Upper Feather River Watershed

Recent global warming research confirms that fish species shift their range to higher elevations; cooler waters in stream systems; or; in some cases adapt to temperature; flow and velocity changes. Predicting changes that could occur in Upper Feather River cold-water fish distribution as a consequence of climate change will allow adaptation of management actions and stream restoration priorities.

This project will develop distribution models from fish species and temperature data for separate time periods; then comparisons made between periods for locations of upstream and downstream distributional boundaries. The shift in fish species across boundaries will be evaluated using bioclimatic models.

The average rate of distribution shift can be expected to lag behind the average climate velocity in streams; which would indicate that species are moving more slowly than their thermal niches. In terms of adapting management and restoration priorities; passage barriers or degraded main stream and tributary conditions that impede dispersal can be addressed in order to prevent or minimize some species being overcome by shifting isotherms. Once critical habitats (refugia) are identified; both land use and water use management can be directed toward restoration actions.

Ecosystem Sciences Foundation/Upper Feather River Trout Unlimited

Mark Hill

mhill@ecosystemsciences.com

FMW-16

$16,650

$183,150

No

Restoring and protecting critical upper watershed habitats for fish will also result in benefits to water conservation and planning; improved water quality; development or restoration of meadows and wetlands; and promote informed watershed planning and management.

Agricultural land stewardship, Agricultural Water Use Efficiency, Conjunctive management, Ecosystem restoration, Flood management, Forest management, Groundwater remediation/aquifer remediation, Land use planning and management, Matching water quality to water use, Outreach and engagement, Pollution prevention, Recharge area protection, Sediment management, Wastewater/NPDES, Water and culture, Water-dependent recreation, Watershed management

Address economic challenges of agricultural producers, Address economic challenges of municipal service providers to serve customers, Address water resources and wastewater needs of DACs and Native Americans, Continue to actively engage in FERC relicensing within the Region, Coordinate management of recharge areas and protect groundwater, Effectively address climate change adaptation and/or mitigation in water resources management, Enhance public awareness and understanding of water management issues and needs, Improve coordination of land use and water resources planning, Improve efficiency and reliability of water supply and infrastructure, Maximize agricultural, environmental, and municipal water use efficiency, Protect, restore, and enhance the quality of surface and groundwater resources, Restore natural hydrologic functions, Work with DWR to develop strategies and actions for the operation of SWP facilities

Assessment

Assist the region in adapting to effects of climate change, Drought Preparedness, Native American Tribal Communities

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