Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Research efforts conducted within this program are intended to serve water resources monitoring and management agencies within and outside South Dakota, the academic community and general population of South Dakota. Much of the work conducted within this program is funded by state and federal natural resource agencies. Questions addressed by our research are intended to fulfill information gaps pertinent to natural resource managers. Because these natural resources are critical to the quality of life and economy of South Dakota, our research also more broadly serves the general population within South Dakota. Furthermore, our efforts in aquatic ecology and water quality provide critical baseline data to water resource professionals and the academic community. Work conducted within this program is disseminated to these target audiences in the form of technical reports, professional presentations, scientific publications and educational programs. Our research has been presented to the general public through one on one meetings with private landowners, field day events held at the Oak Lake Field Station, the annual Oak Lake Research Retreat and public meetings organized through local conservation districts. Changes/Problems: Upon analysis of our stream data, we found insufficient data density to develop RIVPACS (O/E) models for eastern South Dakota streams. Following discussion with state agency partners, we opted todelay implementation of thisobjective until data from additional sitescould be acquired through additionalstate monitoring efforts. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Independent research grants obtained under the umbrella of this project provided training opportunities for two graduate students and five undergraduate students during 2013. One graduate student completed his thesis working on our NGP stream index of biotic integrity while the other initiated her graduate work to expand those efforts into western South Dakota. Eight undergraduate students employed on independently funded efforts under the umbrella of this project were exposed to water quality sampling techniques, laboratory analyses and project data management. We transferred the South Dakota Aquatic Invertebrate collection database to South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks in spring 2013. Training was provided to staff of both agencies to acquaint them with the database and its features. Student and faculty associated with this effort participated in the Oak Lake Field Station Research Retreat, East Dakota Water Conference and Society of Freshwater Science Conference in 2013 to offer professional presentations and collaborate with other scientists. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Studies of water quality, stream habitat and aquatic invertebrateswere communicated to the general public and local natural resource agencies through student and faculty involvement in the Big Sioux Water Festival, Oak Lake Middle School Summer Science Camp, Oak Lake Field Station Honors College Retreat, Oak Lake Research Retreat and East Dakota Water Conference. Seminars have also been presented by students and faculty to the general public through tours and short presentations to visiting groups of the Oak Lake Field Station. The Oak Lake Field Station Facebook page was created in 2013 and has servedto communicateupdates on research activity, outreach and educational programs. The stationalso utilized the Natural Resource Management newsletter tocommunicate withmore than 1400 followers of department research and educational programs. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal 1 – Establish regional invertebrate aquatic life-use expectations for South Dakota waters. Obj 1 – Establish a statewide aquatic invertebrate voucher collection and associated digital database. The South Dakota aquatic invertebrate collection has grown to 5,839 vouchers and over 23,000 individual specimens over the past five years. Voucher specimens have been submitted from 453 sampling sites, 82 major drainage basins and 44 counties. The collection now includes representatives of 15 Classes, 39 Orders, 143 Families, 442 Genera and 535 species. Metadata for these vouchers has been entered into a digital SPECIFY database along with linked photographs, report and data files. Our database has been distributed to state agency partners and basic training provided for access and use. A cloud-based back-up and linkage was established with these partners to ensure near real-time updates. Obj 2 – Document regional invertebrate species occurrence and distribution. Several independently funded projects contributed to this overall objective. We sampled 60 intermittent headwater streams from the Northern Glaciated Plains (NGP) ecoregion, 31 wadeable perennial streams from the NGP and 46 wadeable perennial and mainstem sites from the Cheyenne River basin in western South Dakota. All of these sites were sampled at least twice over two growing seasons. Relative abundance, diversity, guild structure and pollution tolerance were calculated for communities of each stream site and independent Indices of Biotic Integrity (IBI) were developed for intermittent headwaters and wadeable perennial streams of the NGP and the lower Cheyenne River basin in western South Dakota. Resulting IBI’s successfully differentiated streams with a history of water quality standards violations from those without violations. Together, these projects generated nearly 600 invertebrate vouchers for the state invertebrate collection from 131 sites throughout the state. Obj 3 – Utilize GIS-based landscape modeling techniques to select minimally disturbed watersheds. We employed the U.S. EPA Analytical Tools Interface for Landscape Assessment (ATtILA) GIS extension to evaluate watershed condition of intermittent headwater streams of the NGP in an earlier project. The protocol we employed was adopted by South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources to identify candidate wadeable reference streams from the same ecoregion and will be employed again in a newly funded effort to validate candidate reference stream sites in the Northwestern Great Plains Ecoregion of western South Dakota. Watershed condition scores derived from GIS layers of landuse, climate, human population, roads and surficial topography were used successfully to screen candidate reference stream sites. We observedsignificant relationships between stream habitat, invertebrate biotic integrity and watershed condition scores for intermittent headwater watersheds. These relationships, while still significant, decreased in predictive power for larger wadeable stream watersheds. Obj 4 – Characterize invertebrate community composition, diversity, guild structure and pollution tolerance from minimally disturbed watersheds. We employed standard multi-metric invertebrate analyses to intermittent headwater and perennial wadeable streams of the NGP and wadeable and mainstem stream sites of the lower Cheyenne River basin. We calculated 72 metrics of invertebrate community condition from intermittent headwater sites, 90 metrics from wadeable perennial sites of the NGP and 74 metrics from lower tributary and mainstem Cheyenne River sites from which to calculate invertebrate biotic integrity scores. Across each of these independent efforts, invertebrate abundance was dominated by insects and annelids. Most invertebrate genera were gathering collectors although there was high feeding and habit use guild diversity. Tolerance to organic pollution was quite variable, ranging from species with very low to very high