anchor.diff:  41	James Morris	Project	Airation	Lake	Lake:Lake Huron	Invasive Species	Current toxicants used to control AIS are non-selective and applied throughout the entire water column, resulting in equal exposures of native and invasive species to the toxicant. Development of a delivery system that is selectively consumed by or active in an invasive species could reduce non-target species exposure to the toxicant and may enhance selectivity and reduce effects to non-target species. Development of such delivery methodologies will require full understanding of native and invasive species gill and gut enzyme activity and physiology, because a targeted delivery system will likely use an oral or gill adhesion delivery route. Tasks completed in 2010 included the literature review, native planktivore selection to study their gastroinintestinal system, creating the Real Time – Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) protocol for gene sequence, creating field testing protocols, and sampling of planktivore digestive track. Research will be conducted to identify and characterize potential bioactive agent delivery sites within native fishes, especially those with potential dietary or other life history overlap with bighead and silver carp, including the gill, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Research will focus on acquisition of data on important characteristics of native species (e.g., enzyme, protein, lipid, carbohydrate components, pH, and enteric microbial community).	Identify Asian Carp Organs Susceptible to Encapsulated Toxicants	-105.108	39.801	TRUE	-105.5	39.411	-104.5	40.243
   42	Kurt Kowalski	Publication	Citation	Lake	Lake:Lake Superior	Invasive Species	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will conduct studies to  test new strategies to reduce the invasive properties of Phragmites and minimize its competitive advantage.   Phragmites, an invasive wetland plant, continues to spread throughout the Great Lakes.  This plant inhibits natural coastal functions such as nursery areas for critical fish and wildlife habitat and it blocks valuable lake views.  The current control strategies are time, labor, and resource intensive, so innovative methods to control the spread of Phragmites or minimize its invasive properties are needed.  The invasive form of Phragmites is a well-established pest in many parts of the Great Lakes and the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts, including Areas of Concern (AOC).  It is currently managed using a suite of resource-intensive methods including manipulating water levels, applying herbicides, mowing/disking, and burning.  Although new biological control options (i.e., insects) are being developed, conventional management tools being used now are unsustainable because of their time- and resource-intensive nature (i.e., expensive repeated applications are required).  A similar situation exists for many other invasive plants (i.e., pests) across the nation, so new innovative control options that sustainably target the competitive advantage often enjoyed by invasive plants will contribute to a broad Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy.  IPM involves a coordinated application of methods to minimize pest damage using the least hazardous and most efficient means possible.  It involves examination of the pest and environmental conditions during the many phases of invasion or establishment (e.g., prevention, monitoring and mapping distribution, biology, best management practices, building partnerships among stakeholders, evaluating results of management strategies).  This project targets the organisms that may help Phragmites spread and will employ a molecular genetic approach to silence the genes in Phragmites that allow it to reproduce and grow.  Finally, this project focuses on the people side of Phragmites IPM, including building partnerships among stakeholders, evaluating results of control efforts, and feeding information back into the adaptive management process. Phase 1 of the project (i.e., FY 2010 - 2012) was focused on developing sustainable invasive species control methods (i.e., targeting symbiosis with endophytic fungi, silencing genes that code for aggressive plant traits) that will promote the restoration and management of critical fish and wildlife habitats within the Great Lakes basin and across the nation.  When considered in an IPM context, it was focusing on understanding the physical and biological factors affecting the number and distribution of Phragmites populations.  It also was focused on identifying how Phragmites and other invasive plant species were interacting with their environments to gain a competitive advantage over native plants and exploring what chemical and biological processes may be targets for control.  Innovative strategies have shown encouraging progress.  Endophytic fungi were isolated in Phragmites, a new scientific discovery that now gives us a target for disrupting symbiotic relationships within the plants.  In addition, preliminary field trials suggest that Phragmites appears to have sensitivity to fungicide.  Similarly, our gene silencing work resulted in multiple sets of degenerative primers that were designed for genes associated with Phragmites photosynthesis, root development and reproduction.  Several Phragmites genes and delivery vectors are being tested in the Wayne State laboratory in preparation of field experiments into FY 2013.  Most significantly, we have successfully silenced a photosynthesis gene (i.e., created an albino leaf) in maize as we transition the technology to Phragmites. In to FY 2013 (i.e., Phase 2), we will use the early results of this project to emphasize how this work, for a relativel	Innovative Phragmites Control Strategy	-109.925	30.43	TRUE	-112.7	27.925	-106.8	32.622
   43	Kurt Kowalski	Data	Forecast 	Lake	Lake:Lake Erie	Invasive Species	Two species of invasive Asian carps (bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and silver carp H. molitrix) have been documented to be potentially migrating into Lake Michigan from the Illinois River system. Sampling funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and completed by Notre Dame University using an eDNA method has indicated the presence of the Asian Carp upstream of the electric fish barrier on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC). The electric fish barrier was erected on the CSSC upstream of the confluence with the Des Plaines River to prevent invasive species from moving between the Mississippi River Basin and the Lake Michigan Basin. The CSSC is hydraulically connected to the Grand Calumet River/Indiana Harbor Canal and the Little Calumet River through the Cal-Sag Channel providing another potential pathway to Lake Michigan if the barrier is breeched. These and other components of the Chicago River are collectively known as the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS). If Asian Carp move through the CAWS and become established in Lake Michigan, several tributary rivers may provide suitable spawning habitat. Although the carp primarily live in slow moving water, they are thought to require streams with certain length, velocity, and turbulence to spawn (Kolar and others, 2007). Kolar and others (2007) contains a map of 22 rivers flowing into Lakes Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior that may meet the criteria for spawning (see map). However, after discussion with the Wisconsin Water Science Center (Kevin Richards, personal communication), the Sheboygan and Manitowok Rivers were eliminated. Both have dams that shorten the river length available for fish passage to below what is thought to be conducive to spawning. Instead, the Milwaukee River was suggested because it has a sufficient reach length, due to a recent dam removal and a large quantity of data available. This investigation would focus on determining the spawning suitability of the two rivers closest to the outlet of the CAWS into Lake Michigan's Saint Joseph River in Michigan and the Milwaukee River in Wisconsin. Asian carps spawn in rivers, in locations of high water turbulence. The eggs and young larvae drift in the current. They are slightly heavier than water but remain in the drift because of the turbulence of flowing water. If the eggs and preswimming larvae sink to the bottom and remain there, they are generally not thought to survive. Thus a river with adequate current and reach length to keep the eggs and larvae adrift through this period is considered a requirement for reproduction of Asian carps and survival of their eggs and larvae. One hundred kilometers is often given as a rough estimate of the minimum river length required (Krykhtin and Gorbach 1981), but the actual minimum length of river would vary among rivers, depending upon variables such as water temperature (which controls developmental rate of the eggs and larvae), current velocity, and the longitudinal dispersal of the eggs and larvae in the drift. Also, a minimum current velocity below which eggs and larvae would settle to the bottom most likely must be maintained throughout the drift. Reported velocities of rivers where carp successfully reproduce ranged from 0.6 to 2.3 m/s (Chang 1966; Verigin et al. 1978), but unpublished data indicate that lower minimum velocities may be possible (Dr. István Tátrai, Senior Sentist, Balaton Limnological Research Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, personal communication). It is unknown if the minimum velocity varies with developmental stage or between eggs and larvae. More research is needed to quantify the hydraulic conditions and the temperature requirements for Asian Carp development. Once these requirements are better quantified, a model can be developed to refine the screening processes for rivers for spawning and egg and larvae development suitability to focus monitoring and spawning control strategies.	The Potential for Breeding in Tributaries of the Great Lakes by Asian Carp	-109.925	30.43	TRUE	-112.7	27.925	-106.8	32.622
  -44	Jeffrey Frey	Project	Asian carp	Lake	Lake:Lake Michigan	Nearshore Health and Pollution	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists will conduct fish sampling in Indiana to determine the main causes of impairment of Pigeon Creek. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Indiana State agencies will use the data to evaluate ways to improve water quality. Fish assemblage data is needed to develop total maximum daily loads and implementation plans for impaired AOCs and tributaries in the Basin.  Development of the TMDLs will include determining the sources of the pollutant, calculating loading allocations to ensure the designated uses will be met, and developing an implementation plan to achieve these allocations.   TMDLs will address several pollutants including nutrients, sediment and degraded habitat. Sample fish communities at 40-50 sites in Pigeon Creek watershed. This sampling will provide information that USEPA needs in fulfilling its role under the Clean Water Act (CWA) of developing TMDLs for the list of impaired waters submitted by States and Tribes. The Pigeon Creek watershed is listed in 2008 by Indiana as impaired for biotic communities with possible causes due to sediment and nutrients.  Sampling to determine the fish assemblages in the Pigeon Creek watershed will assist USEPA and IDEM clarify the main causes of impairment in the Pigeon Creek watershed.	Data for Development of Watershed TMDLs in the Great Lakes Basin	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  -45	Dale Robertson	Data	Water 	Lake	Lake:Lake Erie	Nearshore Health and Pollution	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists will assess the hydrology, water quality, and response to simulated changes in phosphorus loading of the Winnebago Pool Lakes, Wisconsin.  