Masters Group Project Proposal (MESM )

Transcription

1 Masters Group Project Proposal (MESM ) Evaluating watershed ecosystem services and nature-based conservation solutions in the Carson and Walker Basins (Walker and Carson Rivers of Douglas County). Proposers: Duane Petite Carson River Project Director, (775) Marina Lindsay MESM, (760) , Client: The Nature Conservancy Client Contact: Duane Petite Carson River Project Director, (775) , PROPOSED PROJECT Project Objectives: Douglas County, Nevada is home to numerous significant waterways including the Walker River, Carson River, and Clear Creek. With continued use for agriculture downstream, increased residential development and impending effects of climate change, these rivers and the surrounding floodplain are likely to experience detrimental fluctuations in ecosystem services. This project aims to compare and evaluate nature-based water resource management options applicable to the Carson and Walker River basins, in order to mitigate predicted changes to the ecosystem services currently provided. Students will utilize existing water data, reports, and observations to compile a scientific-baseline of ecosystem services in the bounds of the local geographic area where the two watersheds meet (Carson and Walker). During this project, MESM students will: 1. Compare historic, current, and predicted water quantity and quality markers (as measured from flow at the headwaters of each river), predicted precipitation rates flowing out of the headwaters (including precipitation type and timing), and water use in the two watersheds taking into consideration recent population growth in surrounding areas. 2. Identify and establish an understanding of ecosystem services currently provided by water flowing out of the headwaters (including possible co-benefits and their drivers). Report on predicted alterations to ecosystem services as forecast by changes in water quality and quantity and precipitation type and timing. 3. Evaluate the feasibility of utilizing a water fund mechanism (i.e. water market) to finance enhanced management strategies in the source-water areas. 4. Generate recommendations for future conservation management strategies along the specified geographic region (Douglas County) including the West Walker River, East Fork of the Carson River, West Fork of the Carson River, main stem of the Carson River and Clear Creek. Prepare recommendations for future community outreach and engagement in the project. As time allows, recommend actions and work to improve community literacy on the environmental issues surrounding watershed functions in the local area. Background: The West Walker River, East Fork of the Carson River, West Fork of the Carson River, main stem of the Carson River and Clear Creek all flow through Douglas County, Nevada. Due to the ecological and human significance 1 P a g e

2 of these waterways, TNC has a long term community-based conservation program embedded in Douglas County (The Nature Conservancy, 2018). Alongside Clear Creek, Wade Fernley and Fairfield Ranch, TNC has partnered directly with Jim Taylor (Clear Creek, 2018) to focus on conservation efforts in Douglas County (Walker River, 2018). TNC s activities in the area are based in the 805-acre River Fork Ranch (RFR). RFR is located in the heart of the Carson Valley floodplain at the confluence of the East and West Forks of the Carson River near Genoa, Nevada. RFR is both a nature preserve and a working cattle operation and home to TNC s LEED Platinum certified Whit Hall Interpretive Center. Short distances up and down stream of RFR, TNC holds conservation easements that permanently protect the Sturgis Ranch and the Bently Ranch-Kirman Field. The Carson and Walker Rivers each have their beginnings in the high Sierra and weave through northwestern Nevada, bringing life to plants, animals and people. These rivers sustain life in the area by providing vital clean drinking water to downstream communities; support the economy through ranching, tourism; and by offering recreational amenities and a connection to nature. Most of the upper watersheds lie within Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest wilderness while significant portions of the lower valley floodplains remain working landscapes owned by families with ranching traditions that date back to the late 1800 s. Both of the rivers headwaters are located in the Sierra Nevada ecoregion of California and reach a desert terminus within the Great Basin ecoregion in Nevada. Project Significance: At present, few investigative studies are evaluating changes to ecosystem services at this geographic location. Unlike the Truckee basin to the North, strategies for source water protection, the feasibility of water fund mechanisms, and climate change impacts have not yet been fully developed in these watersheds. With the continuing implications of climate change and future fluctuations in river water supply, a scientific baseline and proactive management strategies are essential in order to conserve ecosystem functions within these adjacent watersheds. Without documenting current conditions and taking inventory of past changes, it is difficult to assess future conservation needs and determine their success. The headwaters of these river systems have a direct impact on the people and natural areas downstream. Depending on the severity and scope, future change in water supply, water quality, and the timing of precipitation events may negate existing conservation efforts and investments previously made by TNC and its supporters. An understanding of which ecosystem services stand to be most impacted will help focus these efforts and ensure a return on future investments in related conservation efforts. Currently, there is a possibility that these rivers may one day be dammed to continue supplying water downstream for agriculture and increasing water needs. It is well documented that damming a river drastically changes the local ecosystem as the river s flow is altered, sediment accumulates, and local wildlife is impeded. Recommending targeted conservation efforts and nature-based solutions (such as water fund mechanisms and creative management strategies) will offer alternative options to these plans, as local community leaders begin discussing future water needs and viable solutions. Conducting this research, at the present time, will support continued conservation efforts, help mitigate future impacts to the local watershed services, and facilitate constructive discussions as local leaders make plans for future development. Overall, this research seeks to evaluate existing co-benefits of nature-based solutions such as floodplain conservation, sustainable agriculture practices, and source water protection in building naturally resilient downstream communities. 2 P a g e

