1. Step 1: Valley Segment Classification Our first step will be to assign environmental parameters to stream valley segments using a series of GIS tools developed by the Missouri Resource Assessment Partnership (MoRAP). The valley segment data layer will be based on the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD). Environmental Parameters  Temperature  Stream size (Fig. 2)  Floodplain reach  Permanence of flow  Gradient  Geology Fig. 4 Hypothetical output from predictive modeling using known occurrence data and valley segment characteristics. DEVELOPMENT OF AQUATIC GAP IN KANSAS, USA Jessica Kemp 1, Bob Oakes 1, Keith Gido 1, Walter Dodds 1, Chris Guy 1,2 1 Divison of Biology, Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, KS 2 U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Abstract We are currently working with area partners to develop an Aquatic Gap program in the state of Kansas. Data from available GIS layers will be compiled to characterize all stream valley segments in the state based on physical habitat features. Distributions of aquatic organisms (e.g. fish and mussels) will be based on available collection records. Species occurrences in areas not sampled will be predicted based on the habitat affinities of these species. Once all species predicted occurrences are known, we will relate land-use and stewardship practices to these data layers to identify areas of high biodiversity or endemism that are in need of conservation. Additionally, we will explore how aquatic assemblages are structured along environmental gradients at large geographic scales. Introduction In 1987 the U.S. Geological Survey and Environmental Protection Agency began organizing national, regional, and state level programs with the goal of mapping native biotic communities and assessing their conservation status. These efforts will allow biologists and managers to identify gaps in conservation. To date, significant progress has been made by forty-nine states that have established Terrestrial Gap programs (Alaska’s program will be completed in 2005). In 1997 Cornell University and other state partners completed the nation’s first Aquatic Gap pilot project for the Allegheny River basin in western New York. By the year 2001 sixteen states, including Kansas, had added an aquatic component to their already established terrestrial programs. However, methods for mapping aquatic systems are still being developed. Currently states in the lower Missouri River basin (Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri) are collaborating on basin-wide Aquatic Gap projects. Kansas State University is the primary coordinating institution for the Gap analysis program in Kansas, which includes portions of the Missouri and Arkansas River basins. The Kansas Aquatic Gap program is responsible for modeling aquatic communities in the state in relation to physical habitat features of streams. To accomplish these objectives we will use GIS and remote sensing technologies to predict species occurrences across this large region. Objectives  Provide a framework for mapping and analyzing aquatic ecosystems.  Develop methods for categorizing aquatic habitats based on watershed and valley  Identify at-risk systems and elements.  Identify opportunities for cooperative conservation and restoration.  Build on existing cooperator activities and serve as an integrating program. segment characteristics. Methods To evaluate conservation status of streams in Kansas, we will follow a series of steps to 1) characterize physical habitat attributes of streams, 2) map distributions of aquatic organisms, 3) build predictive models to project distributions of aquatic organisms to areas not sampled, 4) evaluate land-use practices within drainages, 5) assess water quality, and 6) determine conservation status of streams and watersheds (Figure 1). We are currently working on Steps 1 and 2, in which each valley segment in Kansas will be classified using GIS tools developed by Missouri Resource Assessment Partnership (MoRAP) and then linked to available biological data. Fig. 2 Lower Smokey Hill Hydrologic Unit. Stream order of each valley segment represented by different colors. See Figure 3 for location within Kansas. Step 4: Predicted Species Distributions Species occurrences in valley segments without collection records will be based on logistic regression models. Models will be constructed for each species based on environmental characteristics of valley segments in which that species is known to occur. Steps 5 & 6: Future Applications  Identify priority watersheds based on water quality and land use  Clean Water Act assessment  Review of impact studies  Stream lease program  Education  Ecological research  Integration of physical, chemical, and biotic data from various agencies and institutions Steps 2 & 3: Mapping Biological Data and Building Habitat Affinity Database Next, we will build a relational data base which links known occurrences of aquatic organisms to valley segment characteristics. Thus by linking species to valley segments, we can determine habitat characteristic affinities for each species. Sources of Biological Data  Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Stream Surveys (Fig. 3)  Natural History Museum records  Kansas Department of Health and Environment Surveys  Miscellaneous collecting records Fig. 1 Methodology flow chart of the Kansas Aquatic Gap program. Step 3: Habitat Affinity Database Step 2: Species Distributions by Valley Segment Step 1: Valley Segment Datalayer Step 4: Predicted Species Distributions by Valley Segments Step 5: Land Use Water Quality Step 6: Protection Level of Valley Segments Fig. 3 Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks collection sites. Lower Smokey Hill Hydrologic Unit emphasized for reference. Notropis topeka occurrence Predicted Notropis topeka occurrence