[Watersheds] Release of the Final National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2008-2009 Report

[Panciera, Ernie (DEM)]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Weinberg, Anne <Weinberg.Anne at epa.gov<mailto:Weinberg.Anne at epa.gov>>
Date: Mon, Mar 21, 2016 at 12:11 PM
Subject: [npsinfo] Announcement: Release of the Final National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2008-2009 Report
To: NPS Information Exchange <npsinfo at lists.epa.gov<mailto:npsinfo at lists.epa.gov>>

We are pleased to announce the release of the final National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2008-2009 report, one of four National Aquatic Resource Surveys.   The report and associated data are available at http://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/nrsa.

Key findings from the report include:

-          Almost half of our rivers and streams do not support healthy biological communities; 25% of river and stream miles are in fair condition; and 28% are in good condition.

-          Nutrient pollution and poor habitat are widespread problems across the country.  Rivers and streams with high levels of phosphorus, nitrogen and streambed sediments are about twice as likely to have poor biological communities.

-          Compared to the findings of the 2004 Wadeable Streams Assessment, the NRSA found some significant changes in stream condition.  Biological quality declined by 9% and phosphorus conditions declined by 14%.  On the other hand, indicators measuring riparian vegetation cover and riparian disturbance improved by 10% and 12% respectively.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the NRSA lead -  Richard Mitchell (202-566-0644); mitchell.richard at epa.gov<mailto:mitchell.richard at epa.gov>

Sincerely,
Sarah

Sarah Lehmann
202-566-1379
Lehmann.sarah at epa.gov<mailto:Lehmann.sarah at epa.gov>


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