tolerance. Thus, high taxonomic and guild diversity combined with a wide range of pollution tolerance among invertebrate species provided a sound basis for development of a biotic integrity index based upon this group. Separate IBI’s were generated for stream groupings in eastern versus western South Dakota and among stream size classes (intermittent headwater, wadeable perennial and mainstem river). Obj 5 – Employ RIVPACS models to determine expected invertebrate community composition of minimally impaired watersheds. RIVPACS models could not be developed due to insufficient data density. Goal 2 – Define model relationships between invertebrate aquatic life use indicators and watershed management practices. Obj 1 – Develop empirical models between O/E ratios (RIVPACS) and watershed indicators of human impairment. O/E ratios (RIVPACS models) could not be generated due to insufficient data density. Obj 2 – Develop empirical models between IBI scores, community metrics and watershed indicators of human impairment. Index of Biotic Integrity scores and select invertebrate community attributes were found to be highly correlated with watershed condition scores generated from our ATtILA analysis in intermittent headwaters. These relationships became less significant as stream size increased to larger wadeable and mainstem river sites. CART analyses suggest that much of the variation in watershed condition scores of intermittent headwaters in eastern South Dakota can be explained by the percentage of agricultural acreage within watersheds and landscape attributes which define level IV ecoregions. IBI scores of larger wadeable streams in the NGP were found be significantly correlated with dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids and channel habitat degradation. These proximal stream attributes are leading causes of water quality standards violations. Obj 3 – Evaluate the ability of empirical models to predict changes in biotic integrity. Linear regression models were developed to model relationships between invertebrate IBI scores, stream habitat, water quality and watershed condition scores. We found significant relationships between invertebrate IBI scores and dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids and stream substrate. Low dissolved oxygen and high suspended solids concentrations are often linked to prairie stream water quality impairment. Similar significant relationships were established between invertebrate IBI scores and watershed condition scores demonstrating a linkage between aquatic life uses and watershed condition in these watersheds. Obj 4 – Evaluate the effectiveness of best management practices to improve biological integrity. We employed a paired watershed approach to investigate changes in stream habitat associated with implementation of best management practices. Our Conservation Assessment and Evaluation project focused on two tributaries to the Bad River in central South Dakota. One watershed received federal support for implementation of best management practices to reduce channel degradation and downstream sediment transport. The other watershed was not included in those efforts. Rosgen stream channel assessments were performed on channels in both watersheds prior to and 20 years following best management implementation. Comparisons demonstrated marked improvement in channel stability, reduced stream power during runoff events, establishment of prairie cordgrass in stream channels, reduced down-cutting, widening of channels and lower sediment loss since implementation. These changes demonstrate successful implementation of best management practices and resulting improvements in stream habitat for aquatic life uses.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Krause, J.R., K.N. Bertrand, A. Kafle, N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2013. A fish index of biotic integrity for South Dakotas Northern Glaciated Plains ecoregion. Ecological Indicators 34: 313-322.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Vande Kamp, K., M. Rigge, N.H. Troelstrup, Jr., A. J. Smart, B. Wylie. 2013. Detecting channel riparian vegetation response to best-management-practices implementation in ephemeral streams with the use of SPOT high-resolution visible imagery. Rangeland Ecology and Management 66: 63-70.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kafle, A. 2013. Chironomidae contributions to the macroinvertebrate assemblage, index of biotic integrity and relationships to water quality impairment for eastern South Dakota streams. MS Thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. 135p.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Ipsen, E.L., B.D.S. Graeb, K.N. Bertrand, N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2013. Native nontolerant coolwater fishes uniquely affect Great Plains streams. Presented at the American Fisheries Society, Little Rock, AR.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kafle, A., N.H. Troelstrup, Jr., K.N. Bertrand, J. Krause. 2013. Chironomidae contributions to the macroinvertebrate assemblage, index of biotic integrity and relationships to water quality impairment for eastern South Dakota streams. Presented at the 2013 Oak Lake Research Retreat, Oak Lake Field Stations, SD.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kaiser, C., L. Kuehl, K.N. Bertrand, N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2013. Indices of biotic integrity for the Northwestern Great Plains. Presented at the 2013 Oak Lake Research Retreat, Oak Lake Field Stations, SD.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kuehl, L. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2013. Relationships between net primary production, water transparency, chlorophyll a and total phosphorus in a shallow prairie pothole basin. Presented at the Undergraduate Research Scholarship and Creative Activity Day, South Dakota State University.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Smart, A., N.H. Troelstrup, Jr., D. Clay, R. Stover, L. Janssen, S. Burckhard. 2013. Conservation practices assessment of the lower Bad River basin. Presented at the 2013 Eastern South Dakota Water Conference, Brookings, SD.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Troelstrup, N.H., Jr., L.C. Kuehl, N. Swanhorst. 2013. Aquatic invertebrate biodiversity: Filling the gaps. Presented at the Oak Lake Research Retreat, Oak Lake Field Station, SDSU.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Troelstrup, N.H., Jr., A. Kafle, K.N. Bertrand, J. Krause. 2013. The contribution of Chironomidae to biotic integrity assessment of northern prairie streams. Presented at the 2013 Society of Freshwater Science Meeting, Jacksonville, FL.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kafle, A., N.H. Troelstrup, Jr., J.R. Krause, K.N. Bertrand. 2013. Assemblage structure of Chironomidae (Diptera: Insecta) from wadeable streams of the Northern Glaciated Plains, South Dakota, USA. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science (In Press).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kuehl, L. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2013. Consolidation of statewide macroinvertebrate metadata in a self-contained database software application. Presented at the 2013 Eastern South Dakota Water Conference, Brookings, SD.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kuehl, L.C. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2013. Relationships between net primary production, water transparency, chlorophyll a, and total phosphorus in Oak Lake, Brookings County, South Dakota. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science (In Press).