By quantifying the sources of phosphorus; and using models to simulate the likely response of each of these Lakes to changes in phosphorus loading, various lake-management actions will be assessed to improve water quality, and provide information to construct a Total Maximum Daily Load for the Winnebago Pool Lakes.  A detailed water budget will be developed for the Pool Lakes by measuring all major inflow and outflow sources and estimating the magnitude of minor sources. A detailed phosphorus budget will be obtained by quantifying the phosphorus loading associated with each water inflow and outflow source. Loading at each stream monitoring site will be estimated using a rating curve method or GCLAS with streamflow monitored by the USGS (three sites are being monitored by the USGS as part of this study) and water quality data collected by the Wisconsin DNR. Loading from ungaged areas will be obtained from the SWAT modeling being performed in the basin as part of separate studies. The current water quality (trophic state) of each of the four lakes in the Winnebago Pool will be obtained from the Wisconsin DNR and evaluated relative to longer-term trends.  These data will be used to verify/calibrate selected models in BATHTUB. BATHTUB will then be used to simulate the likely response of each of the Pool Lakes to phosphorus loading changes associated with various lake-management actions that might be implemented and specific climate scenarios. Output from the lake to the Lower Fox River will be estimated from data collected by the Wisconsin DNR at Neenah and Menasha and using output from the BATHTUB model. This information will be supplied to those modeling the watershed downstream of Lake Winnebago.	Development of Watershed TMDLs in the Great Lakes Basin	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  -46	James Morris	Publication	Streamflow	Lake	Lake:Lake Huron	Nearshore Health and Pollution	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)  is developing rapid water quality assessment approaches and decision-making tools that provide timely and accurate information to beach managers and the public on daily swimming conditions and beach health.  On-the-ground studies will be  conducted to find sources of pollution and environmental factors that may create a situation where unhealthy bacteria or viruses can live and pose a threat to public health.  Over 56 beaches across the Great Lakes region, in addition to those currently being monitored, will be included in this effort to help meet goals for healthier beaches. USGS will improve and refine existing beach predictive models, rapid methods, and the identification of sources of fecal contamination, pathogens, and viruses at beaches in the Great Lakes in order to improve beach managers decision-making. This funding would be used enhance existing efforts to advance the science of monitoring and assessing recreational water quality to provide beach managers with reliable, science-based information to make well-informed beach closure decisions to protect public health focusing on: 1) Identifying and evaluating new or rapid methods to improve monitoring of bacteria at beaches; 2) Identifying physical and biological processes that influence the occurrence and abundance of key bacteria and pathogens that pose risks to recreational users of beaches and nearshore waters; 3) Enhancing existing models and expanding models to additional beaches to improve forecasts of water quality and support more timely and effective public health warnings, advisories, and beach closures; 4) Improving communication of monitoring and scientific information and developing tools to enhance response of beach managers to changing beach and water quality.	Enhance Great Lakes beach recreational water quality decision making	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  -47	Matt Komiskey	Project	Simulation	Lake	Lake:Lake Superior	Nearshore Health and Pollution	Edge-of-field monitoring stations will measure the quality of water from an adjacent field to allow for a rapid assessment of the results of conservation practices. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) was established to accelerate ecosystem restoration in the Great Lakes by confronting the most serious threats to the region, such as nonpoint source pollution, toxic sediments, and invasive species. Three Priority Watersheds have been targeted by the Regional Working Group's Phosphorus Reduction Work Group (Fox/Green Bay, Saginaw, and Maumee) and are characterized by having a high density of agricultural land use and have ecosystem impairments that have been clearly identified. Within the Fox River Priority Watershed, monitoring is being conducted at the sub-watershed and edge-of-field scale. The edge-of-field stations are targeted to those areas within each watershed that will be directly affected by the conservation efforts. These sites will allow for a rapid assessment of conservation implementation as the water quality from those locations are immediately affected by land-use and management changes and represent the major pathways for non-point pollution to enter the stream.  Relationships between the smaller to sub-watershed scale will help develop an understanding on how conservation efforts may impact the watershed as a whole. This effort will accelerate quantification of current and ongoing efforts in the Lower Fox GLRI Priority subwatershed with a focus on the smallest scale of implementation (field scale) and is responsive to RWG questions/requests regarding the need to quantify impacts of priority GLRI activities through relevant science and monitoring. USGS will undertake and coordinate a multi-agency effort to predict losses of phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment from individual fields using established water quality monitoring networks and simulation tools. Results may be scaled-up to examine broader scale effects and reasonable/achievable reductions that can be expected from targeted activities. Coordination among scientists, water quality specialists, and modelers in NRCS, USGS, EPA, and partnering universities is expected. Linkages between this work and ongoing Great Lakes efforts to establish target loads for subwatersheds (e.g., Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement) will be explored.	Evaluation of Phosphorus Reduction - Fox River	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  -48	Daniel Sullivan	Data	Soils	Lake	Lake:Lake Ontario	Nearshore Health and Pollution	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists will collect water-flow and water-quality data from tributaries to the Great Lakes to measure natural and human-caused sources of nutrients and sediment to the Lakes. Thirty of the 59 major downstream flow gages are continuously operating for water-quality samplings at these sites.  The work builds on current USGS monitoring efforts and those of partners in the Great Lakes. The results of this effort will provide information of current loads and measure the effectiveness of restoration efforts in selected tributaries. The USGS nutrient tributary monitoring network follows the National Monitoring Network for Coastal Waters design. Scientists collect real-time, near-real-time, and synoptic flow and water-quality data (sediment and nutrients) from tributaries to the Great Lakes. The data provide baseline information to assess effectiveness of restoration and land management activities. Site-specific regression equations are being developed to relate selected laboratory-analyzed analyte concentrations in the discrete samples to measurements recorded by the water-quality monitors. This will enable near-continuous estimates of analytes and allow a reduction in laboratory samples, reducing costs while preserving temporal density of data. This work supports Great Lakes Lakewide Area Management Plans and Remedial Action Plans. A methodology for providing uncertainty estimates on regression models of field measurements of water quality vs. hourly surrogate estimates of those water-quality parameters has been developed using Kalman filtering procedures.  These filters will be used to estimate magnitudes and uncertainties of suspended-sediment concentrations and flows, which will help compute the expected magnitudes and uncertainties of loads of selected water-quality constituents at each site in the future.	Forecast/Nowcast Great Lakes Nutrient and Sediment Loadings	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  -49	Cyndi Rachol	Publication	Forecast 	Lake	Lake:Lake St. Clair	Nearshore Health and Pollution	Monitoring stations are installed on a tributary to the Blanchard River.  They are located next to fields that will have agricultural conservation practices implemented soon. The proximity of the stations will allow a more rapid understanding of the effects of conservation practices on water quality. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) was established to accelerate ecosystem restoration in the Great Lakes by confronting the most serious threats to the region, such as nonpoint source pollution, toxic sediments, and invasive species. Three Priority Watersheds have been targeted by the Regional Working Group's Phosphorus Reduction Work Group (Fox/Green Bay, Saginaw, and Maumee) and are characterized by having a high density of agricultural land use and have ecosystem impairments that have been clearly identified. Within the Maumee River Priority Watersheds, monitoring is being conducted at the sub-watershed, edge-of-field, and subsurface-tile scale. The edge-of-field and subsurface-tile monitoring stations are targeted to those areas within each watershed that will be directly affected by the conservation efforts. These sites will allow for a rapid assessment of conservation implementation as the water quality from those locations are immediately affected by land-use and management changes and represent the major pathways for non-point pollution to enter the stream.  Relationships between the smaller to sub-watershed scale will help develop an understanding on how conservation efforts may impact the watershed as a whole. This effort will accelerate quantification of current and ongoing efforts in the Blanchard GLRI Priority subwatershed with a focus on the smallest scale of implementation (field scale) and is responsive to RWG questions/requests regarding the need to quantify impacts of priority GLRI activities through relevant science and monitoring. USGS will undertake and coordinate a multi-agency effort to predict losses of phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment from individual fields using established water quality monitoring networks and simulation tools. Results may be scaled-up to examine broader scale effects and reasonable/achievable reductions that can be expected from targeted activities. Coordination among scientists, water quality specialists, and modelers in NRCS, USGS, EPA, and partnering universities is expected. Linkages between this work and ongoing Great Lakes efforts to establish target loads for subwatersheds (e.g., Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement) will be explored.	Maumee River Edge of Field Monitoring	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  +44	Jeffrey Frey	Project	Asian carp	Lake	Lake:Lake Michigan	Nearshore Health	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists will conduct fish sampling in Indiana to determine the main causes of impairment of Pigeon Creek. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Indiana State agencies will use the data to evaluate ways to improve water quality. Fish assemblage data is needed to develop total maximum daily loads and implementation plans for impaired AOCs and tributaries in the Basin.  Development of the TMDLs will include determining the sources of the pollutant, calculating loading allocations to ensure the designated uses will be met, and developing an implementation plan to achieve these allocations.   