Mapping Freshwater Resilience in Alaska
Subject Tags
- Rivers
- Climate resilience
- Biodiversity
Abstract
We mapped riverine connectivity, condition and water alteration in Alaska and used this information to develop a freshwater resilience score for each small watershed (huc12). Our hypothesis for mapping freshwater resilience was that the stream network's physical setting, connectedness and intactness, together with water availability and its alteration, drive resilience in freshwater systems by providing habitat options and the conditions to maintain ecological function. We combined the resilience scores with information on freshwater recognized biodiversity to develop a Freshwater Resilient and Connected Network (FRCN). The Freshwater Resilient and Connected Network (FRCN) is a conservation vision that directs attention to river systems that if conserved and/or restored could sustain freshwater diversity by providing biota with quality habitat while allowing organisms to move and adjust to a changing climate.
Citation
Olivero, A.P., Barnett, A.R., Anderson, M.G., Khoury, M.L., and Martin, E.H. (2025). Mapping Freshwater Resilience in Alaska. The Nature Conservancy, Center for Resilient Conservation Science.
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 -
Mary Khoury
Freshwater Ecologist
The Nature Conservancy
Email: mkhoury@tnc.org -
Erik Martin
Geospatial Web Application Developer
The Nature Conservancy
Email: emartin@tnc.org -
Mark Anderson
Former Director of Conservation Science