STREAM BANK BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON TRIBAL LANDS IN NORTHEASTERN KANSAS

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: OTHER GRANTS
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1006855
• Grant No.: 2015-38424-24026
• Cumulative Award Amt.: $85,000.00
• Proposal No.: 2015-03200
• Project Start Date: Sep 1, 2015
• Project End Date: Aug 31, 2018
• Grant Year: 2015
• Program Code: [ZY]- Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program

Recipient Organization
HASKELL INDIAN NATIONS UNIVERSITY
155 INDIAN AVE.
LAWRENCE,KS 66046

Performing Department
(N/A)

Non Technical Summary
This proposal, Stream Bank Best Management Practices on Tribal Lands in Northeastern Kansas, will investigate the ecological impacts of stream bank stabilization projects in northeast Kansas, specifically on the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas reservation. The project will be facilitated byHaskell Indian Nations University andKansas State University, and will measure erosion rates, water quality and riparian vegetation. The project will provide findings to the tribe in order to to provide a realistic recommendation for best management practices of recognition of problems with soil and water conservation practices. It will also educate tribal members on benefits of natural revetment installation, andlastly it willpromote, build and stabilize Haskell's research capacity for it's students.

Animal Health Component

70%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

10%

Applied

70%

Developmental

20%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
112	0330	2061	100%

Knowledge Area
112 - Watershed Protection and Management;

Subject Of Investigation
0330 - Wetland and riparian systems;

Field Of Science
2061 - Pedology;

Keywords

best management practices

kansas

stream bank

tribal lands

Goals / Objectives
The proposed project will provide a quantitative assessment of the impact of rock and/or cedar tree revetments on stream bank erosion. Additionally, particularly as a student education component, the project will also assess the effect of stream bank stabilization efforts (riparian buffers) on aquatic habitat and biological communities on Tribal land in KS. This project will include stream bank bio-assessment and water quality parameters to characterize the physical/habitat conditions of the affected watershed.This grant proposal will also help build shared knowledge, experiences, and trust between Haskell and the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, Haskell Indian Nations Universityand Kansas State University. Moreover, students at Haskell will have the opportunity to gather hands-on stream bank sampling techniques and be able to execute water quality assessment. Perhaps most exciting from a capacity enhancement standpoint will be the university students' facilitation of a Youth Conservation Day the second year of this project, focused on water quality/riparian assessment.

