A Stream Classification for the Appalachian Region
Subject Tags
- Rivers
Abstract
With a steering committee of 41 aquatic ecologists, conservation planners and agency biologists representing 17 states, The Nature Conservancy developed the first comprehensive map of stream and river types in the region. Each stream was mapped and classified on six attributes:
- Size: the area drained by the stream.
- Gradient: the steepness of the stream channel.
- Temperature: the mean summer water temperature.
- Hydrology: the frequency, duration and timing of streamflow.
- Buffering Capacity: the capacity of water to resist changes in pH that would make it more acidic.
- Confinement: the degree that bounding topographic features limit the lateral extent of the floodplain.
The project was funded by the USFWS’s Appalachian Landscape Conservation Cooperative to facilitate multi-state conservation planning. It integrates state-based classifications into a single system that provides context for understanding the extent, distribution, threats and conservation status of streams in the region.
Additional Resources
Watch a video presentation about the stream classification.
Explore the analysis with a storymap about the project.
Citation
Olivero, A., Barnett, A. and Anderson, M.G. (2015). A Stream Classification for the Appalachian Region. The Nature Conservancy, Eastern Conservation Science, Eastern Regional Office. Boston, MA.
TNC Authors
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Arlene Olivero
Aquatic Ecologist/GIS Analyst
The Nature Conservancy
Email: arlene_oliverio@tnc.org -
Analie Barnett
Landscape Ecologist
The Nature Conservancy
Email: abarnett@tnc.org -
Mark Anderson
Former Director of Conservation Science
The Nature Conservancy