HELLS CANYON WATER QUALITY MONITORING

The purpose of this research project is to begin building an exploratory baseline database of water quality data in the wild and scenic river section of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) for predicting climate change effects. The HCNRA is located in a section of the Snake River where there is a lack of accessibility, so existing data for water quality in the region is limited. A novel water quality monitoring protocol and deployment strategy was developed to assess worst-case water quality conditions, which occur during the hottest part of the year. This poster describes the monitoring protocol, deployment strategy, and results from initial baseline water quality data collection during worst-case conditions. The overall goal of this project is to further our understanding of past and present human impacts on an area that is presently managed to maximize its wildlife, cultural heritage, recreational, and economic values. It is our hope that results from this project will inform future management decisions in the face of climate change, economic pressures, and increasing recreational usage.