Ecological research to inform stream management after wildfires
Warner College of Natural Resources
Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
Larimer
County
(Boulder, Grand, Jackson)
- Natural Resources
- In the field
Primary Topic:
Natural Resources
Other Topics:
Agriculture, Food Systems, Health & Wellbeing, Emergency Management
Internship Overview:
Colorado experienced historic wildfires in 2020 that have had lasting impacts on stream ecosystems. This internship will involve research that aims to 1) understand the effects of wildfires on high elevation stream communities and 2) evaluate management strategies that are designed to mitigate undesirable effects of wildfire on stream ecosystem function. The intern will be based in Ft. Collins and will participate primarily in field research (85%) with some opportunities for laboratory research based at Colorado State University (15%). The field research will involve working with a field crew to survey freshwater streams within the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest. Most survey sites will involve day trips, leaving from Ft. Collins, although a few trips will involve overnight car camping for one night. The survey locations will be within or adjacent to the Cameron Peak, East Troublesome, and Williams Fork fires. Survey work will focus on characterizing aquatic community structure (fish, aquatic macroinvertebrates) and selected stream habitat variables. Some hiking to survey sites will be required while carrying equipment. Laboratory work will involve sample processing of stream macroinvertebrates from benthic or fish diet samples.
Goals, Scope and Objectives:
The main goals for the internship are to: 1) provide training and exposure to field sampling methods in aquatic ecology, 2) develop connections with research mentors and external stakeholders that will facilitate career development, 3) develop skills in science communication via presentation of a scientific poster and participation in outreach opportunities.
The broader goals for the research projects are to: 1) evaluate how stream food webs are changing in the years following severe wildfires, and 2) understand whether management strategies – such as the installation of beaver dam analog structures – are assisting in post-fire stream management goals.
The broader goals for the research projects are to: 1) evaluate how stream food webs are changing in the years following severe wildfires, and 2) understand whether management strategies – such as the installation of beaver dam analog structures – are assisting in post-fire stream management goals.
With which stakeholder group(s) will the intern work?
Key stakeholders include the US Forest Service (Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest, Rocky Mountain Research Station, National Stream and Aquatic Ecology Center) and the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed.
What student learning outcomes do you anticipate and what are the opportunities for professional development?
Student learning outcomes will include:
1) Development of field survey skills in relation to aquatic ecology. This will include use of electroshockers for fish surveys, aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling techniques, and stream habitat variable measurement.
2) Development of aquatic insect identification skills using a dichotomous key in the laboratory.
3) Networking and connections with local natural resource managers (e.g., US Forest Service staff), as well as CSU faculty, grad students, and CSU Extension staff.
4) Development of oral, written, and visual science communication skills. This will be facilitated by opportunities to share research findings with local public organizations, such as Trout Unlimited, as well as with peers and mentors in the CSU community.
1) Development of field survey skills in relation to aquatic ecology. This will include use of electroshockers for fish surveys, aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling techniques, and stream habitat variable measurement.
2) Development of aquatic insect identification skills using a dichotomous key in the laboratory.
3) Networking and connections with local natural resource managers (e.g., US Forest Service staff), as well as CSU faculty, grad students, and CSU Extension staff.
4) Development of oral, written, and visual science communication skills. This will be facilitated by opportunities to share research findings with local public organizations, such as Trout Unlimited, as well as with peers and mentors in the CSU community.
