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Aquatic & Landscape Ecology Research Team (FRESC)

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By Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center November 20, 2017

Fresh waters are one of the most valuable and threatened resources worldwide. They supply critical services to society and harbor many of the world’s most imperiled species. We conduct research and provide technical assistance to address challenges to fresh waters. Our research focuses on ecological processes in freshwater and terrestrial systems and the effects of those processes on landscape pattern. The research includes geospatial approaches from landscape ecology and geography, such as remote sensing, spatial analysis, and geographical information systems (GIS). We study a wide range of ecosystems, from small streams to large rivers and major lake ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. 

Principal Investigators

Jason Dunham - Supervisory Research Ecologist & Christian Torgersen - Supervisory Research Landscape Ecologist

Federal Staff

Joe Benjamin - Ecologist

Mike Heck - Fisheries Biologist

Nate Chelgren - Wildlife Biologist

Dave Hockman-Wert - Biologist

Francine Mejia - Research Ecologist

University/Contractor/Volunteer/Other

Jeremy Cram - WA Dept. Fish & Wildlife - Research Scientist (PhD Graduate Student)

Josh Kubo - Tulalip Tribes Natural Resources Department - Salmon Recovery Scientist (PhD Graduate Student)

Benjamin Dittbrenner - Tulalip Tribes Natural Resources Department - Independent Contractor (PhD Graduate Student)

Ronald Wiedmer - PhD Graduate Student

Alumni

Alex Thomas: Ecologist and Independent Contractor (2012-2013), Multivariate analysis of zooplankton assemblages in Mt. Rainier National Park

James Starr: MS student (2009-2012), Mountain whitefish distribution and habitat associations

Audrey Taylor: Postdoc (2009-2011), Shorebird ecology and monitoring; integrated landscape monitoring

Josh Kubo: MS student (2009-2011), Aquatic insect assemblages in alpine streams

Katie Klett, nee Murray: MS student (2009-2010), Airborne mapping of salmon redd distribution

Ryan Klett: MS student (2008-2011), Spatial patterns of fine sediment infiltration in the Yakima River

Aaron Ruesch: MS student (2008-2011), Climate change and water temperature in stream networks

Jason Walter: MS student (2007-2012), Cutthroat trout distribution in headwater stream networks

Anne Weekes: Postdoc (2007-2011), Geohydrology of glaciated alpine headwaters

Tracy Kugler: Ecologist (2007-2009), Integrated landscape monitoring

Tyler Bax: MS student (2007-2008), Watershed classification of headwater catchments

Ethan Welty: Geographer (2006-2011), Riverscape mapping and analysis

Karen Hutten: PhD student (2007-2015), Landscape disturbance on the Olympic Peninsula

Susan Priest: Student Intern in Support of Native American Relations (SISNAR) (2014), Using beavers to restore headwaters in the Skykomish River watershed, WA

David Bailey: Student Intern in Support of Native American Relations (SISNAR) (2014), The Beaver Project: Experiences of a USGS SISNAR intern

David Hagopian: Student Intern in Support of Native American Relations (SISNAR) (2015), Effects of beaver reintroductions on large woody in headwater streams in the Skykomish River watershed, WA

Samantha Greene: Postdoc (2014-2015), Effects of thinning in riparian forests on stream temperature

Nicoleta Cristea: Contractor (2013-2015), Thermal IR remote sensing of rivers on the Olympic Peninsula, WA

Aimee Fullerton: PhD student (2011-2016), Thermal heterogeneity and salmon in Pacific Northwest rivers

Science Themes of the FRESC Aquatic & Landscape Ecology Team are highlighted below.

link
USGS science for a changing world

Water Temperature in Rivers and Streams

Increases in summer stream temperature as a result of human impacts and climate change may exceed the thermal tolerances of aquatic biota that are adapted to colder environments and climates. The combined effects of humans and climate change are of global concern across the range of coldwater aquatic organisms.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Water Temperature in Rivers and Streams

Increases in summer stream temperature as a result of human impacts and climate change may exceed the thermal tolerances of aquatic biota that are adapted to colder environments and climates. The combined effects of humans and climate change are of global concern across the range of coldwater aquatic organisms.
Learn More
link
USGS science for a changing world

Threat of Invasives to Native Species and Ecosystems

Invasive species are a growing threat to native species and ecosystem processes in fresh waters. The Introducing non-native fish into an area may have no effect, little current effect, or the potential to seriously impact the native species, possibly resulting in their extinction. We conduct research to address the causes of invasions and their impacts. We also provide technical support for...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Threat of Invasives to Native Species and Ecosystems

