DEVELOPMENT OF AQUATIC GAP IN KANSAS, USA
Jessica
1
Kemp ,
Bob
1
Oakes ,
Keith
1
Gido , Walter
1
Dodds ,
Chris
1,2
Guy
1Divison
of Biology, Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, KS
2U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Abstract
Step 1: Valley Segment Classification
We are currently working with area partners to develop an Aquatic Gap program in the
state of Kansas. Data from available GIS layers will be compiled to characterize all stream
valley segments in the state based on physical habitat features. Distributions of aquatic
organisms (e.g. fish and mussels) will be based on available collection records. Species
occurrences in areas not sampled will be predicted based on the habitat affinities of these
species. Once all species predicted occurrences are known, we will relate land-use and
stewardship practices to these data layers to identify areas of high biodiversity or
endemism that are in need of conservation. Additionally, we will explore how aquatic
assemblages are structured along environmental gradients at large geographic scales.
Our first step will be to assign environmental parameters to stream valley segments using
a series of GIS tools developed by the Missouri Resource Assessment Partnership
(MoRAP). The valley segment data layer will be based on the National Hydrography
Dataset (NHD).
Environmental Parameters
Stream Order
1
2
3
4
5-6
 Temperature
 Stream size (Fig. 2)
 Floodplain reach
 Permanence of flow
 Gradient
 Geology
Introduction
In 1987 the U.S. Geological Survey and Environmental Protection Agency began
organizing national, regional, and state level programs with the goal of mapping native
biotic communities and assessing their conservation status. These efforts will allow
biologists and managers to identify gaps in conservation. To date, significant progress has
been made by forty-nine states that have established Terrestrial Gap programs (Alaska’s
program will be completed in 2005). In 1997 Cornell University and other state partners
completed the nation’s first Aquatic Gap pilot project for the Allegheny River basin in
western New York. By the year 2001 sixteen states, including Kansas, had added an
aquatic component to their already established terrestrial programs. However, methods for
mapping aquatic systems are still being developed.
Currently states in the lower Missouri River basin (Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri)
are collaborating on basin-wide Aquatic Gap projects. Kansas State University is the
primary coordinating institution for the Gap analysis program in Kansas, which includes
portions of the Missouri and Arkansas River basins. The Kansas Aquatic Gap program is
responsible for modeling aquatic communities in the state in relation to physical habitat
features of streams. To accomplish these objectives we will use GIS and remote sensing
technologies to predict species occurrences across this large region.
Fig. 2 Lower Smokey Hill Hydrologic Unit. Stream order of
each valley segment represented by different colors.
See Figure 3 for location within Kansas.
Steps 2 & 3: Mapping Biological Data and
Building Habitat Affinity Database
Next, we will build a relational data base which links known occurrences of aquatic
organisms to valley segment characteristics. Thus by linking species to valley segments,
we can determine habitat characteristic affinities for each species.
Sources of Biological Data
 Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Stream Surveys (Fig. 3)
 Natural History Museum records
 Kansas Department of Health and Environment Surveys
 Miscellaneous collecting records
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Objectives
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 Provide a framework for mapping and analyzing aquatic ecosystems.
 Develop methods for categorizing aquatic habitats based on watershed and valley
segment characteristics.
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 Identify at-risk systems and elements.
 Identify opportunities for cooperative conservation and restoration.
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 Build on existing cooperator activities and serve as an integrating program.
Fig. 3 Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks collection sites.
Lower Smokey Hill Hydrologic Unit emphasized for reference.
Methods
Step 4: Predicted Species Distributions
To evaluate conservation status of streams in Kansas, we will follow a series of steps to 1)
characterize physical habitat attributes of streams, 2) map distributions of aquatic
organisms, 3) build predictive models to project distributions of aquatic organisms to areas
not sampled, 4) evaluate land-use practices within drainages, 5) assess water quality, and
6) determine conservation status of streams and watersheds (Figure 1). We are currently
working on Steps 1 and 2, in which each valley segment in Kansas will be classified using
GIS tools developed by Missouri Resource Assessment Partnership (MoRAP) and then
linked to available biological data.
Step 1:
Valley Segment
Datalayer
Species occurrences in valley segments without collection records will be based on logistic
regression models. Models will be constructed for each species based on environmental
characteristics of valley segments in which that species is known to occur.
Notropis topeka occurrence
Predicted Notropis topeka occurrence
Step 2:
Species Distributions
by Valley Segment
Step 3: Habitat Affinity Database
Step 4:
Predicted Species Distributions
by Valley Segments
Step 5:
Land Use
Water Quality
Step 6:
Protection Level of
Valley Segments
Fig. 1 Methodology flow chart of the Kansas Aquatic Gap program.
Fig. 4 Hypothetical output from predictive modeling using
known occurrence data and valley segment characteristics.
Steps 5 & 6: Future Applications
 Identify priority watersheds based on water quality and land use
 Clean Water Act assessment
 Review of impact studies
 Stream lease program
 Education
 Ecological research
 Integration of physical, chemical, and biotic data from various agencies and institutions