Region 3 Watershed Characterization, Classification, and Assessment for West Virginia Utilizing EMAP Design and Tools Project Information

Region 3 REMAP Project: A Small Watershed Characterization, Classification, and Assessment for West Virginia Utilizing EMAP Design and Tools

Collaborative effort between WV DNR, WV DEP, NHEERL (Duluth, Corvallis), NERL (Cincinnati), and Region 3 (Philadelphia, PA; Wheeling, WV)
Objectives
- develop a fish IBI specific to the state's wadeable streams and small watersheds utilizing a probability-based design;
- develop and test a small-watershed characterization and classification system for West Virginia to explain variation in reference condition;
- establish a baseline for assessing biological impairment by identifying stressor impacts and small watershed vulnerability; and,
- produce a "State-of-the-Streams" report for WVDEP's Office of Water based on five years of statewide 305b data.
Progress to date

Watershed delineation (12-digit HUCs) and classification accomplished for two ecoregions (Central Appalachian Plateau, Central Appalachian Ridge and Valley)
First field season completed, including fish sampling, habitat characterization, and water quality collections within 60 streams
Temperature loggers installed for companion RARE project
Fish and habitat data report completed for first field season
Watershed delineation (12-digit HUCs) and classification accomplished for one additional ecoregion (Western Alleghany Plateau)
Second field season in progress, including fish sampling, habitat characterization, and water quality collections