Clint Muhlfeld, Ph.D.
I am a Research Aquatic Ecologist for the USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center stationed in Glacier National Park.
Research interests
I specialize in aquatic ecology, fisheries biology, and conservation biology. My research aims to understand the interactions between aquatic species and their environments to help guide conservation and management efforts. My research focuses on assessing how the impacts of various human stressors—climate change, invasive species, and habitat loss—impact native salmonids and freshwater ecosystems in the Rocky Mountains of the United States and Canada.
My research addresses various scientific and conservation issues, including:
- Predicting climate change impacts on native salmonids and freshwater ecosystems
- Evaluating invasive species effects on native fishes and ecosystems
- Conducting ecohydrological assessments of climate change and drought impacts
- Assessing life history and genetic diversity of native salmonids
- Investigating the status, threats, and conservation of threatened species
I enjoy multidisciplinary collaboration and advising graduate students in freshwater ecology and conservation biology. I participate in regional, national, and international science teams addressing climate change and transboundary river issues. My goal is to conserve native species and ecosystems for future generations through research-informed management and education.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2008. Fish and Wildlife Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman
M.S. 1999. Fishery Resources, University of Idaho, Moscow
B.S. 1994. Aquatic Biology, University of Montana, Missoula; University of Maine, Orono
Science and Products
Genetic status and distribution of native westslope cutthroat trout in Glacier National Park
Evolutionary mechanisms influencing the spread of hybridization: genomics, fitness and dispersal
Using the past as a prelude to the future to assess climate effects on native trout across the United States
Predicting climate change effects on aquatic ecosystems in the Crown of the Continent
Assessing the impacts of mining in the Transboundary Flathead and Kootenai River systems
Integrated bioassessment of imperiled alpine aquatic ecosystems using NPS vital signs and USGS research data: Implications for conservation under a warming climate
Evaluation of alternative dam operations on the movement and habitat use of bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout
Webinar: Predicting Climate Change Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems across the Pacific Northwest
The Past as a Prelude to the Future: Assessing Climate Effects on Native Trout in the U.S.
Predicting Climate Change Impacts on River Ecosystems and Salmonids across the Pacific Northwest
Influence of water temperature and biotic interactions on the distribution of westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) in a population stronghold under climate change
Hybridization alters growth and migratory life-history expression of native trout
An interactive data visualization framework for exploring geospatial environmental datasets and model predictions
Specialized meltwater biodiversity persists despite widespread deglaciation
Climate-induced expansions of invasive species in the Pacific Northwest, North America: A synthesis of observations and projections
A call for global action to conserve native trout in the 21st century and beyond
Global status of trout and char: Conservation challenges in the twenty-first century
Consistent compensatory growth offsets poor condition in trout populations
Microbial assemblages reflect environmental heterogeneity in alpine streams
An integrated framework for ecological drought across riverscapes of North America
Challenges in Columbia River fisheries conservation: Response to Duda et al.
Congruent population genetic structure but differing depths of divergence for three alpine stoneflies with similar ecology and geographic distributions
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Genetic status and distribution of native westslope cutthroat trout in Glacier National Park
Evolutionary mechanisms influencing the spread of hybridization: genomics, fitness and dispersal
Using the past as a prelude to the future to assess climate effects on native trout across the United States
Predicting climate change effects on aquatic ecosystems in the Crown of the Continent
Assessing the impacts of mining in the Transboundary Flathead and Kootenai River systems
Integrated bioassessment of imperiled alpine aquatic ecosystems using NPS vital signs and USGS research data: Implications for conservation under a warming climate
Evaluation of alternative dam operations on the movement and habitat use of bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout
Webinar: Predicting Climate Change Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems across the Pacific Northwest
The Past as a Prelude to the Future: Assessing Climate Effects on Native Trout in the U.S.
Predicting Climate Change Impacts on River Ecosystems and Salmonids across the Pacific Northwest
Influence of water temperature and biotic interactions on the distribution of westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) in a population stronghold under climate change
Hybridization alters growth and migratory life-history expression of native trout
An interactive data visualization framework for exploring geospatial environmental datasets and model predictions
Specialized meltwater biodiversity persists despite widespread deglaciation
Climate-induced expansions of invasive species in the Pacific Northwest, North America: A synthesis of observations and projections
A call for global action to conserve native trout in the 21st century and beyond
Global status of trout and char: Conservation challenges in the twenty-first century
Consistent compensatory growth offsets poor condition in trout populations
Microbial assemblages reflect environmental heterogeneity in alpine streams
An integrated framework for ecological drought across riverscapes of North America
Challenges in Columbia River fisheries conservation: Response to Duda et al.
Congruent population genetic structure but differing depths of divergence for three alpine stoneflies with similar ecology and geographic distributions
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.