TMDLs will address several pollutants including nutrients, sediment and degraded habitat. Sample fish communities at 40-50 sites in Pigeon Creek watershed. This sampling will provide information that USEPA needs in fulfilling its role under the Clean Water Act (CWA) of developing TMDLs for the list of impaired waters submitted by States and Tribes. The Pigeon Creek watershed is listed in 2008 by Indiana as impaired for biotic communities with possible causes due to sediment and nutrients.  Sampling to determine the fish assemblages in the Pigeon Creek watershed will assist USEPA and IDEM clarify the main causes of impairment in the Pigeon Creek watershed.	Data for Development of Watershed TMDLs in the Great Lakes Basin	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  +45	Dale Robertson	Data	Water 	Lake	Lake:Lake Erie	Nearshore Health	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists will assess the hydrology, water quality, and response to simulated changes in phosphorus loading of the Winnebago Pool Lakes, Wisconsin.  By quantifying the sources of phosphorus; and using models to simulate the likely response of each of these Lakes to changes in phosphorus loading, various lake-management actions will be assessed to improve water quality, and provide information to construct a Total Maximum Daily Load for the Winnebago Pool Lakes.  A detailed water budget will be developed for the Pool Lakes by measuring all major inflow and outflow sources and estimating the magnitude of minor sources. A detailed phosphorus budget will be obtained by quantifying the phosphorus loading associated with each water inflow and outflow source. Loading at each stream monitoring site will be estimated using a rating curve method or GCLAS with streamflow monitored by the USGS (three sites are being monitored by the USGS as part of this study) and water quality data collected by the Wisconsin DNR. Loading from ungaged areas will be obtained from the SWAT modeling being performed in the basin as part of separate studies. The current water quality (trophic state) of each of the four lakes in the Winnebago Pool will be obtained from the Wisconsin DNR and evaluated relative to longer-term trends.  These data will be used to verify/calibrate selected models in BATHTUB. BATHTUB will then be used to simulate the likely response of each of the Pool Lakes to phosphorus loading changes associated with various lake-management actions that might be implemented and specific climate scenarios. Output from the lake to the Lower Fox River will be estimated from data collected by the Wisconsin DNR at Neenah and Menasha and using output from the BATHTUB model. This information will be supplied to those modeling the watershed downstream of Lake Winnebago.	Development of Watershed TMDLs in the Great Lakes Basin	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  +46	James Morris	Publication	Streamflow	Lake	Lake:Lake Huron	Nearshore Health	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)  is developing rapid water quality assessment approaches and decision-making tools that provide timely and accurate information to beach managers and the public on daily swimming conditions and beach health.  On-the-ground studies will be  conducted to find sources of pollution and environmental factors that may create a situation where unhealthy bacteria or viruses can live and pose a threat to public health.  Over 56 beaches across the Great Lakes region, in addition to those currently being monitored, will be included in this effort to help meet goals for healthier beaches. USGS will improve and refine existing beach predictive models, rapid methods, and the identification of sources of fecal contamination, pathogens, and viruses at beaches in the Great Lakes in order to improve beach managers decision-making. This funding would be used enhance existing efforts to advance the science of monitoring and assessing recreational water quality to provide beach managers with reliable, science-based information to make well-informed beach closure decisions to protect public health focusing on: 1) Identifying and evaluating new or rapid methods to improve monitoring of bacteria at beaches; 2) Identifying physical and biological processes that influence the occurrence and abundance of key bacteria and pathogens that pose risks to recreational users of beaches and nearshore waters; 3) Enhancing existing models and expanding models to additional beaches to improve forecasts of water quality and support more timely and effective public health warnings, advisories, and beach closures; 4) Improving communication of monitoring and scientific information and developing tools to enhance response of beach managers to changing beach and water quality.	Enhance Great Lakes beach recreational water quality decision making	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  +47	Matt Komiskey	Project	Simulation	Lake	Lake:Lake Superior	Nearshore Health	Edge-of-field monitoring stations will measure the quality of water from an adjacent field to allow for a rapid assessment of the results of conservation practices. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) was established to accelerate ecosystem restoration in the Great Lakes by confronting the most serious threats to the region, such as nonpoint source pollution, toxic sediments, and invasive species. Three Priority Watersheds have been targeted by the Regional Working Group's Phosphorus Reduction Work Group (Fox/Green Bay, Saginaw, and Maumee) and are characterized by having a high density of agricultural land use and have ecosystem impairments that have been clearly identified. Within the Fox River Priority Watershed, monitoring is being conducted at the sub-watershed and edge-of-field scale. The edge-of-field stations are targeted to those areas within each watershed that will be directly affected by the conservation efforts. These sites will allow for a rapid assessment of conservation implementation as the water quality from those locations are immediately affected by land-use and management changes and represent the major pathways for non-point pollution to enter the stream.  Relationships between the smaller to sub-watershed scale will help develop an understanding on how conservation efforts may impact the watershed as a whole. This effort will accelerate quantification of current and ongoing efforts in the Lower Fox GLRI Priority subwatershed with a focus on the smallest scale of implementation (field scale) and is responsive to RWG questions/requests regarding the need to quantify impacts of priority GLRI activities through relevant science and monitoring. USGS will undertake and coordinate a multi-agency effort to predict losses of phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment from individual fields using established water quality monitoring networks and simulation tools. Results may be scaled-up to examine broader scale effects and reasonable/achievable reductions that can be expected from targeted activities. Coordination among scientists, water quality specialists, and modelers in NRCS, USGS, EPA, and partnering universities is expected. Linkages between this work and ongoing Great Lakes efforts to establish target loads for subwatersheds (e.g., Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement) will be explored.	Evaluation of Phosphorus Reduction - Fox River	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  +48	Daniel Sullivan	Data	Soils	Lake	Lake:Lake Ontario	Nearshore Health	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists will collect water-flow and water-quality data from tributaries to the Great Lakes to measure natural and human-caused sources of nutrients and sediment to the Lakes. Thirty of the 59 major downstream flow gages are continuously operating for water-quality samplings at these sites.  The work builds on current USGS monitoring efforts and those of partners in the Great Lakes. The results of this effort will provide information of current loads and measure the effectiveness of restoration efforts in selected tributaries. The USGS nutrient tributary monitoring network follows the National Monitoring Network for Coastal Waters design. Scientists collect real-time, near-real-time, and synoptic flow and water-quality data (sediment and nutrients) from tributaries to the Great Lakes. The data provide baseline information to assess effectiveness of restoration and land management activities. Site-specific regression equations are being developed to relate selected laboratory-analyzed analyte concentrations in the discrete samples to measurements recorded by the water-quality monitors. This will enable near-continuous estimates of analytes and allow a reduction in laboratory samples, reducing costs while preserving temporal density of data. This work supports Great Lakes Lakewide Area Management Plans and Remedial Action Plans. A methodology for providing uncertainty estimates on regression models of field measurements of water quality vs. hourly surrogate estimates of those water-quality parameters has been developed using Kalman filtering procedures.  These filters will be used to estimate magnitudes and uncertainties of suspended-sediment concentrations and flows, which will help compute the expected magnitudes and uncertainties of loads of selected water-quality constituents at each site in the future.	Forecast/Nowcast Great Lakes Nutrient and Sediment Loadings	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  +49	Cyndi Rachol	Publication	Forecast 	Lake	Lake:Lake St. Clair	Nearshore Health	Monitoring stations are installed on a tributary to the Blanchard River.  They are located next to fields that will have agricultural conservation practices implemented soon. The proximity of the stations will allow a more rapid understanding of the effects of conservation practices on water quality. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) was established to accelerate ecosystem restoration in the Great Lakes by confronting the most serious threats to the region, such as nonpoint source pollution, toxic sediments, and invasive species. Three Priority Watersheds have been targeted by the Regional Working Group's Phosphorus Reduction Work Group (Fox/Green Bay, Saginaw, and Maumee) and are characterized by having a high density of agricultural land use and have ecosystem impairments that have been clearly identified. Within the Maumee River Priority Watersheds, monitoring is being conducted at the sub-watershed, edge-of-field, and subsurface-tile scale. The edge-of-field and subsurface-tile monitoring stations are targeted to those areas within each watershed that will be directly affected by the conservation efforts. These sites will allow for a rapid assessment of conservation implementation as the water quality from those locations are immediately affected by land-use and management changes and represent the major pathways for non-point pollution to enter the stream.  Relationships between the smaller to sub-watershed scale will help develop an understanding on how conservation efforts may impact the watershed as a whole. This effort will accelerate quantification of current and ongoing efforts in the Blanchard GLRI Priority subwatershed with a focus on the smallest scale of implementation (field scale) and is responsive to RWG questions/requests regarding the need to quantify impacts of priority GLRI activities through relevant science and monitoring. USGS will undertake and coordinate a multi-agency effort to predict losses of phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment from individual fields using established water quality monitoring networks and simulation tools. Results may be scaled-up to examine broader scale effects and reasonable/achievable reductions that can be expected from targeted activities. Coordination among scientists, water quality specialists, and modelers in NRCS, USGS, EPA, and partnering universities is expected. Linkages between this work and ongoing Great Lakes efforts to establish target loads for subwatersheds (e.g., Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement) will be explored.	Maumee River Edge of Field Monitoring	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
