1. Ecosystem Case Study Research is an important part of science. Over the next several weeks, you will be researching one local ecosystem as a culminating project for the Ecosystem unit. You will conduct your research with a team of other researchers, who happen to be sitting at your lab table.

2. Ecosystem Case Study At the end of your research, you will present your findings in the form of a project Your research will consist of: – internet research – a personal interview of a scientist working in the ecosystem you are studying.

3. Ecosystem Case Study An introduction to 3 Ecosystems

4. Baker River Ecosystem Location: Baker Lake, Lake Shannon, Baker River & where it enters the Skagit River. About 10 miles north of Concrete, WA

5. Challenges to the Baker River Ecosystem Recent logging Balancing the needs of having a dam to create hydroelectric power & flood control while providing stable stream flows & passage for fish. Rising water temperatures & a buildup of silt due to dam construction. Higher dissolved gas levels caused by dam.

6. Work being done to address the challenges Water quality & flow monitoring. Trapping & transporting fish over the dam in a transport tank. Monitoring fish spawning Raising fish in a fish hatchery

7. Scientist Doing the Work Michael Ficklin: Fish & Wildlife Specialist III for Puget Sound Energy

8. Nooksack River Ecosystem Location: Whatcom County, starting from Mount Baker and the 3 Sisters and ending in Bellingham Bay.

9. Challenges to the Nooksack River Past tree removal & railroad construction Development alongside the river that is impacting the river Rising water temperatures due to human activity

10. Work being done to address the challenges Scientists are building logjams to improve the river & create habitat for Salmon Scientists are planting trees to improve the river & keep the water cool

11. Scientists Doing the Work Victor Insera: Watershed Restoration Coordinator for the Nooksack Indian Tribe Ned Currence: Fisheries Biologist for the Nooksack Indian Tribe

12. Skagit Estuary Ecosystem Location: Where the Skagit River enters the bay

13. Challenges to the Skagit Estuary & Stillaguamish Ecosystems Mini-dams built Water in estuary has been drained to prevent flooding of nearby agriculture Human development in estuary

14. Work Being Done to Address Challenges Changing agriculture land back to an estuary while keeping some of the human benefits Floodgate Replacement Drainage Re-route

15. Scientist doing the Work Jenny Baker: Senior Restoration Manager from “The Nature Conservancy”

16. Time to Choose! With your partner(s), rank the ecosystems you would like to study for your Ecosystem Case Study in order of your preference. i.e. #1 = your first choice, #3 = your last choice Briefly explain your reasons for your ranking. What is the reason for your #1 choice? Last choice?