|
Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The overall goals of this project are to (1) establish regional invertebrate aquatic life use expectations for South Dakota waters and (2) define model relationships between invertebrate aquatic life use indicators and measures of human impairment. A statewide aquatic invertebrate voucher collection and database were expanded to include 6,119 vouchers and associated metadata from 53 lakes and drainages, 324 sampling locations and 33 counties in South Dakota. Specimens representing 6 phyla, 14 classes, 38 orders, 123 families and 333 genera are included. Database information associated with these specimens includes locations, taxonomy, ecological attributes, digital images and project reports. Additional funding was granted by the state of South Dakota to continue development of the collection database and to provide long-term maintenance funding. Copies of our database will be uploaded to state agency computers in early 2013, completing our transfer of collection information to supporting agencies. Invertebrate Index of Biotic Integrity scores were developed to validate regional stream reference sites for eastern South Dakota. Index development procedures were communicated to water resource managers along with spatial patterns of stream condition to facilitate future biological monitoring within the state. We are currently engaged in development of an integrated index of biotic integrity using both invertebrate and fish community characteristics. Multivariate analysis of community data is underway to examine multivariate relationships between invertebrate community data and environmental variables. A biological monitoring toolbox detailing IBI development procedures, analysis techniques, digital field data templates and directions for producing regional IBI maps is under development. Extension of this effort to the Northwestern Great Plains ecoregion is planned for summer 2013. Analysis of Rosgen channel classification data collected using a paired watershed approach within the Bad River basin successfully demonstrated positive shifts in stream channel morphology and condition following implementation of cropland and grazing best management practices. Shifts to less erodible channel morphology following BMP implementation occurred together with establishment of prairie cordgrass which helped stabilize erodible channels and reduce downstream sediment transport. Results of these efforts have been disseminated in refereed journal publications, an extension document, professional conference presentations, our field station research retreat and project meetings with state agency personnel. Index of Biotic Integrity development procedures were communicated to water resource agency and management personnel. The invertebrate collection, database and biological monitoring toolbox under development from these efforts will facilitate greater use of biological monitoring to help sustain high quality aquatic habitat and biological uses of water in eastern South Dakota. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals involved in this research over the past year included two graduate students and five undergraduate students. Partner organizations included South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Investigators collaborating on these efforts included Dr. Alexander Smart (SDSU), Dr. David Clay (SDSU), Dr. Larry Janssen (SDSU), Dr. Ronald Stover (SDSU), Dr. Suzette Burkhard (SDSU), Dr. Eric Mousel (SDSU), Dr. Katie Bertrand (SDSU). TARGET AUDIENCES: Research efforts conducted within this program are intended to serve water resources monitoring and management agencies within and outside South Dakota, the academic community and general population of South Dakota. Much of the work conducted within this program is funded by state and federal natural resource agencies. Questions addressed by our research are intended to fulfill information gaps pertinent to natural resource managers. Because these natural resources are critical to the quality of life and economy of South Dakota, our research also more broadly serves the general population within South Dakota. Furthermore, our efforts in aquatic ecology and water quality provide critical baseline data to water resource professionals and the academic community. Work conducted within this program is disseminated to these target audiences in the form of technical reports, professional presentations, scientific publications and educational programs. Our research has been presented to the general public through one on one meetings with private landowners, field day events held at the Oak Lake Field Station, the annual Oak Lake Research Retreat and public meetings organized through local conservation districts. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Our statewide collection and database presents the first aquatic invertebrate collection and digital database of aquatic invertebrates to support natural resource monitoring in South Dakota. Data from the collection suggest high species and guild diversity and wide tolerance to environmental conditions throughout South Dakota. Collection metadata are managed in a SPECIFY collection database which allows queries of specimen information, access to digital pictures and final reports for all projects contributing voucher specimens. Distributions of invertebrate taxa can now be examined in Google Earth, facilitating efforts of the South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan and those of university researchers. Additional funding has been secured from state partners to expand the collection, provide resources for long-term maintenance and fill regional gaps in species distributions of western South Dakota. A copy of the database will be installed on state agency computers early in 2013 with regularly scheduled updates to follow. The state of South Dakota adopted our ATtILA GIS modeling approach to identify candidate, high quality wadable reference streams in support of water resource monitoring. Newly developed Invertebrate Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scores successfully differentiate between sites known to be in excellent and poor condition and regional IBI maps help identify critical management areas for improvement of biological uses. Discriminant analysis results suggest good agreement between our assignment of site condition classes based upon IBI scores and environmental variables collected from sample sites. The biological monitoring toolbox currently under development will enable state water resource agencies to develop and view biological data within a regional context and against benchmarks defined to support biological uses of water resources. New state monitoring and management efforts will be framed within the context of these data and existing water quality standards. We expect to expand these efforts to an even larger ecoregion in western South Dakota in the coming year. Our assessment of Bad River tributary channels suggest improvement in channel condition and reduced sediment delivery to downstream river reaches resulting from implementation of best management practices. Reduced channel incision and degradation due to erosion were observed from those channels which benefitted both from improved grazing practices and recruitment of dense stands of prairie cordgrass. Remote sensing technologies proved valuable in cost-effective assessments of changing channel conditions. Collectively, results of these combined efforts help explain relationships between management practices on the ground, water quality, aquatic habitat and aquatic community conditions in South Dakota. These results drive contemporary monitoring and assessment methodologies to assess the effectiveness of best management practices and improve aquatic habitat and biological uses of prairie streams.
Publications
- Kafle, A. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr., J. Krause, K. Bertrand. 2012. Comparison of Chironomidae communities among wadeable stream classes of the Northern Glaciated Plains, USA. Society for Freshwater Science Electronic Abstract Database, Louisville, KY (No. 6886).
- Kafle, A., N.H. Troelstrup, Jr., J. Krause, K. Bertrand. 2012. An aquatic macroinvertebrate Index of Biotic Integrity to assess wadeable stream condition in the Northern Glaciated Plains, South Dakota. Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference Program and Abstract Book, Wichita, KS (P2).
- Krause, J.R., K.N. Bertrand, A. Kafle, N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2012. A fish Index of Biotic Integrity for South Dakota Northern Glaciated Plains Ecoregion. Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference Program and Abstract Book, Wichita, KS (P2).
- Kuehl, L.C. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2012. Relationships between net primary production, water transparency and chlorophyll a, and total phosphorus in a shallow prairie pothole basin. EDWC Electronic Program and Abstract Book, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD (P27).
- Troelstrup, N.H., Jr., K. Bertrand, A. Kafle, J. Krause. 2012. The biomonitoring toolbox I: Application of a sequential analysis procedure to define optimal stream biological monitoring metrics. EDWC Electronic Program and Abstract Book, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD (P20).
- Vande Kamp, K., M. Rigge, N.H. Troelstrup, Jr., A.J. Smart, B. Wylie. 2013. Detecting channel riparian vegetation response to BMP implementation in ephemeral streams using SPOT HRV imagery. Range Ecology & Management 66: 63-70.
- Vande Kamp, K. 2012. Implications of best management practices on channel evolution within the Bad River watershed: West Central South Dakota. MS Thesis, Department of Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. 112p.
- Vande Kamp, K.L. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2012. Using patterns of stream channel succession to assess effectiveness of best management practices in the Bad River basin, South Dakota. Society for Freshwater Science Electronic Abstract Database, Louisville, KY (No. 6820).
- Vander Vorste, R., N.H. Troelstrup, Jr., E. Rasmussen. 2011. Hydroperiod of intermittent headwater streams in the Northern Glaciated Plains. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 90: 105-112.
- Kuehl, L.C. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2011. Growing season productivity and trophic state classification of Oak Lake, Brookings County, South Dakota. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 90: 93-104.
- Stover, R.G. M. R. Parvez, L. Janssen, S. Burckhard, D. Clay, E. Mousel, K.D. Reitsma, A. Smart, N. Troelstrup. 2012. Social and economic attitudes toward conservation practices in the Bad River Basin of South Dakota. Rural Life and Census Data Center, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD.
- Troelstrup, N.H., Jr., R.W. Vander Vorste, W. Rasmussen. 2012. Invertebrate biotic integrity and watershed condition of headwaters. North Dakota Water Quality Conference Electronic Abstract Booklet, Bismarck State College, Bismarck, ND (P3).
