- Native aquatic species community structure, composition, stability and genetic integrity: This vital sign is associated with the overall health of native biota in water bodies of interest. Monitored parameters include the determination of the condition of native biotic communities based on metrics of species richness, composition, and trophic status, relative abundance, presence/absence, and genetics.
- Atmospheric deposition (wet and dry) of nitrogen, sulfur, and all major anions and cations: Atmospheric deposition is the process whereby air-borne particles, aerosols, and gases move from the atmosphere to the earth’s surface. This vital sign is quantified by measuring snow-pack chemistry and direct measurements of wet (NADP/NTN) and dry (CASTNet) deposition. Fire (e.g., wildfire or controlled burns) also is a source of atmospheric deposition of pollutants, and can reduce visibility in KLMN park units.
- Basic climatological measurements: Monitoring parameters associated with this vital sign will help park unit managers identify potential climate change. Basic climatological measurements include: temperature (maximum, minimum, and average), precipitation, relative humidity, wind velocity and pattern, surface pressure, as well as snow cover, depth and water equivalent. The following are recommended standard metrics for these climatological variables: air temperature (°C), surface wind (m/s), and atmospheric humidity/water vapor (as percent, mixing ratio in g H2O/kg-air, or concentration in g H2O/m3), surface pressure (hectopascals [hPa] or millibars [mb]), snow cover and depth (water equivalent per km2 and/or percent of area for cover and mm/cm for depth).
- Stream sediment transport. Sediment data, both suspended and bedload, are required for the evaluation of stream sediment yield with respect to (1) background environmental conditions (geology, soils, climate, runoff, topography, ground cover, and size of drainage area), (2) historic and current land use, and (3) erosion and deposition in channel systems. Additionally, understanding the temporal distribution of sediment concentration, size characteristics, and transport rates is crucial to the management of in-stream aquatic communities and riparian ecosystems. Standardized sediment sampling methods and the frequency of collection will be dictated by the hydrologic and sediment characteristics of the water body to be sampled, the required accuracy of the data, the funds available, and the proposed use of the collected data. Also during the May 2004 vital signs scoping meeting, the Level 1 category, water, was divided into three Level 2 subcategories (i.e., hydrology, subterranean, and water quality). General conceptual models of freshwater and marine ecosystems (e.g., Attachment III, pages 146-154) were used by participants to help organize and frame the discussions of ecosystem processes, dynamics, and linkages. Out of these discussions, general, broad-scale monitoring questions were developed and associated vital signs were identified for each Level 2 subcategory. The outcome of this process is presented in Table 12. Full details of the results of the May 2004 meeting are available in Appendix G of Sarr et al. (2004). These general monitoring questions and vital signs were assessed and refined (i.e., narrowed) during subsequent scoping meetings (see pages 55-85 and Tables 14-24).
| Table 12: Broad-Scale Monitoring Questions and Potential Vital Signs for Water, a National Framework Level 1 Category (SAC = Science Advisory Committee), NPS Klamath Network Vital Signs Scoping Workshop, May 4-6, 2004 |
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