed. (POC: S. Rogers) Funding Allocation: $15.3K
Task
1.3.2.4, Work Unit L--Simulating UMR Bottomland Hardwood Forest Succession
FY 1996 Accomplishments: A modified model ready to be tested for application was developed. A scheduled letter report to UMRS foresters on the completed review of potential models was not completed because key UMRS forest managers were consulted and updated frequently by telephone. An EMTC project status report will replace the letter report and be sent out in FY 1997. Funding Allocation: $26.4K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: A project status report will replace the letter report and will be completed in February 1997. (POC: Y. Yin) Funding Allocation: $25.7K
Task
1.3.2.4, Work Unit M--Testing Fish Growth Predictions of the Flood-Pulse
Concept
FY 1996 Accomplishments: (1) A Masters Thesis was completed, (2) a presentation on a test of an aspect of the flood-pulse concept of river ecology based on a model of fish growth was included in the proceedings of Rivertech96, (3) otolith and scale data were collected, and (4) external funding was not available for analysis of non-Pool 8 otolith and scale data. Funding Allocation: $15.2K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: Complete analysis of remaining non-Pool 8 otolith and scale data. (POC: R. Burkhardt). Funding Allocation: $18.3K
Task
1.3.2.4, Work Unit N--Evaluating Fish Year-class Strength
FY 1996 Accomplishments: Systemic database of daily water temperatures for each pool was developed (1985-1995). Systemic database of daily water levels for each pool is also available to the public. Funding Allocation: $24.3K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: Work is proceeding in cooperation with the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Commission (UMRCC) Fish Technical Section. State members must supply fish data before analyses are to begin. Final Scope of Work and initial analyses of data will begin. (POC: J. Wlosinski) Funding Allocation: $17.3K
Task
1.3.2.4, Work Unit O--Zebra Mussel Assessment
FY 1996 Accomplishments: Staff at the Havana Field Station deployed and maintained substrate samplers supplied by WES and, during the ice-free period, collected samples monthly from six sites along a 200-mile reach of the Illinois River. As time permits, samples will be analyzed by staff at the Havana Field Station. Staff at the Havana Field Station also collected zooplankton samples twice per week during the ice-free season at one site on the main channel of the Illinois River near Havana, Illinois. As time permits, these samples are being analyzed for zebra mussel larvae and Daphnia lumholtzi, an exotic zooplankter. Funding Allocation: $3.9K
Scheduled FY 1997 Activities and Products: This is a LTRMP/WES cost-shared effort. Future work is dependent on extramural funding for WES. The LTRMP activities will include coordination of field sampling activities and assembly of artificial substrate samplers. (POC: J. Sauer) Funding Allocation: $13.8K