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The overall goals of this project are to (1) establish regional invertebrate aquatic life use expectations for South Dakota waters and (2) define model relationships between invertebrate aquatic life use indicators and measures of human impairment. A statewide aquatic invertebrate voucher collection and database were created and now consist of some 5,375 vouchers and associated metadata from 40 water bodies, 181 locations and 20 counties in South Dakota. Representative specimens from 6 phyla, 12 classes, 31 orders, 101 families and 262 genera are included. Database information associated with these specimens include locations, taxonomy, ecological attributes, digital images and project reports. Additional funding was granted by the state of South Dakota to continue development of the collection database and to provide long-term maintenance funding. Spatial patterns in invertebrate biotic integrity were examined from streams in eastern third of South Dakota and the Cheyenne River basin to quantify relationships with water quality and stream habitat. Wadable stream invertebrate communities of eastern South Dakota were found to be highly diverse and dominated by insects. Shifts in frequency and abundance of individual genera were observed between good and bad sites. However, few traditional invertebrate metrics were useful for delineating these differences. Rather, a more thorough examination of relative abundance and frequency in combination with multivariate ordination was more successful in elucidating patterns in community structure. Aquatic fly larvae from the Cheyenne River basin displayed a low incidence of parasitism and morphological abnormality compared to streams suffering from toxic pollution inputs in other regions of the U.S. Index of Biotic Integrity scores from the Cheyenne and its tributaries appear to be highly correlated with the prevalence of fine substrates in stream channels which is consistent with the naturally high erodibility of local soils. A paired watershed effort within the Bad River watershed successfully demonstrated positive shifts in stream morphology and condition following implementation of cropland and grazing best management practices. Rosgen channel classification of a watershed without best management practices and another with practices in place for greater than 10 years demonstrated dramatic shifts toward more stable channel features from the later watershed. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals involved in this research over the past year included three graduate students and seven undergraduate students. Partner organizations included West River Water Development District, South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. U.S. Geological Survey, RESPEC Consulting Firm and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Investigators collaborating on these efforts included Dr. Alexander Smart (SDSU), Dr. David Clay (SDSU), Dr. Larry Janssen (SDSU), Dr. Ronald Stover (SDSU), Dr. Suzette Burkhard (SDSU), Dr. Eric Mousel (SDSU), Dr. Katie Bertrand (SDSU), Dr. Scott Kenner (SDSMT)) and the RESSPEC environmental consulting firm in Rapid City, SD. TARGET AUDIENCES: Research efforts conducted within this program are intended to serve water resources monitoring and management agencies within and outside South Dakota, the academic community and general population of South Dakota. Much of the work conducted within this program is funded by state and federal natural resource agencies. Questions addressed by our research are intended to fulfill information gaps pertinent to natural resource managers. Because these natural resources are critical to the quality of life and economy of South Dakota, our research also more broadly serves the general population within South Dakota. Furthermore, our efforts in aquatic ecology and water quality provide critical baseline data to water resource professionals and the academic community. Work conducted within this program is disseminated to these target audiences in the form of technical reports, professional presentations, scientific publications and educational programs. Our research has been presented to the general public through one on one meetings with private landowners, field day events held at the Oak Lake Field Station, the annual Oak Lake Research Retreat and public meetings organized through local conservation districts. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Our statewide collection and database of aquatic invertebrates suggest high species and guild diversity and wide tolerance to environmental conditions throughout South Dakota. The collection has been transferred to a SPECIFY collection database which will allow on-line access to specimen information, pictures and project reports. Distributions of invertebrate taxa can now be examined in relation to aquatic life use expectations. This will facilitate assessment of management efforts to maintain and restore habitat and aquatic life uses. Additional funding has been secured from state partners to expand the collection and provide resources for long-term maintenance. Our Cheyenne River project provided yet another demonstration of linkages between stream water quality, habitat and aquatic invertebrate communities against high quality reference sites. An Invertebrate Index of Biotic Integrity was developed for mainstem and tributary sites allowing evaluation of biological uses and providing a baseline for future monitoring. The state of South Dakota has already adopted our ATtILA GIS modeling approach for identifying candidate high quality perennial reference streams in other areas of the state. Reference, targeted and random wadable stream sites have now been sampled for water chemistry, habitat conditions, periphyton, invertebrates and fish. Preliminary results suggest shifts in community structure between good and bad sites. Future efforts will include generation of taxon-specific indices of biotic integrity and multivariate analysis of integrated biological data. We would expect aquatic life uses to be better supported in streams under best management practices. Much of this improvement can be attributed to positive changes in stream habitat similar to what we've observed from our Bad River watershed studies. Results of these combined efforts will help explain relationships between management practices on the ground, water quality, aquatic habitat and aquatic community condition. These relationships may then facilitate management prescriptions useful for stream restoration.
Publications
- Kafle, A., N.H. Troelstrup, Jr., J. Krause, K. Bertrand. 2011. Patterns of abundance and diversity of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera from reference and study streams of the Northern Glaciated Plains. Oak Lake Research Retreat Program and Abstract Book, Brookings, SD (P2-P3).
- Kafle, A., N.H. Troelstrup, Jr., J. Krause, K. Bertrand. 2011. Patterns of abundance and diversity of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera from reference and study streams of the Northern Glaciated Plains. EDWC Program and Abstract Book Annual Meeting, Brookings, SD (P31).
- Foreman, C.S., C.M. McCutcheon, S.J. Kenner, N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2011. Cheyenne River total maximum daily load final report. Topical Report RSI-2160, South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Pierre, SD.
