Synopsis and Application of the Columbia River Estuary Ecosystem Classification

Project ID: G12AC20487

Federal Agency: U.S. Geological Survey

Partner Institution: University of Washington

Fiscal Year: 2012

Initial Funding: $50,430

Total Funding: $50,430

Project Type: Technical Assistance

Project Disciplines: Biological

Principal Investigator: Simenstad, Charles

Abstract: The goals of this research will be to provide a complete single-source document for describing the Classification and its implementation for the Columbia River estuary. This information will fully describe all elements of the Classification at all six levels. The open-file report does this for levels 1-3, but beyond that, full descriptions for levels 4-6 are only available for Hydrogeomorphic Reach F (one of the eight hydrogeomorphic reaches, Level 3 of the Classification). It will include a summary of relevant hydrologic and geomorphic processes to the geomorphic catena level (including several geomorphic catenae mapped in other hydrogeomorphic reaches that are not described in the open-file report), and will also include new discussion of how processes have been affected by anthropogenic activities such as diking, flow regulation, dredging and sediment control (thereby providing critical information in support of restoration and monitoring). It will also relate hydrologic and geomorphic process controls on the surficial biological structure as indicated by land-cover variation within and among the geomorphic catena. This refinement of the Level 5 geomorphic catena integrates the newly acquired 2010 land cover dataset for the entire estuary. The mapping and classification will provide a robust and complete framework for use by diverse groups of managers, scientists and restoration practitioners involved in monitoring and research of estuarine floodplain conditions as well as process-based assessment and prioritization of restoration activities.