Northern Appalachian Research Laboratory USGS/Leetown Science Center Northern Appalachian Research Laboratory 176 Straight Run Road Wellsboro, PA 16901-9217 PHONE: (570) 724-3322 FAX: (570) 724-2525 Staff • Research Studies • Directions

SCIENTIFIC FOCUS INTRODUCTION The Northern Appalachian Research Laboratory (NARL) is a designated aquatic biology research station of the US Geological Survey. With a staff of approximately 20, the NARL boasts an outdoor raceway system, wet and dry labs, library, and conference facilities. With an ample supply of water, the facility is able to perform large-scale laboratory and field research. The NARL maintains a diversified research program in ecology, conservation technology, genetics, and environmental chemistry and emphasizes the integration of laboratory and field studies to develop scientifically sound approaches to the management of aquatic ecosystems. New research directions emphasize molecular genetics, landscape ecology, and fragmented aquatic habitats and address such issues as drought, acid mine drainage, and dam removal. The NARL is experiencing a productive and exciting period with the promise of a great future in support of natural resources in the northern Appalachian region.

RESEARCH CURRENT RESEARCH • Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Role of Essential Nutrients with Emphasis on Thiamine in Early Mortality Syndrome of Salmonids and Other Species. Energy dynamics of Lake Michigan chinook salmon. Effects of double-crested cormorant predation on fish populations in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Benthic community response to limestone tributary drainage in a mine-acid impaired river system: implications for restoration of fishes. Projecting drought severity and response of stream biota during extreme low-flow conditions in northern Appalachia. Modeling habitat quality and impact of dam removal on the restoration of Alosines and other diadromous fishes to the Susquehanna River. • Endangered and At-risk Species Ecology and propagation of two rare shiners, Notropis bifrenatus (bridle shiner) and Notropis chalybeus (Ironcolor shiner). Determine the size and significance of two newly discovered populations of Alasmidonta heterodon within the Delaware River basin. Morphology and biological structure of the blueback herring and the robust redhorse. Morphology, histology, and ultrastructure of at-risk sturgeon. • Invasive Species Modeling stand vulnerability and biological impacts of the hemlock woolly adelgid. • Biological Information Management and Delivery Development of the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (FAR) Node.

FACILITIES SPECIALTIES • 55 acres with 4 buildings • well-water up to 2,500 gpm at 9°C • 6 ponds (1/4 acre) • 8 raceways (220 X 8 feet) • 3 temperature controlled environmental chambers • large wet laboratory with a 400 gpm water supply • large dry laboratory • 2 walk-in clean rooms • 2,000 gallon plexiglass artificial stream • egg simulation room • isolation room

Northern Appalachian Research Laboratory Workshops