Invasive species are a growing threat to native species and ecosystem processes in fresh waters. The Introducing non-native fish into an area may have no effect, little current effect, or the potential to seriously impact the native species, possibly resulting in their extinction. We conduct research to address the causes of invasions and their impacts. We also provide technical support for...
Learn More
link
USGS science for a changing world

Spatial Ecology of Freshwater Ecosystems

Water resources, riparian areas, and aquatic organisms are of critical importance in natural resource management. Yet, they are difficult to map, monitor, and understand in a spatially explicit and extensive manner as can be done more easily in terrestrial environments.
By
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Spatial Ecology of Freshwater Ecosystems

Water resources, riparian areas, and aquatic organisms are of critical importance in natural resource management. Yet, they are difficult to map, monitor, and understand in a spatially explicit and extensive manner as can be done more easily in terrestrial environments.
Learn More
link
USGS science for a changing world

Restoration and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems

Restoration of aquatic ecosystems involves a broad spectrum of active and passive efforts. Passive efforts rely on natural recovery of ecosystems, such as land use practices that protect riparian zones and sources of wood and sediment that drive the geomorphic and associated biological functions in streams. Active efforts involve more direct intervention, usually applied to specific locations, to...
By
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Restoration and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems

Restoration of aquatic ecosystems involves a broad spectrum of active and passive efforts. Passive efforts rely on natural recovery of ecosystems, such as land use practices that protect riparian zones and sources of wood and sediment that drive the geomorphic and associated biological functions in streams. Active efforts involve more direct intervention, usually applied to specific locations, to...
Learn More
link
USGS science for a changing world

Climate and Aquatic Ecosystems

Effects of changing climate on aquatic ecosystems requires understanding a complex series of interactions between terrestrial climates, their corresponding impacts on hydrological processes, and ultimately a suite of biological responses. These uncertainties stand in contrast to the urgent need for reliable information to be used in developing long-term strategies for climate adaptation to...
By
Land Management Research Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Climate and Aquatic Ecosystems

Effects of changing climate on aquatic ecosystems requires understanding a complex series of interactions between terrestrial climates, their corresponding impacts on hydrological processes, and ultimately a suite of biological responses. These uncertainties stand in contrast to the urgent need for reliable information to be used in developing long-term strategies for climate adaptation to...
Learn More
link
WERC Redwood forest field photo

Landscape Patterns and Disturbance

FRESC scientists investigate whole-system processes and relationships across space and time in order to advance understanding of natural, managed, and disturbed ecosystems. This includes research, monitoring, remote sensing, modeling, and synthesis to describe the patterns of change across landscapes and the biological and physical processes that generate them.
By
Land Management Research Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Landscape Patterns and Disturbance

FRESC scientists investigate whole-system processes and relationships across space and time in order to advance understanding of natural, managed, and disturbed ecosystems. This includes research, monitoring, remote sensing, modeling, and synthesis to describe the patterns of change across landscapes and the biological and physical processes that generate them.
Learn More
link
USGS

Life Histories of Aquatic Species

Many species exhibit diverse behaviors that translate into different patterns of habitat use and demography. Diversity within species can be related to a complex array of processes, including genetic and maternal influences, and external environmental drivers. Our work addresses life history diversity in salmon and trout, including Pacific salmon, steelhead and rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and...
By
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Life Histories of Aquatic Species

Many species exhibit diverse behaviors that translate into different patterns of habitat use and demography. Diversity within species can be related to a complex array of processes, including genetic and maternal influences, and external environmental drivers. Our work addresses life history diversity in salmon and trout, including Pacific salmon, steelhead and rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and...
Learn More
link
USGS

Landscape Ecology of Aquatic Ecosystems

Landscape ecology has only a short history as a recognized discipline, but it has transformed our thinking about the interplay between pattern and process. We now understand that many smaller-scale phenomena are driven by spatial processes, such as the proximity of different habitats to one another, the ability of organisms to move through landscapes, and the dynamics of natural disturbance such...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Landscape Ecology of Aquatic Ecosystems

Landscape ecology has only a short history as a recognized discipline, but it has transformed our thinking about the interplay between pattern and process. We now understand that many smaller-scale phenomena are driven by spatial processes, such as the proximity of different habitats to one another, the ability of organisms to move through landscapes, and the dynamics of natural disturbance such...
Learn More

Fresh waters are one of the most valuable and threatened resources worldwide. They supply critical services to society and harbor many of the world’s most imperiled species. We conduct research and provide technical assistance to address challenges to fresh waters. Our research focuses on ecological processes in freshwater and terrestrial systems and the effects of those processes on landscape pattern. The research includes geospatial approaches from landscape ecology and geography, such as remote sensing, spatial analysis, and geographical information systems (GIS). We study a wide range of ecosystems, from small streams to large rivers and major lake ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. 