   50	Jeffrey Frey	Project	fish	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Michigan Basin	Invasive Species	Problem: The technology does not currently exist to specifically target Asian carp for control within aquatic ecosystems. Methods with high specificity for Asian carp are necessary to control or eradicate them without further harm to native species and habitat. Action: Development of a targeted oral delivery platform using novel incorporation technologies that have the capacity to deliver biocides to specific target sites in AIS may increase the selectivity and specificity of both current and potential new management chemicals. This large integrated project will focus on developing these approaches for application throughout the Great Lakes. In FY 2010, work will focus on initiating development of new integrated pest management approaches for Asian carps and other invasive aquatic species of concern to Great Lakes managers, including researching candidate bioactive agents, pathogens, and specific targeted delivery platforms.Technologies Using Oral Delivery Platforms for Species Specific Control	Technologies Using Oral Delivery Platforms for Species Specific Control	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
   51	Dale Robertson	Data	tests	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Erie Basin	Invasive Species	March through September 2011:  Identify Asian carp-specific microbial populations; July through September 2011:  Develop Asian carp-specific qPCR test. 	Development of a Rapid and Quantitative Genetic Based Asian Carp Detection Method 	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
   52	James Morris	Publication	Water 	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Huron Basin	Invasive Species	The current status of flow monitoring stations on the Chicago Area Waterway System is insufficient for the evaluation of data from on-going sampling programs targeting Asian Carp detection in the CAWS or for the evaluation of proposed waterway separation scenarios.  Hydraulic and water quality models of the CAWS are an important tool for data-based decision-making.   Development and calibration of these models requires flow data throughout the CAWS.   Phase I of this project will compile historical flow and water-quality data from the CAWS into a single database that will streamline model development and calibration.  Phase II of this project will evaluate the historical database and the current network of gaging stations on the CAWS to identify the critical inputs and gaps in information.  Phase III of the project will fill the data gaps through synoptic field measurements and possible new monitoring locations.  These phases, at times, will be completed concurrently.	Chicago Area Waterway System Monitoring Network Evaluation	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  
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  1	Christine Custer	Project	TOPMODEL	Lake	Lake:Lake Michigan	Toxics and AOCs	U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) will identify through this project significant sources and impacts of historical and newly emerging toxics to the Great Lakes ecosystem through broad surveillance as well as laboratory and field research of tree swallows and other bird species.  USGS scientists will determine the amount of exposure to and the effects of historical and emerging contaminants in Great Lakes food chains. The data will inform regulators and provide guidance on removal of Beneficial Use Impairments at Area of Concern sites around the Great Lakes.  Work supported under this project is quantifying exposure to, and effects of, both historical and emerging contaminants on Great Lakes food chains using sentinel indicator species such as colonial waterbirds and tree swallows.  Results will contribute directly to assessments of Great Lakes ecosystem health and science-based decision making, provide data that will be directly used by States and EPA to assess whether specific BUIs can be removed and AOC's subsequently delisted, provide a baseline for future trend analysis, and determine the effectiveness of recent remediation actions at AOCs and other known hotspots.  The tree swallow data provide for a biological matrix that is consistent across all AOCs and allows direct comparisons among AOCs and comparisons to non-AOC locations across not only the Great Lakes, but also the northern tier of states in the U.S. as well as Canada.  Because swallows can be enticed to nest at AOCs with the use of nest boxes, similar data will be available for all AOCs.  Because there are effects thresholds already established for tree swallows, or other avian species, it can be determined directly whether exposures to contaminants of various chemical classes are at or above levels of concern.  The collection of colonial waterbird data, where those species occur, in conjunction with the tree swallow data, will allow for modeling and assessment of possible contaminant effects throughout the aquatic ecosystem.  The limited feeding radius of swallows and close ties to sediment contamination allow for an assessment of the biological availability of sediment contaminants as well as quantification of changes in sediment contamination that will be directly usable by EPA in remedy effectiveness assessments.	Birds as Indicators of Contmainant Exposure in the Great Lakes	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  2	Bruce Manny	Data	Water 	Lake	Lake:Lake Erie	Toxics and AOCs	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are restoring and enhancing native fish habitat and populations in the Huron-Erie Corridor. A bi-national partnership is identifying, assessing, and prioritizing sites for fish spawning  and nursery habitat restoration to address Beneficial Use Impairments in the Detroit River and St. Clair River Areas of Concern (AOCs). USGS is providing information to help define what constitutes adequate restoration in AOCs.  USGS and partners are measuring restoration success through pre- and post-habitat construction assessments. The purpose of this work is to develop scientifically sound, adaptive management strategies and management tools to restore high fishery productivity in the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers and to provide relevant up-to-date biological information to assist development of delisting criteria for the fish habitat loss Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI) 14. The design and planning work funded by this template aids in our understanding of the natural processes occurring in the system in order to best apply efforts aimed at restoring and enhancing native fish habitat and populations in the Huron-Erie Corridor through multi-agency/organization bi-national partnerships.  Identifying, assessing, and prioritizing sites of natural fish spawning and nursery activity will provide essential information required for future fish spawning habitat construction and potential areas of fish nursery habitat restoration designed to address BUIs in the corridor and help define what constitutes adequate remediation in the AOC. Loss of fish and wildlife habitat is BUI 14 in the St. Clair and Detroit River AOC.  Since 2003, research monitoring and fish spawning habitat construction by the US Geological Survey, in collaboration with the Michigan Sea Grant and 15 other partners, has remediated loss of fish and wildlife habitat in the Detroit River, at Belle Isle and at Fighting Island at a combined cost of $780,000 from US and Canadian sources.  A third fish habitat remediation project by USGS and Michigan Sea Grant, funded by the NOAA Great Lakes Habitat Restoration Program, resulted in construction of 1.25 acres of fish spawning habitat in the Middle Channel of the St. Clair River during the summer of 2012, at a cost of $1,053,000. These three fish spawning habitat remediation projects have increased spawning success of more than 12 native fish species in the Detroit River, including the State- and Provincially-threatened lake sturgeon, and the commercially-valuable lake whitefish and walleye that support fisheries in Lake Erie, worth over $2 billion per year. The purpose and objectives of this research are compatible with the Strategic Vision for the U.S. Geological Survey in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Region (USGS 2000) and the National Fish Habitat Action Plan (www.fishhabitat.org). In 2011, with $100,000 of funding from the USEPA, the USGS modeled where water depth and water flow velocity are suitable for spawning by desirable native fish species, such as lake sturgeon, lake whitefish, and walleye, in the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers (see Bennion and Manny 2011a). This research revealed nine sites in the St. Clair and nine sites in the Detroit Rivers where water depth and flow are theoretically suitable for spawning by these three and other native fish species in these two rivers. Based on selected environmental criteria, the model assumed that these are the most suitable sites for successful spawning by native fish in the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers. Our scientific assessments will measure the increase in fish production at the selected sites, as a result of this fish spawning habitat construction project. Concurrently, geospatial modeling will be conducted by D. Bennion and B. Manny to assess connectivity of St. Clair River fish spawning habitat site to fish nursery habitat in the St Clair and Detroit Rivers, the St. Clair Delta, and Lake St. Clair. The St. Clair River AOC Habitat Public Advisory	Design and Planning Fish Habitat Remediation Projects St. Clair and Detroit AOCs	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  3	Steve Corsi	Publication	Streamflow	Lake	Lake:Lake Huron	Toxics and AOCs	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is identifying the types and locations of emerging and legacy toxic contaminants in the water and sediments at 59 major tributaries to the Great Lakes (including many Area of Concern sites). This information is needed  to help prioritize watersheds for restoration, develop strategies to reduce contaminants, and measure the success of those efforts in meeting restoration goals.  The USGS contaminant and virus tributary monitoring network follows the National Monitoring Network for Coastal Waters design. The monitoring effort includes collecting emerging contaminant samples at 17 sites, a subset of the 30 nutrient monitoring sites; and for human viruses and other waterborne pathogen samples at 8 of these 17 sites; using automated, passive, surrogate, and manual sampling. This information will provide baseline information, provide support for measuring restoration progress, and provide potential load change information throughout the Great Lakes. The USGS contaminant and virus tributary monitoring network follows the National Monitoring Network for Coastal Waters design. The monitoring effort includes collecting emerging contaminant samples at 17 sites, a subset of the 30 nutrient monitoring sites (Template 76); and human viruses and other waterborne pathogen samples at 8 of these 17 sites; using automated, passive, surrogate, and manual sampling. This information will provide baseline information, provide support for measuring restoration progress, and provide potential load change information throughout the Great Lakes.	Determine Baseline and Sources of Toxic Contaminant Loadings	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  4	Rip Shively	Project	Simulation	Lake	Lake:Lake Superior	Toxics and AOCs	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will assist the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, states, and tribes in their efforts to establish water quality criteria for the protection of aquatic organisms under the Clean Water Act. USGS will provide information from a series of projects focused on toxicity studies to develop and standardize test methods for assessing the sensitivity of freshwater mussels and other aquatic organisms to toxic contaminants.	