- Johnson, E. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr.. 2011. Optimal timing of prescribed burns based on Bromus inermis development. 2011 Meeting of the South Dakota Academy of Science, Chamberlain, SD (Abstract in press).
- Kopp, A.T. 2011. Biological assessment at the whole organism level: Chironomidae body condition indices within the Lower Cheyenne River Watershed. MS. Thesis, Department of Biology & Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. 144p.
- Kuehl, L.C. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2011. Growing season productivity and trophic state classification of Oak Lake, Brookings County, South Dakota. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science (in press).
- Kuehl, L.C. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2011. Vertical production within an intermittently exposed prairie pothole basin. Oak Lake Research Retreat Program and Abstract Book, Brookings, SD (P3).
- Kuehl, L.C. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2011. Features of a database software application and its application to manage reference collections of aquatic biota. EDWC Program and Abstract Book Annual Meeting, Brookings, SD (P34).
- Vande Kamp, K.L., M. Rigge, A. Smart, N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2011. Detecting channel riparian vegetation response to BMP implementation in western South Dakota ephemeral streams using SPOT imagery. Presented at the 2011 Meeting of the South Dakota Academy of Science, Chamberlain, SD (Abstract in press).
- Troelstrup, N.H., Jr. 2011. Diel productivity from an intermittently exposed prairie pothole. 2011 Meeting of the South Dakota Academy of Science, Chamberlain, SD (Abstract in press).
- Vande Kamp, K.L. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2011. Using patterns of stream channel succession to assess effectiveness of best management practices, the Bad River Basin, South Dakota. Oak Lake Research Retreat Program and Abstract Book, Brookings, SD (P4).
- Vander Vorste, R., N.H. Troelstrup, Jr., E. Rasmussen. 2011. Hydroperiod of intermittent headwater streams in the Northern Glaciated Plains. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science (in press).
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The overall goals of this project are to (1) establish regional invertebrate aquatic life use expectations for South Dakota waters and (2) define model relationships between invertebrate aquatic life use indicators and measures of human impairment. A statewide aquatic invertebrate voucher collection and database have been created. The collection currently houses physical specimens and associated metadata for 4,945 invertebate vouchers collected from 120 streams and lakes and 161 sampling locations. These include 3,962 vials and 983 slides with an estimated 19,780 total secimens. Database information associated with these specimens include locations, taxonomy, ecological attributes, digital images and project reports. Additional funding was granted by the state of South Dakota to continue development of the collection database. Spatial patterns in invertebrate lotic integrity were examined from streams in eastern third of South Dakota and the Cheyenne River basin to quantify relationships with water quality and stream habitat. Modifications to federal stream habitat assessment protocols were recommended for prairie headwater streams as traditional protocols were originally designed for larger stream channels with perennial flow. Headwater stream invertebrate communities of eastern South Dakota were found to be highly diverse and dominated by insects. Headwater communities go through seasonal transition as streams progress from flowing to pooled and dry conditions. Thus, we recommend headwaters monitoring occur during the May-June period while streams are actively flowing. Efforts on intermittent streams have now been extended to include larger wadable streams in the same ecoregion. Working together with the Wildlife and Fisheries department and South Dakota DENR, efforts are underway to delineate and validate wadable stream reference sites to support habitat and aquatic life use monitoring in eastern South Dakota. Aquatic fly larvae from the Cheyenne River basin displayed a low incidence of parasitism and morphological abnormality compared of streams suffering from toxic pollution inputs in other regions of the U.S. Index of Biotic Integrity scores from the Cheyenne and its tributaries appear to be highly correlated with the prevalence of fine substrates in stream channels which is consistent with the naturally high erodibility of local soils. Independent efforts within Bad River watershed of South Dakota were initiated to evaluate the effectiveness of best management practices (BMP) implemented toward reducing erosion and improving stream habitat. Preliminary results suggest improvements in stream bank stabilization since implementation of best management practices. Newly funded efforts at Oak Lake Field Station have also been initiated to investigate the influence of biofuels development on biodiversity in northern prairie ecosystems. This manipulative experiment involves soils, plant and wildlife scientists. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals involved in this research over the past year included six graduate students and six undergraduate students. Three of these graduate students successfully completed their theses and are now employed. Partner organizations included Moody County Conservation District, West River Water Development District, South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, RESPEC Consulting Firm and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Investigators collaborating on these efforts included Dr. Alexander Smart (SDSU), Dr. David Clay (SDSU), Dr. Larry Janssen (SDSU), Dr. Ronald Stover (SDSU), Dr. Suzette Burkhard (SDSU), Dr. Eric Mousel (SDSU), Dr. Katie Bertrand (SDSU), Dr. Scott Kenner (SDSMT)) and the RESPEC environmental consulting firm in Rapid City, SD. TARGET AUDIENCES: Research efforts conducted within this program are intended to serve water resources monitoring and management agencies within and outside South Dakota, the academic community and general population of South Dakota. Much of the work conducted within this program is funded by state and federal natural resource agencies. Questions addressed by our research are intended to fulfill information gaps pertinent to natural resource managers. Because these natural resources are critical to the quality of life and economy of South Dakota, our research also more broadly serves the general population within South Dakota. Furthermore, our efforts in aquatic ecology and water quality provide critical baseline data to water resource professionals and the academic community. Work conducted within this program is disseminated to these target audiences in the form of technical reports, professional presentations, scientific publications and educational programs. Our research has been presented to the general public through one on one meetings with private landowners, field day events held at the Oak Lake Field Station, public meetings organized through local conservation districts and research retreats. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Our statewide collection and database of aquatic invertebrates suggest high species and guild diversity and wide tolerance to environmental conditions throughout South Dakota. The collection is currently in transition to a SPECIFY collection database which will allow on-line access to specimen information, pictures and project reports. Knowledge of existing distributions will enhance state efforts to establish expectations related to aquatic biological communities across South Dakota and facilitate assessment of management efforts to maintain and restore water quality and habitat. Cheyenne River and waters in South Dakota headwater stream projects are designed to evaluate stream water quality, habitat and aquatic invertebrate communities against high quality reference sites. Indices of biotic integrity have been developed for intermittent streams and tribuaries of the Cheyenne River basin to support future monitoring of stream ecosystems within the state. In addition, modifications to existing stream assessment protocols have been presented to U.S. EPA and SD DENR to facilitate future monitoring of prairie headwaters. The state of South Dakota has already adopted our ATtiLA GIS modeling approach for identifying candidate high quality perennial reference streams in other areas of the state. New funding was acquired to expand this work on larger wadable streams of eastern South Dakota. Separate efforts were initiated this past summer to evaluate the effectiveness of watershed best management practices to improve water quality, habitat and biotic integrity in the Bad River basin. These are joint efforts with range scientists, soil scientists and agricultural economists.
Publications
- Troelstrup, N.H., Jr. 2010. Reference site selection for monitoring and assessment of intermittent streams in the Northern Glaciated Plains Ecoregion of South Dakota. Final completion report submitted to the South Dakota Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Pierre, SD.
- Troelstrup, N.H., Jr., R.W. Vander Vorste, E.J. Rasmussen. 2010. Invertebrate biotic integrity of headwater streams and its relationship to watershed condition in the Northern Glaciated Plains. Joint ASLO and NABS Abstract Book 2010 Summer Meeting, Santa Fe, NM (P 235).
- Troelstrup, N.H., Jr. 2010. Diel productivity of the Oak Lake basin. Presented at the 2010 Oak Lake Field Station Research Retreat, Oak Lake Field Station. EDWC Program and Abstract Book Annual Meeting, Brookings, SD (P18).
- Kuehl, L. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2010. Growing season productivity estimation and trophic classification validation for Oak Lake. Oak Lake Research Retreat Program and Abstract Book, Brookings, SD (P6).
- Rasmussen, E. 2010. Evaluation of stream assessment protocols for the evaluation of habitat in intermittent, headwater streams. MS. Thesis, Department of Biology & Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. 79p.
- Vande Kamp, K. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2010. Using Rosgen's classification system to detect stream ability to transport sediment. Oak Lake Research Retreat Program and Abstract Book, Brookings, SD (P3).
- Vande Kamp, K. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. and A.T. Brazeal. 2010. Comparison of channel stability evaluation methods. EDWC Program and Abstract Book Annual Meeting, Brookings, SD (P32).
- Vander Vorste, R.W. 2010. Hydroperiod, physicochemistry and seasonal change of macroinvertebrate communities in intermittent prairie streams. MS. Thesis, Department of Biology & Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. 121p.
- Troelstrup, N.H., Jr. 2010. Diel productivity of the Oak Lake basn. Oak Lake Research Retreat Program and Abstract Book, Brookings, SD (P6-P7).
- Dozark, K.G. 2010. Sediment effects on aquatic macroinvertebrates in a prairie pothole, Oak Lake, in eastern South Dakota. MS. Thesis, Department of Biology & Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. 79p.
- Johnson, E. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2010. Optimal timing of prescribed burns based on smooth brome development. Oak Lake Research Retreat Program and Abstract Book, Brookings, SD (P4).
- Kafle, A. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2010. Monitoring stream condition with Chironomidae in eastern South Dakota. Oak Lake Research Retreat Program and Abstract Book, Brookings, SD (P6).
