Superior Streams Algal Assessment Protocol

Abstract

This project involved collaboration between the University of MN- Duluth, the City of Duluth, the MPCA, and a new Citizen Science/Crowdsourcing collaborative to develop quantitative and semi-quantitative protocols for assessing the biomass of periphyton (algae attached to rocks) during summer in Duluth Area trout streams for use by professional aquatic scientists and by citizen scientists. Traditional techniques based on chlorophyll-a and organic matter from rock scrapes (adapted from EPA and USGS) were combined with Visual Assessment techniques developed and well vetted in New Zealand and Montana. Summer 2018 and 2019 measurements established baseline conditions for trout streams currently being assessed as part of a State led WRAPS (Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy) demonstration project for Duluth’s 43 named streams. In addition, historical periphyton data generated by federal and university research projects over the past 20 years were compiled and summarized to allow for a first assessment of the temporal and spatial patterns in wadeable stream algae in the region. The Visual Assessment tools were tested for potential use in a new citizen science and crowd sourcing collaborative in the western Lake Superior region promoting participatory public engagement to improve watershed and water resource understanding and stewardship in the Lake Superior Basin. Results and protocols are described and disseminated to the public and stakeholder groups via the LakeSuperiorstreams.org website. Overall Project Objectives 1. Generate baseline quantitative (epilithic algal biomass/m2 of rock substrate) and semi-quantitative (visual assessment index and images) periphyton data from designated trout streams in the Duluth Area in summer 2018-9 for use by MPCA and MDNR in assessing the condition of these streams and for potential inclusion in the State’s water resource assessment process. 2. Develop and field test an attached algal biomass index (epilithic [rock substrate] periphyton) for use in Lake Superior Basin trout streams adapted from existing federal (EPA, USGS), international (New Zealand), and state (Montana, California) protocols for wadeable streams and lakeshores. It will build on a prior MLSCP funded project for the Superior shoreline. 3. Compile and report to the State comparable historic attached trout stream algae data collected since 1996 by EPA-MED and NRRI/UMD scientists along with 2017 data for MPCA and MDNR to use in determining temporal trends, comparing streams, and examining longitudinal changes within several trout streams having a gradient of watershed land use and land cover. 4. Promote a new tool for use by citizen scientists in the western Lake Superior region, especially the St. Louis River RiverWatch community (serving ~ 800 students each year). The sites established for testing the tool will be drawn from a newly created set of CrowdHydrology.org in Duluth sites (within a national USGS network) that was funded by MLSCP in collaboration with MPCA’s current Duluth Metropolitan Area WRAPS project for protecting Duluth’s urban trout streams. 5. All data and information, and its rationale will be made available via tabulations, map-based data finders, and narrative statements on the LakeSuperiorStreams.org for use by partner outreach professionals (MN and WI Sea Grant, LS NERR, UMN-Extension, MPCA, MDNR, RSPT, et al.) in helping people better understand how streams “work”, and how negative impacts on habitat and aquatic organisms and water quality can result from inadequate land use planning and implementation.