Mapping ecohydrological refugia and linkage areas for headwater ecosystems to support spatial conservation prioritization project dates: 12 1 2024 through 11 30 2027AWARD purpose: forests of the…

This Cooperative Agreement award, totaling $140,383, was provided by the U.S. Geological Survey under the National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CFDA 15.820) program. The award supports a project led by the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife to map ecohydrological refugia and linkage areas for headwater ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest. Key activities include conducting field surveys to validate landscape attributes and amphibian populations, developing an ecohydrological refugia model, and creating digital maps and a web tool to support climate adaptation efforts for stream-associated amphibians. The project will engage state and federal agencies to co-produce deliverables and provide technical expertise for study design and implementation over the award period from December 1, 2024 to November 30, 2027.

Activities

The recipient will be responsible for planning and leading fieldwork to validate physical attributes of the landscape and conducting surveys of amphibians. Fieldwork will be conducted throughout headwater streams of western washington and oregon. The final list of parameters and landscape attributes to be surveyed and measured will be determined following literature review, engagement with partners, acquisition of available datasets, and first stages of model development as described in text from the larger proposal.deliverables and expected outcomes:-engage with state and federal agencies to coproduce project deliverables, including through collaborative fieldwork and quarterly meetings.-provide technical expert opinion and support for all aspects of study design and implementation.-plan and lead fieldwork (physical and amphibian surveys), including training and supervising personnel.-contribute to a multiecosystem refugia mapping effort to support climate adaptation efforts, targeted for headwater streamassociated amphibians. Evaluate climate change impacts on headwater ecosystems and streamassociated amphibians and provide guidance on prioritization of adaptation strategies. Participate in the development and refinement of an ecohydrological refugia model for headwater ecosystems and streamassociated amphibian.-support the development of digital maps and a webtool with associated learning module, publication, and informational workshop for regional partners.

Intended beneficiaries

State and federal agencies, other regional partners subrecipient activities: n a