An integrated science plan for the Lake Tahoe basin: conceptual framework and research strategies

Original publisher: [Albany, CA] : U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, [2010] OCLC Number: (OCoLC)700475139 Subject: Tahoe, Lake (Calif. and Nev.) Excerpt: ... • Near-shore water quality and aquatic ecology: ▪ Additional research is recommended to determine near-shore processes at various temporal and spatial scales. This research will contribute to an integrated database that can be used to determine trends and patterns for integrated, process-driven models. From this information, construct a predictive model to help guide ongoing and future management strate-gies. Ideally, this model would include features such as nutrient loading, turbidity, localized and lakewide circulation patterns, wave resuspension, periphyton and macrophyte populations, introduced and native species, and recreational uses and activities within the near shore. ▪ Develop an aquatic invasive species research program with direct ties to water quality ( e.g., threat of invasive species impacts on: [ 1 ] native species composition and aquatic food webs, [ 2 ] in-lake sources of drinking water, or [ 3 ] water quality and stimulation of benthic algal growth in the near shore ). ▪ Develop analytical approaches for establishing quantitative and realistic water quality standards and environmental thresholds for the near-shore region. • Erosion and pollutant transport / reduction within the vegetated landscape: ▪ Collaboration between researchers and agency representatives is rec-ommended to evaluate fine sediment and nutrient loads resulting from forest fuels reduction activities. A major effort would include quantify-ing BMP effectiveness for controlling fine sediment and nutrient releases from wildfire, as well as from forest biomass management practices, such as prescribed fire and mechanical treatment. ▪ Fully evaluate the benefits and risks from using large areas of the natural landscape ( e.g., forests, meadows, flood plains, wetlands ) for treatm...