3 Possible Approaches and Available Data: Comparisons for the initial portion of this research can be performed using publicly accessibly data (on precipitation, snowpack levels, river levels, flood levels, etc.) from sources including USGS, NRCS, Douglas County Records, DRI, the California Data Exchange Center, among many others. Data that is not available publicly can likely be purchased if necessary. Analysis of ecosystem services can be evaluated with a combination of public data, field observations (although not required), prior reports, and modeling (including PCA and MLR using software packages R studio and MatLab). Future impacts to ecosystem services may be evaluated using case studies, modeling, and a fundamental understanding of the unique landscape being studied. Recommendations and final reporting may be generated by conducting literature reviews of conservation effort strategies, applying predicted changes (from comparisons and prepared models) to determine benefits and costs of management solutions in regards to the resources available to Douglas County and relevant stakeholders. Available Data Sources and References: This project will make use of public data openly accessible from sources including USGS for precipitation runoff modeling system (PRMS) and public water data (USGS, 2018), NRCS for water quality data and watershed boundaries (NRCS, 2018), Carson Water Subconservancy District: Carson River watershed local data and management (CWSD, 2018), Desert Research Institute: data, prior research, climate models (DRI, 2018). In addition, both published and unpublished reports including water quality analyses, conservation action plans, and recommendations for response to changing habitats are available to students from The Nature Conservancy (The Nature Conservancy, 2018, 2013, 2011, 2008). Other published assessments from the Nevada Bureau of Land Management are also available for reference and gaining understanding of the basin landscape (Otis Bay Ecological Consultants, 2007). With a focus on the Carson and Walker Basins students will also make use of resources available from the Walker Basin Conservancy (Walker Basin Conservancy, 2018). Deliverables: This research will produce the following deliverables: 1. A comprehensive report depicting research findings, specifically comparisons of changing water quality, quantity, and ecosystem services in the Carson Valley Floodplain including a series of watershed management recommendations and conservation action plans with associated caveats tailored to the unique area studied. 2. Relevant GIS maps, charts, and supporting documentation to be attached to the report. 3. Formal presentation materials and handouts to improve community understanding of local ecosystem services and predicted future changes. 4. If time allows, a simple climate model of the Carson Valley Floodplain to further improve community understanding of impending local environmental changes. Internships: TNC is able to offer a volunteer internship, under the supervision of Duane Petite at the Whit Hall Interpretive Center office. In addition, office space and temporary bunk housing (at the Interpretive Center) can be made available for students performing field work, meeting on site, or working at the internship post. Funding for these internships will be provided by key stakeholder, Jim Taylor, $10,000 (two interns at $5000 each). Whit Hall Interpretive Center River Fork Ranch 381 Genoa Lane Minden, NV P a g e

4 SUPPORTING MATERIALS Budget and Justification: Funding of $10,000 is available to pay interns (two interns at $5,000 each) during their post at TNC. In addition, $1,500 in funding with be provided to cover additional GP costs. Costs would include possible travel to onsite location (not required), data sets (if applicable although not expected), and printing materials for posters and reports. Client Letter of Support: Please see the attached letter from client, The Nature Conservancy. Key Stakeholder Letter of Support: Please see the attached letter from key stakeholder and funding provider, Jim Taylor. References: Clear Creek. (2018). Retrieved from TNC: CWSD. (2018). Retrieved from DRI. (2018). Retrieved from NRCS. (2018). Retrieved from Natural Resources Conservation Service: Otis Bay Ecological Consultants Executive Summary: Assessment of the Middle Carson River and Recommendations for the Purpose of Recovering and Sustaining the Riverine Ecosystem. Carson City,Nevada: Bureau of Land Management Podolak, K., D. Edelson, S. Kruse, B. Aylward, M. Zimring, and N. Wobbrock Estimating the Water Supply Benefits from Forest Restoration in the Northern Sierra Nevada. An unpublished report of The Nature Conservancy prepared with Ecosystem Economics. San Francisco, CA. Singletary, Loretta; Sterle, Kelley Collaborative Modeling to Assess Drought Resiliency of Snow Fed River Dependent Communities in the Western United States: A Case Study in the Truckee Carson River System, Reno, Nevada. The Nature Conservancy. (2018). Carson River Project. Retrieved from TNC : The Nature Conservancy Conservation Action Plan for the Middle Carson River. The Nature Conservancy, Reno, Nevada. The Nature Conservancy Forecasting the Response of Terrestrial Habitats to Climate Change in the Northern Sierra: Adaptation Strategies for the Northern Sierra Partnership The Nature Conservancy Conservation Assessment for Walker Lake. The Nature Conservancy, Reno, Nevada. USGS. (2018). Retrieved from Walker Basin Conservancy. (2018). Retrieved from Walker River. (2018). Retrieved from TNC: 4 P a g e

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