Biological Indicators, Methods and Assessment Techniques for Use in Headwater Intermittent Streams

This study was initiated in response to the needs expressed by the Regional offices( Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, & 10) for methods used to assess condition of headwater stream ecosystems. Despite being the most abundant and widespread of our nation's waters, the regions, states and tribes have received little guidance specific to these ecosystems from EPA offices. Headwater streams lie at the terrestrial-aquatic interface both spatially, because of their narrow channel widths and landscape position, and temporally, because of their relatively young geological age and recent transition from terrestrial to aquatic. Perhaps as important, many have physical characteristics of aquatic and terrestrial habitat because of their seasonal flowing and drying phases. These characteristics make headwater streams a challenging environment for regions, states, and tribes to address regulatory issues associated with these ecosystems.

The primary objective of the research is to provide bioassessment programs the scientific tools to study headwater stream ecosystems, in particular:

• standard field protocols for assessing headwater streams (including those that are intermittent)
• appropriate index periods for field sampling in various geographic regions
• physical and biological indicators of hydrologic permanence
• potential stressors or impairments to headwater streams.

• Developing Monitoring Tools for Headwater Intermittent Streams
• Development of Rapid Functional Assessment Methods for Headwater Streams