Principal Investigators

Jason Dunham - Supervisory Research Ecologist & Christian Torgersen - Supervisory Research Landscape Ecologist

Federal Staff

Joe Benjamin - Ecologist

Mike Heck - Fisheries Biologist

Nate Chelgren - Wildlife Biologist

Dave Hockman-Wert - Biologist

Francine Mejia - Research Ecologist

University/Contractor/Volunteer/Other

Jeremy Cram - WA Dept. Fish & Wildlife - Research Scientist (PhD Graduate Student)

Josh Kubo - Tulalip Tribes Natural Resources Department - Salmon Recovery Scientist (PhD Graduate Student)

Benjamin Dittbrenner - Tulalip Tribes Natural Resources Department - Independent Contractor (PhD Graduate Student)

Ronald Wiedmer - PhD Graduate Student

Alumni

Alex Thomas: Ecologist and Independent Contractor (2012-2013), Multivariate analysis of zooplankton assemblages in Mt. Rainier National Park

James Starr: MS student (2009-2012), Mountain whitefish distribution and habitat associations

Audrey Taylor: Postdoc (2009-2011), Shorebird ecology and monitoring; integrated landscape monitoring

Josh Kubo: MS student (2009-2011), Aquatic insect assemblages in alpine streams

Katie Klett, nee Murray: MS student (2009-2010), Airborne mapping of salmon redd distribution

Ryan Klett: MS student (2008-2011), Spatial patterns of fine sediment infiltration in the Yakima River

Aaron Ruesch: MS student (2008-2011), Climate change and water temperature in stream networks

Jason Walter: MS student (2007-2012), Cutthroat trout distribution in headwater stream networks

Anne Weekes: Postdoc (2007-2011), Geohydrology of glaciated alpine headwaters

Tracy Kugler: Ecologist (2007-2009), Integrated landscape monitoring

Tyler Bax: MS student (2007-2008), Watershed classification of headwater catchments

Ethan Welty: Geographer (2006-2011), Riverscape mapping and analysis

Karen Hutten: PhD student (2007-2015), Landscape disturbance on the Olympic Peninsula

Susan Priest: Student Intern in Support of Native American Relations (SISNAR) (2014), Using beavers to restore headwaters in the Skykomish River watershed, WA

David Bailey: Student Intern in Support of Native American Relations (SISNAR) (2014), The Beaver Project: Experiences of a USGS SISNAR intern

David Hagopian: Student Intern in Support of Native American Relations (SISNAR) (2015), Effects of beaver reintroductions on large woody in headwater streams in the Skykomish River watershed, WA

Samantha Greene: Postdoc (2014-2015), Effects of thinning in riparian forests on stream temperature

Nicoleta Cristea: Contractor (2013-2015), Thermal IR remote sensing of rivers on the Olympic Peninsula, WA

Aimee Fullerton: PhD student (2011-2016), Thermal heterogeneity and salmon in Pacific Northwest rivers

Science Themes of the FRESC Aquatic & Landscape Ecology Team are highlighted below.

link
USGS science for a changing world

Water Temperature in Rivers and Streams

Increases in summer stream temperature as a result of human impacts and climate change may exceed the thermal tolerances of aquatic biota that are adapted to colder environments and climates. The combined effects of humans and climate change are of global concern across the range of coldwater aquatic organisms.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Water Temperature in Rivers and Streams

Increases in summer stream temperature as a result of human impacts and climate change may exceed the thermal tolerances of aquatic biota that are adapted to colder environments and climates. The combined effects of humans and climate change are of global concern across the range of coldwater aquatic organisms.
Learn More
link
USGS science for a changing world

Threat of Invasives to Native Species and Ecosystems

Invasive species are a growing threat to native species and ecosystem processes in fresh waters. The Introducing non-native fish into an area may have no effect, little current effect, or the potential to seriously impact the native species, possibly resulting in their extinction. We conduct research to address the causes of invasions and their impacts. We also provide technical support for...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Threat of Invasives to Native Species and Ecosystems