Project Methods
This project will yield data regarding the quantity of sediment loss and the erosion rates from the several affected stream bank reaches on the KTIK reservation, and other sites across northeast Kansas. The data will be collected using a paired treatment approach. Additionally, data will be collected to assess physical/habitat conditions and water quality characteristics of the watershed. The methodology of comparison between stream bank stabilization techniques will be evident.For this project, Haskell proposes to work with K-State, Kansas Forest Service and the KTIK to gather data by performing the following tasks:Choose the location of the new stabilization project. The site will be determined based on previously gathered data on stream bank erosion within the watershed.Establish permanent cross sections and permanent benchmarks at four monitoring sites. Two sites will be of the previously installed stabilization treatments. Two sites will be new stabilization projects. Bank erosion pins will be installed. Scour chains and staff pins will be installed to measure scour depth and deposition height as well as lateral migration rates.Measure erosion rates during the time between the initial site survey and stabilization project installation (pre-project monitoring) at each monitoring site. Sampling frequency will be based upon climatic factors and stream discharge parameters. Data collection protocols will follow those developed by Wildland Hydrology (Rosgen, 1997).Measure erosion rates during the time between the stabilization project installation and the end of the grant period (post-project monitoring) at each monitoring site. Sampling frequency will be based upon climatic factors and stream discharge parameters. Additional monitoring may occur after the grant period through the efforts of the cooperators. Data collection protocols will follow those developed by Wildland Hydrology (Rosgen, 1997).Conduct pre- and post-project, and up- and down-stream bioassessments at each monitoring site. Assessments will be conducted of invertebrate populations, as well as an overall assessment of the habitat. Data collection will follow Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP, 1994) protocols. Biological sampling will consist of invertebrates (aquatic insects) and an assessment of the aquatic habitat, using the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (USDA 2009). Water quality sampling will be conducted to aid in the assessment of the biological, chemical and physical attributes of the watershed. (USGS 20140)All site surveys will be conducted with a survey-grade Total station. The Total station accuracy will be tested on a weekly schedule to insure reliable and accurate readings.During the initial site survey, four permanent benchmarks will be established on each site, two on each end of the project area. These benchmarks will allow the overlaying of subsequent surveys to measure physical changes. Adjacent stream banks (upstream and downstream) will be included in each survey whenever possible. The following features will be captured in each survey:· Top of bank· Significant bank features or changes in bank slope· Left and right edges of water· Thalweg (area of deepest water) location and depth· Streambed profile and topography· Un-vegetated area of the point bar· Water properties (temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, nutrient levels)· Riparian vegetation surveysBank pins will be installed in stream banks at several locations throughout the monitoring site project areas. The pins are driven horizontally into the stream bank. This allows quantification of erosion rates by measuring the length of each pin exposed by bank erosion during high stream flow periods. During the monitoring period, the amount of erosion occurring on each site over a longer time period will be quantified by using digital photos. The time period for each site will vary depending on the digital photo record availability.Immediately following construction on each site, the project areas will be re-surveyed. This survey will be aligned with the initial survey by using the previously established benchmarks. This post construction survey will document the following:· Top of bank· Bank slope, surface area and elevation· Left and right edges of water· Thalweg location and depth· Location, angle and dimension of each stabilization structure (Bendway Weir, Vane)· Stream bank profile and topography· Un-vegetated area of the point bar· Water properties (temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, nutrient levels)· Riparian vegetation surveysFollowing a high-flow event, the project areas will again be re-surveyed. This survey will be aligned with the previous surveys using the established benchmarks. This post high-flow event survey will document the following:· Top of bank· Bank slope, surface area and elevation· Left and right edges of water· Thalweg location and depthA faculty member will lead 2 students per summer in: 1) surveying and identifying the location of streambank stabilization project 2) collect data by measuring erosion rates at initial site survey, which includes the installation of bank erosion pins 3) conduct pre- and post- project stream bioassessents at each monitoring site, which includes biological sampling of invertebrates and assessment of the aquatic habitat, ysing the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (USDA 2009) 4) conduct pre- and post- project water quality sampling to assess the quality of the watershed (USGS 2014).Project Evaluation The project evaluation will involve basic compliance within the Logic Model concepts and the following Assessment Plan. The Assessment Plan will focus on Haskell undergrad students and KSU grad students being able to complete botanical and water quality measurements with enough understanding and experience to take that knowledge back to their respective Tribes/communities. The following questions will be answered and outcomes reported. 1. How many students participated in field investigations? 2. How many students can complete field measurements without supervision? 3. How many students have a complete understanding of the research design and results to present findings at a research symposium or conference, such as the North Central Region Water Network. 4. How many many students have a complete understanding of the research design and results to present findings to tribal officials. 5. Did the tribe receive data and analysis of stream bank stabilization techniques that will be helpful to the tribe in making future decisions regarding stream bank issues. · Location, angle and dimension of each stabilization structure (Bendway Weir, Vane)· Stream bank profile and topography· Un-vegetated area of the point bar· Water properties (temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, nutrient levels)· Riparian vegetation surveys

Progress 09/01/15 to 08/31/18

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences for this project were the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas community and students, staff, and faculty at Haskell Indian Nations University and Kansas State University. The goal of the project was to provide these groups with educational, hands-on experiences with streambank research in tribal communities. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?A technical report outlining the results of the data collected and analyzed by Haskell and KSU studentes was provided to the KTiK Environmental Department. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Two sampling trips occured in each year of the grant (six trips in total). The sampling crews were composed of KSU faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students; Kickapoo Environmental Department staff; and Haskell faculty and undergraduate students. Data was collected and analyzed for water quality and habitat health. Results were communicated to tribal Environmental Department staff. The Youth Conservation Day was cancelled so instead, the project team presented Earth Day lessons at the Kickapoo Nation School in April 2017 and 2018. Topics included medicinal plants, water quality, benefits of trees, proper tree planting, and garden seed starting. Students each took home a redbud seedling to plant.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2018 Citation: Benitez Nassar, D. and C.J. Barden. 2018. Monitoring the Effectiveness of Streambank Stabilization Projects in NE Kansas. In Proc. (abstract) Kansas Natural Resources Conference, Manhattan, KS. p. 13.
• Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: This Master's thesis is currently being written and doesn't have a citation yet.