Developing Toxicity Tests	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  5	Rip Shively	Data	Soils	Lake	Lake:Lake Ontario	Toxics and AOCs	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are conducting long-term tests of acute and chronic toxicity of selected chemicals to important aquatic species in the Great Lakes basin. Task 1a. Examination of the effect of chloride on the acute and chronic toxicity of nitrate using Ceriodaphnia dubia and Hyalella azteca ($108,000 gross funding). It has been well established that increasing chloride concentration in water reduces the toxicity of nitrite (NO2) to invertebrates, including crayfish, amphipods, and midges.  Increased chloride concentrations have also been shown to ameliorate fluoride toxicity to net-spinning caddisflies, and sulfate toxicity to the amphipod Hyalella azteca.  No work has been done to characterize the effects of chloride concentration on nitrate (NO3) toxicity, but anecdotal evidence of an effect may exist in the fact that the chronic effects of NO3 reported for the cladoceran Ceriodaphnia dubia by Scott and Crunkilton (2000: Environ Toxicol Chem 19:2918-2922) using a water with chloride of about 2 to 4 mg/L were observed at concentrations about 14 fold lower than those observed in a recent test conducted at the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) using a water with about 34 mg/L chloride.  To develop the most accurate water quality standard possible for NO3, it is necessary to characterize the relationship between ambient chloride concentration and acute and chronic NO3 toxicity.  Toxicity testing will be conducted with C. dubia and H. azteca as test organisms.  Acute NO3 toxicity tests will be conducted with both species at about five different chloride concentrations spanning the natural range of chloride concentrations in surface waters of EPA Region 5.  Chronic NO3 toxicity tests will also be conducted with both organisms using a subset of the chloride concentrations used in the acute tests. Results of this study provide data that could be used by EPA to help develop or refine state standards or national criteria for NO3.  Task 1b. Influence of water hardness on the chronic toxicity of sulfate and chloride to fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and cladocerans (Ceriodaphnia dubia; $210,000 gross funding). USGS-Columbia has completed a series of acute and chronic sulfate toxicity tests with a variety of test organisms including fathead minnows, cladocerans, mussels, and midge. Results of the study indicate that fathead minnows and cladocerans were the most sensitive test organisms; however, testing was only conducted at one level of water hardness. Similarly, chronic toxicity data for chloride are available for a limited number of species (primarily cladocerans, fathead minnows, and trout). Published studies have documented a protective effect of water hardness on sulfate or chloride toxicity, but these studies have primary been short-term exposures. The objective of this study will be to evaluate influence of three levels of water hardness on the chronic toxicity of sulfate or chloride to fathead minnows in 34-day early life stage exposures and to cladocerans in 7-day exposures. Levels of water hardness to be tested will be selected to be representative of the range of water quality conditions across the Great Lakes. Endpoints to be evaluated will include hatching, survival, length, weight and biomass of fathead minnows, and survival and reproduction of cladocerans. Results of this study will determine if there is an influence of water quality on the chronic toxicity of sulfate or chloride, rather than extrapolating these relationships from toxicity data generated from short-term exposures. Results of this study will provide data that could be used by EPA to help develop or refine state standards or national criteria for sulfate or chloride. Task 1c.  Evaluation of the effects of calcium or potassium as toxicants and their influence on the toxicity of other anions ($175,000 gross funding). The toxicity of potassium or calcium to select aquatic organism has been evaluated primarily in acute exposure.	Development of Critical Information	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  6	David Walters	Publication	Forecast 	Lake	Lake:Lake St. Clair	Toxics and AOCs	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will provide contaminated sediment assessment as part of the Great Lakes Legacy Act.  The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working under the Legacy Act to assess and remediate contaminated sediments in Great Lakes Areas of Concern since 2004. USGS will assist the EPA in evaluating the relationship between sediment contamination and adverse biological effects at select site(s) which will be necessary to prepare sites for sediment remediation. | The science issues discussed above for this task will be approached through several inter-related objectives. It is anticipated that different laboratories may take lead responsibility for each of these objectives. Funding required for these other organizations to provide technical assistance or to conduct studies may be provided: (1) through a modification to this IAG, (2) through separate IAGs established between USEPA and other organizations, or (3) through separate funding mechanisms from funding sources other than USEPA.  Great Lakes Legacy Act Support 	David Walters Publication	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  7	Steve Corsi	Project	fish	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Michigan Basin	Toxics and AOCs	USGS scientists will develop support to State partners for the removal of Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) such as fish consumption advisories, fish tumor presence, Eutrophication and unwanted algae, drinking water problems, beach health, and concentrations of PCBs in lake trout and walleyes. Areas of Concern (AOC) principles and guidelines were developed as an initial reference point from which appropriate restoration criteria could be developed. Stage 2 Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) were developed for each of these AOCs to address impairments to any one of 14 beneficial uses associated with these areas. Specific remediation actions are completed in order to restore the beneficial use. When monitoring data shows a beneficial use is no longer impaired, the state and EPA can remove that BUI. When data shows all identified beneficial use impairments have been eliminated, the EPA can submit a proposal to the International Joint Commission (IJC) for removing the designation of AOC in its entirety. Specific information and measureable indicators are needed in order to demonstrate restoration of the beneficial use. The USGS will meet with State partners, and others, to develop a scientific framework to support decision needs specific to the AOCs, and when possible across multiple AOCs. This may include: determining appropriate measureable indicators, compilation of existing data and information, defining reference conditions, development of decision support framework, discussion of monitoring needed, etc. The Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) where USGS will be most likely to be of help are: fish consumption advisories, fish tumor presence, eutrophication and unwanted algae, drinking water problems, beach health, and concentrations of PCBs in lake trout and walleyes. The other area that we can and are providing support is in assessing new toxic threats.	AOC Decision Support	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  8	Cris Ingersol	Data	TOPMODEL	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Erie Basin	Toxics and AOCs	A number of field studies have shown that mayflies (Ephemeroptera) tend to be more sensitive than other benthic macroinvertebrate taxa to elevated levels of total dissolved solids in streams impacted by mining. Until relatively recently, difficulties with culturing have precluded the use of mayflies as laboratory toxicity testing organisms; however, researchers at Stroud Water Research Center have found parthenogenic species that readily reproduce under laboratory conditions, and researchers at the US EPA EERD laboratory have developed laboratory cultured diets for mayflies that will help to move toward standardization of methods. Recent efforts at the Illinois Natural History Survey built upon these efforts and developed a method for conducting full life-cycle toxicity tests with the mayfly Centroptilum triangulifer using a modification of the EERD laboratory cultured diet. Endpoints for the full life-cycle test included survival to pre-emergent nymph (PEN) stage, number of days to PEN stage, percent emergence, pre-egg-laying live weight, and number of eggs produced. Initial tests were conducted with sodium salts of chloride, sulfate, and nitrate. In acute (96-h) exposures, LC50s for C. triangulifer were approximately one half to two thirds of those generated in our laboratory with Ceriodaphnia dubia. In the full life-cycle chloride test, the most sensitive endpoints were survival to PEN stage, and mean number of days to PEN stage, with a maximum allowable toxicant concentration (MATC) of 267 mg Cl-/L. The fact that major ion toxicity to standard laboratory test organisms like cladocerans, amphipods, and fish, are dependent on the ionic composition of water or an effluent has been well established. Researchers at the US EPA laboratory in Duluth, MN, previously developed statistical models to predict toxicity of high TDS waters to standard test organisms based on ionic composition, and current efforts in that laboratory are aimed at improving the model. It is known that for crustaceans and fish, solutions tend to be more toxic when dominated by particular major ions (i.e., K+, Mg+, HCO3-), and toxicity due to several individual ions, including SO42-, is reduced when solutions contain more than one cation. However, essentially nothing is known about how ionic composition influences responses of C. triangulifer to elevated major ions. Because this mayfly appears to be more sensitive to elevated major ions than other laboratory cultured test organisms, studies with this organism that could contribute to the development of the new ion toxicity model are required.	Toxicity Testing of Mayflies	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  9	Cecil Jennings	Publication	Water 	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Huron Basin	Toxics and AOCs	The overall goal of this project is to provide information for determining the appropriate duration of glochidia toxicity tests.  Specific objectives are: 1) Determine if the duration of glochidia viability (determined by closing response to NaCl) is equivalent to the duration of infectivity- the ability to attach to a host fish and metamorphose successfully into the juvenile stage; 2) Determine if the duration of infectivity of glochidia deposited in natural stream sediment is similar to the duration observed in water-only exposures; and 3) Determine the probability that deposited glochidia will infect host fish, using representative mussel-host species pairs.	Determining the Appropriate Duration of Toxicity Tests with Glochidia of Native Freshwater Mussels	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  10	Nile Kemble	Project	Streamflow	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Superior Basin	Toxics and AOCs	Hyallela azteca is an organism that is easily cultured in the laboratory and is used commonly to generate toxicity data for purposes of deriving aquatic life criteria.  At present, there are questions about the culture of the organisms in the laboratory when conducting acute and chronic toxicity tests.  