FY2023R6 SA (Science Applications), in cooperation with project collaborators and watershed stakeholders (watershed coordinators, Montana State University, MTDRC, EPA, conservation districts, TU) created the River Conditions Tool (RCT) to drive conservation actions via real-time stream gage data with predetermined aquatic, riverine, drought management science. Many watersheds Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado are in need of the various conservation science benefits this RCT expansion provides.Continuing this project in new watersheds would be an opportunity to create relationships with new partners and help underserved communities by providing landowners, land/watershed managers, scientists, and recreationalists access to the real-time conservation tool that already exists for their neighbors.Upon completion of the expanded geographic data and RCT functional updates, key deliverables and outcomes of geographic expansion would further support drought management thus, further benefiting Science Applications program priorities; at-risk species (ie. cutthroat trout, Arctic grayling, bull trout, etc.), riverine systems in the sage-steppe (and possibly grassland) landscape, and multi-jurisdictional partnerships of a large geography.This broad scale tool downscales to individual stream segments providing the ability of watershed groups to customize predetermined conservation triggers for immediate conservation action through real-time situational awareness at fine scales for all water users and in effect becomes a catalog of conservation activities for the entire broad scale project area.
FY2021The RCT, created by USFWS Legacy Region 6 SA, is a publicly accessible web tool where planned data management and the integration of scattered information has been accomplished in the geography of 11+ watersheds in Montana (more in progress for watersheds of Wyoming) for drought management purposes. The objective of this project is to expand the current web tool coverage area geography to 6-8 watersheds in Montana and possibly other adjacent states. Upon completion, geographic expansion would further support stakeholder drought management thus, benefiting Science Applications program priorities; at-risk species (e.g. cutthroat trout, Arctic grayling, bull trout), riverine systems in the sage-steppe (and possibly grassland) landscape, and multi-jurisdictional partnerships of a large geography (collaborative conservation). This project has a significant GIS data component and is tightly integrated with SA data management practices. Expansion of this tool will further leverage MT DNRC (Montana Dept. of Natural Resources Conservation Services) and watershed stakeholder time, funding, and efforts in drought management planning. Utilizing any existing drought management plans, promoting drought management conservation, and improving access to USGS, USBOR, MT DNRC, MT FWP (Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks), and local watershed stakeholder river condition data would continue with this project. LR6 plans to invest $25,000 to ensure the (RCT) expansion project is completed.
FY2022The River Conditions Tool, created by USFWS Legacy Region 6 Science Applications, is a publicly accessible web tool where planned data management and the integration of scattered information has been accomplished in the geography of 31 watersheds in Montana and Wyoming. The objective of this project is to expand the current web tool coverage area geography to 8-10 watersheds in Montana, Wyoming, and/or Nebraska. Upon completion, geographic expansion would further support drought management thus, further benefiting Science Applications program priorities; at-risk species (ie. cutthroat trout, Arctic grayling, bull trout), riverine systems in the sage-steppe (and possibly grassland) landscape, and multi-jurisdictional partnerships of a large geography. Not doing this project would be a missed opportunity to help underserved communities by providing land owners, land/watershed managers, scientists, and recreationalists access to the real-time conservation tool that already exists for their neighbors.