Progress 09/01/16 to 08/31/17

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences for this project are the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas community and students, staff, and faculty at Haskell Indian Nations University and Kansas State University. The goal of the project is to provide these groups with educational, hands-on experiences with streambank research in tribal communities. Changes/Problems:The co-PI who was leading the stream sampling left Haskell midway through the grant year for a faculty position in California. As a result, a graduate student from Kansas State University is conducting the classification of invertebrates instead of a team from Haskell. The head of the Kickapoo Environmental Office left for another position so dissemination of the research results may change, depending on the needs of the new person in that position. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?A story on the project was featured in the Haskell Indian Leader, Haskell's student newspaper. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, the analysis of samples collected during field trips to the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas will be finished. The results will be delivered to the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas Environmental Office. The exact methods of delivery (paper, presentation, electronic) will be determined. Haskell students will be attending the annual SACNAS meeting in October to present on their work on this project.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1. Participation inConservation Day at Kickapoo Nation School (KNS) The KNS conservation day involved one faculty member and two graduate students from Kansas State University, one faculty member and three undergraduate students from Haskell Indian Nations University, four staff from the Kickapoo Environmental Office and about 30 KNS elementary students. Activities for the elementary studentsfocused on prairie plant ecology, collection of coneflower seeds, and the most successful methods of sowing coneflower seeds in prairie meadows. 2. Stream Sampling at stabilized and non-stabilized streambank sites on the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas reservation There were two trips this grant yearto the KTiK reservation, continuing the stream assessments from the prior grant year.During thefirst trip, one faculty member and two graduate students from Kansas State University; one faculty member, one staff member,and two undergraduate students from Haskell Indian Nations University; and one staff memberfrom the Kickapoo Environmental Office conducted the stream assessments. During the second trip,one faculty member and one graduate student from Kansas State University; one faculty member, and three undergraduate students from Haskell Indian Nations University;threestaff membersfrom the Kickapoo Environmental Office; and five participants from the Kickapoo Boys/Girls Club conducted the stream assessments. (2) stream inventories twice this summer. The K-State grad student, Denisse, is doing the critter inventories from the stream sampling this year--Elle Schuler from Haskell did it last year. The last stream sampling also involved 5 participants from the Kickapoo Boys/Girls Club. The first stream sampling was Charlie plus 2 grad students from K-State, you & I plus 2 undergrads from Haskell, and 3 folks from Kickapoo staff.

Publications

Progress 09/01/15 to 08/31/16

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences for this project are The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas community and students, staff and faculty at Haskell and K-State University. The goal of the streambank project is to provide these groups with educational and hands-on experiences with streambank research in tribal communities. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During this first year, the project provided the opportunity for Co-PI Melinda Crow to work exclusively with the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas Wetlands specialist in organizing field data collection, comparing Tribe and USDA, EPA biological data obtainment protocol and obtain identification techniques. Furthermore, the project allowed Dr. Charles Barden to obtain field techniques in macroinvertebrate sampling and water quality collection using field tools. Literature was also purchased, "Bioindicators of Water Quality Quick Reference Guide" for field observation and biological identification. This literature will be available for grant staff at both universities and student interns. This greatly assisted both the field collection of data, as well as identification in a laboratory setting. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Initial identification of macroinvertebrates and general characterization of streambanks has been shared with the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas Environmental Office. HINU interns that assisted in the field collection of data, and the identification of macroinvertebrate samples, will be required to publish their experiences in the HINU student-run newspaper, the Indian Leader fall issue. Total, there were four students (two in field collection, two in identification of species) that have assisted with data from this project during the first year. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, we will have final results from the first season of data collection and will share with the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas. The final results from the first season will also assist in determining a site for cedar revetment streambank stabilization. The actual installation of the revetment will also commence. Macroinvertebrate and water quality will also be conducted during the second year. We will recruit the same students and perhaps new students to assist. The project staff will also work in collaboration with the Tribe to facilitate a Youth Conservation Day, which the HINU interns will lead and focus on water quality/riparian assessment.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? During the first year of the grant, Melinda Crow, PI from Haskell (HINU) and Dr. Charles Barden from K-State University began initial data collection to assess the effect of stream bank stabilization efforts (riparian buffers) on aquatic habitat and biological communities on Tribal land in KS. Accomplishment 1: Bill Welton (PI for HINU), Melinda Crow, and Charles Barden all had several meetings and established professional/academic relationships with the Environmental Director and Wetlands specialist for the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas Environmental Office. Accomplishment 2: Preliminary site visits to 4 streambanks on the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas reservation solidified the selection of two sites: 1) Plum Creek and 2) Stone Tow to gather data in order to compare revetment success at each site. Plum Creek was selected as it currently has streambank stabilization efforts through Cedar revetment. Stone Tow was selected as it currently has stabilization efforts through stone revetment. Accomplishment 3: Biological data was collected from the two sites during two visits, Plum Creek and Stone Tow, including Macroinverbrate sampling and water quality samples. Dr. Charles Barden and a graduate student from K-State assisted with macroinvertebrate sampling and Melinda Crow and two HINU undergraduate students assisted during these field collection dates. Site sampling was co-led by the Kickapoo environmental office Wetland Specialist. Student participation in the field collection of data was particularly successful, as it provided field sampling techniques to students including D-net sampling, macroinvertebrate identification, water quality sampling, GPS locating, and site characteristic data. Furthermore, it also attracted interest of two non-science majors at Haskell into the field and practice of science. Accomplishment 4: Macroinvertebrates samples were preserved and brought back to HINU campus to be identified. Two additional HINU undergraduate interns successfully identified all macroinvertebrates collected in the two trips to two different sites, down to Order. Students complete this task by using Biological identification handouts purchased from Purdue University, and dissecting microscopes provided by the environmental science department at HINU.

Publications

• Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: Student Experience of streambank stabilization on the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas reservation. Haskell Indian Leader. Fall 2016