The makeup of the water, type of substrate, food and brood stock used for culturing and during the test were affecting the results of the toxicity tests.	Evaluating conditions used to culture or conduct toxicity tests with the amphipod Hyalella azteca	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  11	Chris Ingersoll	Data	Simulation	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Ontario Basin	Toxics and AOCs	Goal of this task is to conduct studies to determine the acute and chronic toxicity of sulfate (as sodium sulfate) to early life stages of: (1) fish (fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas), (2) snails (pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis), and (3) mussels (fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea).	Generation of Chronic Toxicity Data for Sulfate	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  12	Chris Ingersoll	Publication	Soils	Watershed	Watershed:Lake St. Clair Basin	Toxics and AOCs	Currently, a standard test method does not exist for evaluating the effects of sediment-associated toxicants on freshwater mussels.  A standard guide for conducting water-only laboratory toxicity tests with freshwater mussels was approved in 2006 (ASTM 2008a) and provides a tested and validated, consensus-based methodology for conducting acute or chronic water toxicity tests with the early life stages (glochidia and juveniles) of freshwater mussels.  Several recent peer-reviewed scientific publications have presented data on various toxicants (Bringolf et al. 2007a,b,c; Wang et al. 2007a,b,c) generated with this method and demonstrate consistency and reliability in inter-laboratory (round robin) toxicity tests similar to other aquatic organisms (Wang et al. 2007a).  Because sediments are critical to the existence of an already imperiled mussel fauna, assessing the effects of sediment-associated contaminants and evaluating their quality in a more standard approach would enable more effective protection and conservation.	Development and Demonstration of a Sediment Toxicity Test Method with Freshwater Mussels for Assessing Sediment Contaminants in the Great Lakes Basin and within North America	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  13	Edward Little	Project	Forecast 	Channel	Channel:St. Mary's Channel	Toxics and AOCs	Determine the relative sensitivity of two species of amphibians (i.e. Wood Frogs Rana sylvatica, Cricket Frogs Acris crepitans blanchardi, American Toad Bufo americana) to exposure to acute and chronic levels of nitrate, nitrite and ammonia.  This data will be used to evaluate the current ammonia criteria and for possible inclusion in the development of criteria for nitrite and nitrate.	Determination of the Sensitivity of Two Species of Amphibians to Toxicity From Nitrate, Nitrite and Ammonia	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  14	Tom Kwak	Data	Fish	Channel	Channel:St. Lawrence Channel	Toxics and AOCs	The overall goal of this project is to provide information on the sensitivity of native freshwater mussels to selected contaminants of emerging concern.  Specific tasks are to: 1) Evaluate the acute and chronic toxicity of contaminants of emerging concern which may include, but not limited to ethynylestradiol, testosterone, fadrazole, fluoxetine, perfluorinated chemicals, atrazine, mercury, tributyltin, or 4-nonylphenol to early life stages (glochidia, early juveniles) of freshwater mussels; 2) Assess the reproductive effects of 1-2 of the chemicals listed in objective 1or another high priority chemical to be determined on gravid adult female mussels by evaluating endpoints such as glochidia viability, steroid hormone, vitellogenin, or lipid  concentrations, and other appropriate biomarkers of exposure and effect; 3) Perform host fish transformation experiments with glochidia that have been exposed in marsupia to 1-2 of the chemicals listed in objective 1or another high priority chemical to be determined on transformation rates (from glochidia to juvenile stage), sex ratio, or juvenile growth rates; and 4) Assess the reproductive effects of 1-2 of the chemicals listed in objective 1or another high priority chemical to be determined on juvenile mussels exposed at critical periods during their development and grown out to sub-adults/adults in experimental systems to assess potential effects on endpoints such as sex determination, reproductive enzymes, proteins, or lipids, and fecundity.	Contaminants of Emerging Concern in the Great Lakes Basin: Studies Evaluating Differing Modes of Action and Reproductive Effects with Freshwater Mussels	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  15	Michael Jawson	Publication	Rivermouth	Channel	Channel:Detroit Channel	Invasive Species	This project will support USGS efforts to control Asian Carp in the Great Lakes. USGS scientists are developing Asian carp control techniques that can substantially improve the ability of natural resource managers to selectively target Asian carp without harming other fish species.  A system is being tested that encapsulates the chemical control ingredients and is orally delivered into the Asian carp to reduce their populations. Specific substances are also being identified that could be used to attract Asian carp into a specific area for application of chemical controls.  Scientists are also assessing the risk of Asian carp surviving in the Great Lakes and on the foods they eat since the carp have been observed to eat algae and other organic matter. USGS scientists are mapping other pathways for water flow from the Mississippi watershed into the Great Lakes that may bypass an electric fish barrier on the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal when certain flood flow conditions occur. These other pathways may provide an opportunity for Asian carps to move from the Mississippi River basin into the Great Lakes.  USGS scientists are also developing potential methods of using sound amplitude and frequency to disrupt spawning of Asian carps.	Asian Carp Control	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  16	Michael Jawson	Data	Radiation	Channel	Channel:Niagara Channel	Invasive Species	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is developing Asian carp control techniques that can substantially improve the ability of natural resource managers to selectively target Asian carp without harming other fish species.  A system is being tested that encapsulates the chemical control ingredients and is orally delivered into the Asian carp to reduce their populations. Specific substances are also being identified that could be used to attract Asian carp into a specific area for application of chemical controls.  Scientists are also assessing the risk of Asian carp surviving in the Great Lakes and on the foods they eat since the carp have been observed to eat algae and other organic matter.	Chemical Tools to Control Asian Carp and Zebra Mussels	-94.588	45.481	TRUE	-95.02	44.998	-94.06	45.872
  17	Doug Yeskis	Project	Ventilation	Channel	Channel:St. Clair/Detroit River System	Invasive Species	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are mapping other pathways for water flow from the Mississippi watershed into the Great Lakes that may bypass an electric fish barrier on the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal when certain flood flow conditions occur. These other pathways may provide an opportunity for Asian carps to move from the Mississippi River basin into the Great Lakes.  U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are also developing potential methods of using sound amplitude and frequency to disrupt spawning of Asian carps.	Identify pathways for inter-basin invasive species transfer	-95.203	34.275	TRUE	-96.3	33.352	-94.32	35.066
  18	David Krabbenhoft	Publication	Procrastination	Lake	Lake:Lake Michigan	Toxics and AOCs	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are improving the health of the Great Lakes sport and commercial fisheries by examining the processes that result in mercury entering the food chain, determining how it affects the fish, and helping to evaluate the implications for public health.  Our scientists will provide decision-makers with a scientific understanding of mercury processes that will help them to recommend actions that could help restore a healthier fishery. The USGS will develop information on the internal (within lake) and external (watershed) sources of methylmercury, which is the form of mercury that bioaccumulates in fish and other aquatic organisms, for all five Great Lakes. In the absence of this information, prescribing corrective measures for unsafe mercury levels in sport and commercial fish are very difficult to ascertain. The USGS will develop information on the internal (within lake) and external (watershed) sources of methylmercury, which is the form of mercury that bioaccumulates in fish and other aquatic organisms, for all five Great Lakes. In addition to source identification, this project quantifies methylmercury degradation mechanisms and rates to improve our understanding of controls spatial gradients across the Great Lakes.  In the absence of this information, prescribing corrective measures for unsafe mercury levels in sport and commercial fish are very difficult to ascertain. In FY 2013, the work funded by this template will focus on science synthesis from the two previous years of data collection, and to collaborate on the production of a numerical simulation model of mercury cycling (driven by sources and key processes) with an initial focus on Lakes Michigan and Superior.	Mercury Cycling and Bioaccumulation in the Great Lakes	-78.153	37.176	TRUE	-78.81	35.725	-77.71	38.67
  19	Edward Bugliosi	Data	Hydration	Lake	Lake:Lake Erie	Toxics and AOCs	USGS scientists are supporting removal of Beneficial Use Impairments at selected Areas of Concern by identifying contaminants in riparian insects, sediments and benthic invertebrae, and on beaches. This project will support Template 370 by funding work at contract laboratories.  Samples of spiders, adult aquatic insects, terrestrial insects, and other terrestrial arthropods from the Manistique River and Harbor AOC and the Ashtabula AOC will be collected and sent to contract laboratories for analysis.  US EPA (GLNPO and ORD) and other Federal, State, and Local agencies may also collect additional data on contaminant concentrations in water, sediment, and biota at these sites.  This project will support Template 370 by funding work at contract laboratories.  Samples of spiders, adult aquatic insects, terrestrial insects, and other terrestrial arthropods from the Manistique River and Harbor AOC and the Ashtabula AOC will be collected and sent to contract laboratories for analysis.  US EPA (GLNPO and ORD) and other Federal, State, and Local agencies may also collect additional data on contaminant concentrations in water, sediment, and biota at these sites.  This project will quantify contaminant exposure in riparian food webs and identify robust sentinels of ecosystem recovery in order facilitate delisting of AOCs and to remove beneficial use impairments (BUIs).  These data will be used to evaluate BUIs, to evaluate the relationship between sediment contamination and adverse biological exposures, and to identify areas that require additional source control and or active remediation efforts.  Research will focus on 5 potential sites, with the goal of working on 1-2 sites eligible for delisting from 2012 to 2014.  Work will focus on evaluating ongoing BUI impacts and identifying potential ongoing sources of contamination that require additional management actions to delist AOCs.	Riparian Indicators, Beach Health, and Benthos in AOCs	-85.228	53.216	TRUE	-86.89	52.6	-83.9	53.743
