Collection of 3 assessments for Mainstem Big Rivers. The Condition Index ranks stream segments according to how well they meet the Desired State described qualitatively and quantitatively in the draft Integrated Science Agenda (v4). From the Condition Index 2 assessments are derived that rank opportunities for management and restoration of conditions included in the Condition Index – In-stream habitat diversity (also related to flow), and floodplain/riparian conditions. In-stream management opportunities are based on watershed-level (HUC12) scores for habitat diversity, sinuosity and impoundment conditions such that river segments meeting all desired states are considered Maintenance opportunities (values 5-6). All other combinations of the 3 conditions are considered Restoration Opportunities (values1-4). Similarly, floodplain management opportunities are based on watershed-level (HUC12) scores for lateral connectedness of permanently flooded areas, lateral connectedness of intermittently flooded areas, and land cover conditions such that river segments meeting all desired states are considered Maintenance opportunities (values 5-6). All other combinations of the 3 conditions are considered Restoration Opportunities (values1-4). For both types of management opportunity, ranks are increased within the Maintenance & Restoration classes by information on existing partner interest (i.e. stated priority areas), elevated risk of change by 2060, and predicted occupancy of a majority of species identified in the GCPO LCC’s draft Integrated Science Agenda (v4). Please see PDF file in the Mainstem Big Rivers folder in the Blueprint Gallery at https://gcpolcc.databasin.org/ for a full description of the process used to build the index.