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The overall goals of this project are to (1) establish regional invertebrate aquatic life use expectations for South Dakota waters and (2) define model relationships between invertebrate aquatic life use indicators and measures of human impairment. A statewide aquatic invertebrate voucher collection and database were created and now consists of some 6000 specimens and associated metadata from 34 major streams and lakes in 19 counties of South Dakota. Representative specimens from 6 phyla, 15 classes, 34 orders, 98 families and 171 genera are included. Database information associated with these specimens include locations, taxonomy, ecological attributes, digital images and project reports. Additional funding was granted by the state of South Dakota to continue development of the collection and database. Spatial patterns in invertebrate biotic integrity were examined from headwater streams of eastern South Dakota and the Cheyenne River basin to quantify relationships with water quality and stream habitat. Modifications to federal stream habitat assessment protocols were recommended for prairie headwater streams as traditional protocols were originally designed for larger stream channels with perennial flow. Headwater stream invertebrate communities of eastern South Dakota were found to be highly diverse and dominated by insects. Headwater communities go through seasonal transition as streams progress from flowing to pooled and dry conditions. Thus, we recommend headwaters monitoring occur during the May-June period while streams are actively flowing. Aquatic fly larvae from the Cheyenne River basin displayed a low incidence of parasitism and morphological abnormality compared to streams suffering from toxic pollution inputs in other regions of the U.S. Index of Biotic Integrity scores from the Cheyenne and its tributaries appear to be highly correlated with the prevalence of fine substrates in stream channels which is consistent with the naturally high erodibility of local soils. Independent efforts within Bad River and the Bachelor Creek watersheds of South Dakota were initiated to evaluate the effectiveness of best management practices (BMP) implemented toward improving stream conditions. These projects will incorporate data on rangeland quality before and after implementation of grazing BMP with stream water quality, habitat and invertebrate data. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals involved in this research over the past year included five graduate students and six undergraduate students. Partner organizations included Moody County Conservation District, West River Water Developmentn District, South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Investigators collaborating on these efforts included Dr. Alexander Smart (SDSU), Dr. David Clay (SDSU), Dr. Larry Janssen (SDSU), Dr. Ronald Stover (SDSU), Dr. Suzette Burkhard (SDSU), Dr. Eric Mousel (SDSU), Dr. Scott Kenner (SDSMT)and the RESPEC environmental consulting firm in Rapid City, SD. TARGET AUDIENCES: Research efforts conducted within this program are intended to serve water resources monitoring and management agencies within and outside South Dakota, the academic community and general population of South Dakota. Much of the work conducted within this program is funded by state and federal natural resource agencies. Questions addressed by our research are intended to fulfill information gaps pertinent to natural resource managers. Because these natural resources are critical to the quality of life and economy of South Dakota, our research also more broadly serves the general population within South Dakota. Furthermore, our efforts in aquatic ecology and water quality provide critical basline data to water resource professionals and the academic community. Work conducted within this program is disseminated to these target audiences in the form of technical reports, professional presentations, scientific publications and educational programs. Our research has been presented to the general public through one on one meetings with private landowners, field day events held at the Oak lake Field Station, public meetings organized through local conservation districts and research retreats. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Our statewide collection and database of aquatic invertebrates suggest high species and guild diversity and wide tolerance to environmental conditions throughout South Dakota. The collection is currently in transition to a SPECIFY collection database which will allow on-line access to specimen information, pictures and project reports. Knowledge of existing distributions will enhance state efforts to establish expectations related to aquatic biological communities across South Dakota and facilitate assessment of management efforts to maintain and restore water quality and habitat. Cheyenne River and eastern South Dakota headwater stream projects are designed to evaluate stream water quality, habitat and aquatic invertebrate communities against high quality reference sites. Indices of biotic integrity are under development to evaluate biological uses of streams in both areas of South Dakota and establish baseline data for future monitoring of stream ecosystems within the state. In addition, modifications to existing stream assessment protocols are under development to facilitate future monitoring of prairie headwaters. The state of South Dakota has already adopted our ATtILLA GIS modeling approach for identifying candidate high quality perennial reference streams in other areas of the state. Newly initiated efforts seek to evaluate the effectiveness of watershed best management practices to improve water quality, habitat and biotic integrity in prairie streams. These are joint efforts with range scientists, soils scientists, and agricultural economists.
Publications
- Troelstrup, N.H., Jr., J.D. Maag, G.E. Larson. 2009. Patterns of occurrence from spring bird counts conducted at Oak Lake Field Station, Brookings County, South Dakota. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science (Abstract in press).
- Kopp, A.T. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2009. Mentum deformation of Chironomidae subfamilies, functional feeding guilds and habit guilds within the Cheyenne River basin, South Dakota. Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science (Abstract in press).
- Troelstrup, N.H., Jr., M.A. Dale, K.M. Hauck. 2009. Development of a statewide voucher collection and SPECIFY database for macroinvertebrates in South Dakota. Bulletin of the North American Benthological Society 26(1): 162-163 (Abstract).
- Kopp, A.T. and N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2009. Nematode infection rates of Chironomidae subfamilies, functional feeding guilds and habit guilds within the Cheyenne River basin, South Dakota. Bulletin of the North American Benthological Society 26(1): 157 (Abstract).
- Rasmussen, E.J., R.W. Vander Vorste, N.H. Troelstrup, Jr. 2009. Comparison of habitat monitoring protocols for intermittent streams. Bulletin of the North American Benthological Society 26(1): 112 (Abstract).
- Vander Vorste, R.W., E.J. Rasmussen, and N.H. Troelstrup Jr., 2009. Macroinvertebrate Communities Associated with Hydrologic Phases of Intermittent, Headwater Streams in the Northern Glaciated Plains. Bulletin of the North American Benthological Society 26(1): 261 (Abstract).
- Troelstrup, N.H., Jr. 2009. An introduction to the aquatic insects of North America (4th ed). American Entomologist (Book Review in press).
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