  20	David Walters	Project	Airation	Lake	Lake:Lake Huron	Toxics and AOCs	This work will investigate linkages between sediment PCB concentrations and subsequent exposure in riparian organisms living on land next to the river and harbor.  This is an extension of prior work at the site that has been used by the Manistique River and Harbor Remediation Team (comprised of managers and scientists from USEPA GLNPO, USEPA ORD, NOAA, USACOE, USGS and the state of Michigan) to guide plans for delisting activities. Riparian spiders are important mediators of contaminant flux from aquatic systems to nearby terrestrial habitats.  Aquatic insects accumulate contaminants in their larval form, and transport these contaminants to terrestrial ecosystems in their adult bodies.  Spiders are a key predator of aquatic insects, and many species feed almost exclusively on adult aquatic insects.  Spider concentrations closely track ambient sediment concentrations, making them ideal indicators of ambient sediment concentrations and of ecosystem recovery from sediment remediation. Traditional species for contaminant exposure studies such as tetragnathid (long-jawed spiders) and araneid (orb-weaving spiders) will be targeted for these studies.	Riparian Indicators of Contaminant Exposure and Potential PCB Sources at Manistique River and Harbor AOC	-105.108	39.801	TRUE	-105.5	39.411	-104.5	40.243
  21	Barry Baldigo	Publication	Citation	Lake	Lake:Lake Superior	Toxics and AOCs	The study will be implemented in two phases due to logistical constraints and the need to incorporate methods developed (and findings) from a comparable investigation underway in another AOC. The first phase will consist of site selection, methods refinement, work-plan development, subcontract assembly, site reconnaissance, and sediment collection which will be done mainly during FY2013. The second phase will consist of macroinvertebrate identification, sediment toxicity testing, data analysis and interpretation, and report preparation and review mainly during FY2014. In brief, we will generate bed sediment toxicity and benthic community data needed to test two related hypotheses that address the two criteria for delisting the benthos BUI. The first hypothesis is that bed sediments at selected sample locations in the AOC are no more toxic to the test species than bed sediments collected from reference (control) sites located outside the AOC. Acute (survival) and chronic (growth) whole bed-sediment toxicity tests will be conducted using the midge (Chironomus dilutus), following standard methods (USEPA 1994; USEPA 2000). The second hypothesis is that the benthic macroinvertebrate communities from targeted sites within the AOC are not significantly different, or are affected (impacted) no more seriously than the communities encountered at reference sites located outside the AOC according to spatial patterns in benthic community composition (nonparametric ordination) and the Biological Assessment Profile (BAP) index and component metrics for Ponar samples collected from soft bed sediments (fig. 1) developed by NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (Bode et al. 2002; Smith et al. 2009). The component metrics of the BAP include: SPP (species richness), HBI (Hilsenhoff Biotic Index), DOM3 (Dominance-3), PMA (Percent Model Affinity), and DIV (species diversity). The mean score of the five indices denotes the overall BAP and associated impact for each site. Although several bed sediment-collection methods are suitable, the Petite Ponar sampler will be used to collect 5 replicate macroinvertebrate-community samples and a single composite sample for bed sediment toxicity tests at each study site. Bed-sediment sizes will be characterized by either the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Sediment Laboratory or NYSDEC subcontract laboratory using a subsample (split) obtained from the composite bed sediment-toxicity sample. Statistical analyses and multivariate (ordination) methods will be used to test the two hypotheses and to determine if the bed sediments within the St. Lawrence River at Massena AOC meet either criterion for delisting the benthos BUI.	Toxicity Rochester AOC / Riparian Indicators of Contaminant Exposure in AOCs	-109.925	30.43	TRUE	-112.7	27.925	-106.8	32.622
  22	Barry Baldigo	Project	TOPMODEL	Lake	Lake:Lake Michigan	Toxics and AOCs	The approach of this study will be to generate bed sediment toxicity and benthic community data needed to test two related hypotheses that address the two criteria for delisting the benthos BUI. The first hypothesis is that bed sediments at selected sample locations in the AOC (in three tributaries and in the St. Lawrence River) are no more toxic to the test species than bed sediments collected from control sites located outside (generally upstream from) the AOC. Acute (survival) and chronic (growth) whole bed-sediment toxicity tests  will be conducted using the midge (Chironomus dilutus), following standard methods (USEPA 1994; USEPA 2000). The second hypothesis is that the benthic macroinvertebrate communities from targeted sites within the AOC are not significantly different, or are affected (impacted) no more seriously than the communities encountered at reference (control) sites located outside the AOC according to spatial patterns in benthic community composition (nonparametric ordination) and the Biological Assessment Profile (BAP) index and component metrics for Ponar samples collected from soft bed sediments (fig. 1) developed by NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (Bode et al. 2002; Smith et al. 2009). The component metrics of the BAP include: SPP (species richness), HBI (Hilsenhoff Biotic Index), DOM3 (Dominance-3), PMA (Percent Model Affinity), and DIV (species diversity). The mean score of the five indices denotes the overall BAP and associated impact for each site. Although several bed sediment-collection methods are suitable, the Petite Ponar sampler will be used to collect 5 replicate macroinvertebrate-community samples and a single composite sample for bed sediment toxicity tests at each study site. Bed-sediment sizes will be characterized by either the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Sediment Laboratory or NYSDEC subcontract laboratory using a subsample (split) obtained from the composite bed sediment-toxicity sample. Statistical analyses and multivariate (ordination) methods will be used to test the two hypotheses and to determine if the bed sediments within the St. Lawrence River at Massena AOC meet either criterion for delisting the benthos BUI.	St Lawrence Benthos Evaluation	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  23	Richard Whitman	Data	Water 	Lake	Lake:Lake Erie	Toxics and AOCs	Jeorse Park Beach is located in East Chicago, Indiana, within the Grand Calumet River Area of Concern (AOC), which has been identified as having all 14 beneficial use designations impaired, including beach closings.  Jeorse Park Beach has been identified as one of the most highly contaminated beaches in the nation, with annual beach closings due to bacterial contamination as high as 76% in 2010.  Further, beach closings have steadily increased each year since beach monitoring was initiated in 2005 in response to the Beaches Environmental and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act.  Beach closings represent an environmental, social, and economic burden, the alleviation of which require various remediation strategies targeted to specific sources of microbiological contamination. Research by USGS at Jeorse Park Beach in cooperation with the State of Indiana has identified dual factors contributing to beach closings: (1) the enclosed circulation of the beach area prevents contaminants from moving out of the embayment and (2) resident shore birds (geese, gulls) are a significant source of fecal contamination to the swimming water.  In addition to bird contamination, evidence of human sewage contamination has also been found at this beach.  The presence of additional sources of contamination, originating within or outside of the beach, and the influence of beach circulation patterns on retaining and influencing the persistence of these bacteria remain unknown.	Joerse Park Beach Contamination	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  24	Edward Little	Publication	Streamflow	Lake	Lake:Lake Huron	Toxics and AOCs	The work completed for this template will provide the following information: 1) Generate acute and chronic toxicity data for freshwater mussels and snails to enhance the protection of listed/endangered species in the GL basin; 2) Refine methods and conduct acute and chronic toxicity tests on amphibians; 3) Develop and test methods for conducting chronic toxicity tests for mayflies.	Toxicity Testing for Stream Dwelling Amphibians, Mussels, and Mayflies	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  25	Cris Ingersol	Project	Simulation	Lake	Lake:Lake Superior	Toxics and AOCs	Elevated concentrations of major ions are associated with a variety of discharges to aquatic ecosystems, including urban wastewater, mountain top removal and valley fill operations, and coal bed methane production. There is considerable uncertainty regarding the toxicity of major ions to aquatic organisms, particularly given the variability of constituents that comprise these effluents. Because the relative toxicity of major ions is highly variable, predicting effects based on conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS) or other composite measures may be simplistic. Furthermore, most of the available information on sensitivity of aquatic organisms to major ions has been derived from short-term laboratory toxicity tests conducted with surrogate species. There is relatively little information on the sensitivity of aquatic insects to elevated major ions. Field studies showed that abundance of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) was significantly lower in streams receiving elevated TDS associated with mountaintop removal and valley fill operations. Based on an extensive survey of central Appalachian streams, the U.S. EPA developed a benchmark for conductivity in areas affected by mountain top and valley fill operations.  However, these analyses have been criticized because of the lack of experimental evidence showing that mayflies and other macroinvertebrates are sensitive to elevated major ions. These experiments will test the hypothesis that elevated levels of major ions will negatively impact benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Experiments will be conducted in stream microcosms to quantify responses of different groups of macroinvertebrates to elevated levels of major ions. The specific ions used in our experiments will be determined after consultation with EPA and USGS researchers.	Microcosms to Evaluate Elevated Major Ions	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  26	Cris Ingersol	Data	Soils	Lake	Lake:Lake Ontario	Toxics and AOCs	The sensitivity of listed species of fish or amphibians was evaluated in acute and chronic toxicity tests conducted with a range of inorganic or organic chemicals with different toxic modes of action. Results of these studies indicate that the acute or chronic sensitivity of rainbow trout, but not fathead minnow, frequently provided protective acute or chronic toxicity thresholds for most of the listed species evaluated. However, only a limited number of species of sculpins or darters were included in this evaluation, and not all species tested occurred in the Great Lakes watershed. The objective of the proposed study will be to: (1) provide additional chronic toxicity data for sculpins or darters indigenous to the Great Lakes to complement the limited chronic toxicity data for pentachlorophenol (PCP) or copper previously reported for darters or for sculpins and (2) provide acute toxicity data for additional chemicals of concern with sculpins, darters, rainbow trout, and fathead minnow. USGS-Columbia will conduct: (1) acute 4-d and chronic 28-d toxicity tests with PCP and mottled sculpins, (2) acute 4-d and chronic 28-d toxicity tests with copper and PCP with fathead minnows (repeating the Besser et al. 2005 study). If additional funding is provided in FY14, USGS Columbia will conduct acute 4-d and chronic 28-d toxicity tests with copper and PCP with an additional darter species of concern in the Great Lakes. The combined results of the previous and new studies would include 4-d acute and 28-d chronic toxicity data sets for PCP and copper for the following species: rainbow trout, fathead minnow (2X), mottled sculpin, fountain darter, and one additional species of darter from the Great Lakes watershed. Acute toxicity tests will also be conducted with up to about six additional chemicals of concern with sculpins, darters, rainbow trout, and fathead minnows. The number of chemicals tested and the number of species of sculpins or darters tested will be dependent on the availability of early life stages of sculpins or darters. Other taxa might be considered if newly hatched young of the desired species of sculpin or darters cannot be obtained. Selection of the species to be tested will be decided based on a review of the literature and on consultations with USEPA Region 5.	