Review of the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan Report 2 (2017) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
Summary
Summary
Pages 1-10
The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.
From page 1... ...
Because of the potential for reduced spring flow during drought, which the region has suffered from periodically, eight of these species are listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act: the fountain darter, the San Marcos gambusia (presumed extinct) , the Texas blind salamander, the San Marcos salamander, the Comal Springs dryopid beetle, the Comal Springs riffle beetle, the Peck's Cave amphipod, and Texas wild rice.
|
From page 2... ...
HYDROLOGIC MODELING The HCP calls for improvements to existing groundwater models of the Edwards Aquifer so that they can predict the effects of future hydrologic conditions (such as climate change and droughts) on spring flow and predict how management actions (like conservation measures)
|
From page 3... ...
Several scenarios are suggested for the hydrologic model, including optimizing the bottom-up package of the four spring flow protection measures,1 evaluating spatial variations in pumping, and predicting how significant growth and land-use change in the recharge area might affect spring flows. Testing a variety of scenarios will not only improve the confidence in the model itself but will also help develop strategic decisions 1 These measures are the Voluntary Irrigation Suspension Program Option, the Regional Water Conservation Program, Stage V Critical Management Period, and Aquifer Storage and Recovery.
|
From page 4... ...
In its first report, the Committee discussed the basic design of the fountain darter model, including the decision to develop an individual-based model, and it opined on several precursors to the model, such as the habitat suitability analyses done for fountain darter, Texas wild rice, and the Comal Springs riffle beetle. A subsequent interim report of the Committee, published earlier this year (see Appendix A)
|
From page 5... ...
Nonetheless, given the recently proposed adaptive management actions related to changing SAV species coverage goals in the HCP, it would be timely to evaluate the longer-term impact of these decisions on the stability of the SAV populations. The prospect of having such a valuable quantitative tool to better understand the effects of minimization and mitigation measures and predict future states will hopefully motivate those involved to continue developing the SAV model.
|
From page 6... ...
The EAA is making progress on addressing the sampling deficiencies that may limit the ability to estimate the distribution and abundance of the Comal Springs riffle beetle populations. The focus on the beetle in the Applied Research Program is a substantial effort for gaining knowledge about the distribution and life history features that will be important for understanding how the beetle responds to environmental variation, including changes in flow and responses during drought conditions.
|
From page 7... ...
Monitoring the effectiveness of minimization and mitigation measures such as removal of exotic species, sediment control, and riparian conservation should be done through integration into the existing biological and water quality monitoring programs, rather than through one-off studies conducted through the Applied Research Program. Modeling efforts should become more integral to consideration of future Applied Research projects.
|
From page 8... ...
The latter four, spring flow protection measures, were selected because of their importance to reaching the biological goals and objectives of the HCP. In general, the Committee feels that implementation of key minimization and mitigation measures is moving in the right direction, with the various programs being characterized by competent project teams, sustained effort, and adequate initial performance monitoring.
|
From page 9... ...
If floating mats cover more than 25 percent of the surface of Landa Lake and dissolved oxygen concentrations decrease, then manual breaking up and removal of the floating mats should be considered as a mitigation measure. Monitoring of dissolved oxygen concentrations using the miniDOT oxygen sensors in selected areas of Landa Lake and Upper Spring Run should be incorporated into an integrated water quality and biological monitoring program.
|
Key Terms
This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More
information on Chapter Skim is available.