Invasive species are a growing threat to native species and ecosystem processes in fresh waters. The Introducing non-native fish into an area may have no effect, little current effect, or the potential to seriously impact the native species, possibly resulting in their extinction. We conduct research to address the causes of invasions and their impacts. We also provide technical support for...
Learn More
link
USGS science for a changing world

Spatial Ecology of Freshwater Ecosystems

Water resources, riparian areas, and aquatic organisms are of critical importance in natural resource management. Yet, they are difficult to map, monitor, and understand in a spatially explicit and extensive manner as can be done more easily in terrestrial environments.
By
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Spatial Ecology of Freshwater Ecosystems

Water resources, riparian areas, and aquatic organisms are of critical importance in natural resource management. Yet, they are difficult to map, monitor, and understand in a spatially explicit and extensive manner as can be done more easily in terrestrial environments.
Learn More
link
USGS science for a changing world

Restoration and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems

Restoration of aquatic ecosystems involves a broad spectrum of active and passive efforts. Passive efforts rely on natural recovery of ecosystems, such as land use practices that protect riparian zones and sources of wood and sediment that drive the geomorphic and associated biological functions in streams. Active efforts involve more direct intervention, usually applied to specific locations, to...
By
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Restoration and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems

Restoration of aquatic ecosystems involves a broad spectrum of active and passive efforts. Passive efforts rely on natural recovery of ecosystems, such as land use practices that protect riparian zones and sources of wood and sediment that drive the geomorphic and associated biological functions in streams. Active efforts involve more direct intervention, usually applied to specific locations, to...
Learn More
link
USGS science for a changing world

Climate and Aquatic Ecosystems

Effects of changing climate on aquatic ecosystems requires understanding a complex series of interactions between terrestrial climates, their corresponding impacts on hydrological processes, and ultimately a suite of biological responses. These uncertainties stand in contrast to the urgent need for reliable information to be used in developing long-term strategies for climate adaptation to...
By
Land Management Research Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Climate and Aquatic Ecosystems

Effects of changing climate on aquatic ecosystems requires understanding a complex series of interactions between terrestrial climates, their corresponding impacts on hydrological processes, and ultimately a suite of biological responses. These uncertainties stand in contrast to the urgent need for reliable information to be used in developing long-term strategies for climate adaptation to...
Learn More
link
WERC Redwood forest field photo

Landscape Patterns and Disturbance

FRESC scientists investigate whole-system processes and relationships across space and time in order to advance understanding of natural, managed, and disturbed ecosystems. This includes research, monitoring, remote sensing, modeling, and synthesis to describe the patterns of change across landscapes and the biological and physical processes that generate them.
By
Land Management Research Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Landscape Patterns and Disturbance

FRESC scientists investigate whole-system processes and relationships across space and time in order to advance understanding of natural, managed, and disturbed ecosystems. This includes research, monitoring, remote sensing, modeling, and synthesis to describe the patterns of change across landscapes and the biological and physical processes that generate them.
Learn More
link
USGS

Life Histories of Aquatic Species

Many species exhibit diverse behaviors that translate into different patterns of habitat use and demography. Diversity within species can be related to a complex array of processes, including genetic and maternal influences, and external environmental drivers. Our work addresses life history diversity in salmon and trout, including Pacific salmon, steelhead and rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and...
By
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Life Histories of Aquatic Species

Many species exhibit diverse behaviors that translate into different patterns of habitat use and demography. Diversity within species can be related to a complex array of processes, including genetic and maternal influences, and external environmental drivers. Our work addresses life history diversity in salmon and trout, including Pacific salmon, steelhead and rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and...
Learn More
link
USGS

Landscape Ecology of Aquatic Ecosystems

Landscape ecology has only a short history as a recognized discipline, but it has transformed our thinking about the interplay between pattern and process. We now understand that many smaller-scale phenomena are driven by spatial processes, such as the proximity of different habitats to one another, the ability of organisms to move through landscapes, and the dynamics of natural disturbance such...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
link

Landscape Ecology of Aquatic Ecosystems

Landscape ecology has only a short history as a recognized discipline, but it has transformed our thinking about the interplay between pattern and process. We now understand that many smaller-scale phenomena are driven by spatial processes, such as the proximity of different habitats to one another, the ability of organisms to move through landscapes, and the dynamics of natural disturbance such...
Learn More
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