Status - Reason - Response: Role of Data in Watershed Management

Erik L. Silldorff, Ph.D.

© David B. Soete

© David B. Soete

Status - Reason - Response

Status

• what is the current condition of a site or a waterbody?

• central focus for many monitoring efforts

• critical data on status, types of resources, and sensitivities

Status - Reason - Response

Status• what is the current

condition of a site or a waterbody?

NJDEP 2012

Status - Reason - Response

Reason

• why is the site in a given condition?

• typically asked during “Status” check but without appropriate

study design or data• very difficult (!!!!) because of complexity

→ complex ecological systems→ complex & confounding human stressors

• may only be pursued in high-profile or crisis settings

• role for modeling

Status - Reason - Response

Reason• why is the condition

poorer than natural?

California Streams (USEPA 2013)Shad Landings – Lambertville(Delaware R Fish Coop 2011)

Status - Reason - Response

Response

• dam removal

• streambank restoration

• stormwater control

• species re-introduction

• pollution abatement

• reforestation

• riparian restoration

• nutrient control

• invasive eradication

• AMD remediation

Status - Reason - Response

Response

• many stressors likely acting in concert within complex

ecological system

• weak evidence on the “Reason” leads to waste of resources

• prevention or restoration?

• slower pace of restoration since 1970 related to challenges

Role of Data in Watershed Management

a wise person once said...

You don’t need data to make decisions.

You need data to make good decisions.

Thank You!

photo © Michael Hogan Photography

Data Collection: Complementary Roles

Government (Federal / State / County)• adept at measuring current status

Academic Researchers• greater emphasis on the reasons why

Non-Profit Groups• insights at the local scale & flexibility

Regulated Entities• may need to demonstrate localized effects (or lack thereof)