Watershed Planning and Biomonitoring

Bridger Creek Biological Monitoring

Concerned about the potential impacts of development of a destination ski resort on a small montane stream, the Bridger Creek Property Owner's Association retained Confluence to assess baseline conditions of the Bridger Creek. Confluence has conducted analyses of macroinvertebrates, periphyton, water chemistry, and riparian health and function at key locations along the creek. These analyses have been compared to conditions following activation of a large septic drainfield located near the stream. The resulting data will be used to develop management recommendations to protect natural resources.

Indian Rocks Ranch Biological Monitoring

Confluence is assisting a Wyoming cattleman to determine the impact of a confined animal feeding operation (CAFO) on the biological integrity of an adjacent stream. This is part of a whole-ranch monitoring plan designed to promote fish and wildlife habitat within an economically profitable ranch operation. Using analyses of macroinvertebrate and periphyton assemblages, Confluence has assessed the biological integrity of South Spring Creek and made management recommendations to maintain the health of this stream.

Biological Assessment of Streams on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, North Dakota

The Three Affiliated Tribes have contracted with Confluence to conduct assessments of biological integrity, riparian condition, and stream morphology on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota. Confluence is using environmental monitoring and assessment protocols (EMAP) developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess 16 prairie streams. Confluence is taking a three-assemblage approach utilizing assessments of fish, periphyton, and macroinvertebrates. These data will be compared with other EMAP sampling efforts in the Northern Plains ecoregion to provide a rigorous assessment of stream health on the reservation.

Technical and Grant Writing Assistance to the Powder River Basin Resource Council

Confluence is assisting a small, grassroots non-profit group to ensure the sustainable and responsible development of coalbed methane in Wyoming. The Powder River Basin Resource Council's chief concerns are the potential for this growing and important industry to affect aquatic life, water quality, and the socioeconomic fabric of their local communities. Confluence is assisting by providing technical input on potential impacts to stream health and irrigation uses. In addition, Confluence is helping the group to explore alternatives that may help address the potential impacts of the coalbed methane industry.

Silver Spring Creek Fish Habitat Assessment and Biomonitoring

Silver Spring Creek was the subject of extensive restoration to improve degraded fish habitat and water quality. Confluence has documented the recovery of this high potential trout fishery through assessment of fish habitat conditions and periphyton communities. Fish habitat was assessed before and after restoration using methodologies described in R1/R4 (Northern/Intermountain Regions) Fish and Fish Habitat Standard Inventory Procedures Handbook. Periphyton communities were assessed along the length of the stream using protocols developed by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. The final results showed marked improvements in aquatic habitat associated with significant increases in fish populations.

Bobtail Creek Watershed Group Grant Writing Assistance

The growth of watershed restoration activities has resulted in intense competition for the limited financial resources to fund these projects. Seeking to increase the probability of securing a grant to address restoration needs in their basin, the Bobtail Creek Watershed Group retained Confluence to prepare a grant for 319 funds. This was a highly competitive grant cycle where requests substantially exceeded available funds. Despite the shortage of available funds, the proposal prepared by Confluence was awarded the majority of the requested funds.