Toxicity Testing of Sculpins and Darters	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  27	Cris Ingersol	Publication	Forecast 	Lake	Lake:Lake St. Clair	Toxics and AOCs	The sensitivity of various species of freshwater mussels (Unioidea) to range of inorganic and organic chemicals has been evaluated in acute toxicity tests and the sensitivity of freshwater mussels to a range of inorganic chemicals has been evaluated in chronic toxicity tests. However, the chronic toxicity of organic chemicals has only been evaluated with a limited number of mussel species or for a limited number of organic chemicals. The objective of this study will be to evaluate methods for conducting 90-d water only exposures with juvenile mussels and conducted chronic 28-d toxicity tests with at least organic chemicals of concern and two commonly tested species of mussels (Lampsilis siliquoidea, fatmucket and Villosa iris, rainbow mussel). If additional funding is available in FY14, two additional chemicals will be tested. Selection of the three organic chemicals to be tested will be decided based on a review of the literature, on the results of ongoing acute toxicity testing of mussels and snails at USGS-Columbia with up to 20 chemicals of concern, and on consultations with USEPA Region 5. Candidate organic chemicals might include pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or polychlorinated biphenyls.	Toxicity of Organic Chemicals in Mussels	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  28	Cris Ingersol	Project	fish	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Michigan Basin	Toxics and AOCs	USEPA Region 5 previously funded a study in 2011 evaluating the toxicity of nitrogen compounds to a select number of pond-dwelling amphibians. The objective of this new study will be to determine the toxicity of nitrogen compounds to stream-dwelling amphibians. Nitrogen contamination in aquatic systems results from the decomposition of organic matter, as well as through agricultural inputs, sewage effluents and industrial activities. Nitrogen in its various forms is of ecological concern because of its ubiquitous distribution and toxicity to aquatic life. Nitrogen compounds pose a hazard to aquatic larval stages of amphibians, affecting survival and development, and inducing deformities and behavioral impairments. Declines in amphibian populations have been correlated with the prevalence of nitrogen-based fertilizer applications. Chronic toxicity studies conducted with ammonia determined that deformities and delayed development of R. pipiens, B. americanus, and R. clamitans resulted from chronic exposures conducted over the course of larval development to metamorphosis. Uncertainties posed by that study arose from inconsistent dosing as well as high control mortality. Limited testing suggests that water quality criteria for ammonia are likely to be protective of amphibians, yet limited information about the effects of exposure to stream dwelling amphibians and the consequences of sublethal injuries precludes verification.	Toxicity in Stream-Dwelling Amphibians	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  29	Christine Custer	Data	TOPMODEL	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Erie Basin	Invasive Species	The Des Plaines River, Illinois and Michigan Canal (I&M Canal), and Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC) are located within a few hundred feet of each other along about a 20-mile stretch upstream of Lockport, Ill. (see map 1 and map 2). These surface-water bodies unite south of Lockport, Ill. and flow into the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. Upstream of Summit, Ill. the Des Plaines River diverts to the north toward its headwaters in Wisconsin, whereas north and south of Summit the CSSC receives water from the Calumet and Chicago River systems, which are in hydraulic communication with Lake Michigan. The study area includes the Des Plaines River, CSSC, and I&M Canal, as well as the intervening land area, from Summit, Ill. to the electric fish barrier near Romeoville, Ill., for investigation of the Des Plaines River pathways and southward to Lockport, Ill. for investigation of the I&M Canal pathways (see map 1). In the study area, the Des Plaines River, I&M Canal, and CSSC are separated by fractured-bedrock of Silurian dolomite. Because the CSSC and I&M Canal were formed by excavation into the bedrock, this fractured bedrock and the groundwater it stores and transmits is in direct hydraulic communication with these surface-water bodies in much of the study area (pictured here). An electric fish barrier was erected on the CSSC near Romeoville, Ill., about 6 miles upstream of the confluence with the Des Plaines River, to prevent invasive species that are present in the Mississippi River Basin from entering Lake Michigan, and thereby the rest of the Great Lakes Basin. The principal target of the barrier is the Asian carp. The barrier is not designed to prevent the spread of invasive species into the Des Plaines River. Several flooding events have resulted in water from the Des Plaines River discharging directly into the CSSC at several points upstream of the fish barrier (pictured here), providing a mechanism for the invasive species to bypass the electric fish barrier and move into the Great Lakes. Flooding events reportedly have occurred 1-2 times per year in recent years. In addition, groundwater flow in the fractured bedrock between the Des Plaines River, CSSC, and I&M Canal also provides a potential pathway for the spread of invasive species into the CSSC above the electric fish barrier. Continuous, large-scale bedding-plane fractures enlarged by solution of the carbonate deposits are present in this bedrock unit near the study area (Nicholas and Healey, 1988). In some locations, openings in these fractures up to 2 feet wide have been observed (Environmental Resources Management, 1990). Additionally, these bedrock fractures are bisected by a regular array of near-vertical fractures (joints). These groundwater pathways seemingly could be of sufficient size and interconnectedness to allow the eggs and fry of Asian carp to move into the CSSC from the Des Plaines River and (or) I&M Canal upstream of the electric fish barrier and, thus, ultimately allowing spread of the carp into the Great Lakes.	Potential for Inter-Basin Movement of Asian Carp into the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Above the Electric Fish Barrier	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  30	Bruce Manny	Publication	Water 	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Huron Basin	Invasive Species	Asian carp pose an imminent threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem. Current methods of Asian carp control and removal include poison, netting, electro-shocking, and barriers. These methods have had some success in removing a percentage of adult fish but have shown little success in reducing recruitment and overall population size in these systems. Seismic technology has the potential to eradicate invasive species through a range of age classes making it a viable candidate for integrated suppression efforts. The USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK) is assisting USGS Science Centers and other agencies in their efforts to control this aquatic invasive species. Our studies will focus on lethal effects of seismic technology to divert, herd or eradicate invasive Asian carp (silver and bull carp) as a means to inhibit passage and reduce recruitment into additional waterbodies. Initial dose response studies will determine the effects of different sound wave frequencies on various age classes of Asian carp at a range of distances from the sound source. The magnitude of the sound wave and particle velocity will be measured in order to quantify fish response to sound impacts. Initial and delayed lethality will be assessed as well as sub-lethal evading behaviors.	Use of seismic technology to control invasive Asian carp from the Great Lakes ecosystem	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  31	Steve Corsi	Project	Streamflow	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Superior Basin	Invasive Species	USACE applies three different types of fish deterrent measures throughout the CAWS. Each measure is designed to prevent a distinct migration pathway of Asian carp toward the Great Lakes.  These measures are: 1) The Bypass Barrier physically blocks known bypasses around the electric barriers that occur during periods of flooding from the Des Plaines River and the Illinois and Michigan (I&M) Canal, and halts possible fish movement through this area. The barriers placed in these locations are intended to stop juvenile and adult Asian carp. Additional and/or more permanent separation measures will be assessed in the Efficacy Study Report; 2) The Electric Barriers create a waterborne, pulsed, direct current, electric field in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC), which exposes fish penetrating the electric field to electrical stimuli that act as a deterrent. As fish swim into the field, they feel increasingly uncomfortable. When the sensation is too intense, the fish are either immobilized or deterred from progressing farther into the field. Three barriers (Demo, IIA, and IIB) have been constructed so that two can operate fully at any given time and the third is available for emergencies or planned maintenance shutdown; and 3) Bar screens on sluice gates at Thomas J. O'Brien Lock and Dam were installed to impede entry of Asian carp to Lake Michigan. All potential impacts were considered to ensure public health and safety, and the purposes of these structures must be maintained as authorized by law. USGS scientists will use seismic waterguns to assist fish suppression for USACE during electric barrier planned or emergency maintenance.	AC - By-Pass Barrier Operations / USGS Support of USACE By-Pass Barrier Operations	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  
negative.code: 61	Doug Yeskis	Publication	Procrastination	Lake	Lake:Lake Michigan	Invasive Species	Problem: Current toxicants used to control aquatic invasive species are non-selective and applied as immersion exposures resulting in equal exposure of native and invasive species to the toxicant. Development of a targeted delivery system which reduces non-target species exposure to the toxicant could greatly enhance selectivity and reduce effects to non-target species. Development of such delivery methodologies will require full understanding of native and invasive species gill and gut enzyme activity and physiology since a targeted delivery system will likely use an oral or gill adhesion delivery route. Action: Research will be conducted to identify and characterize potential bioactive agent delivery sites within AIS including the gill, skin, and gastrointestinal tract (gastric or post-gastric). Research will focus on collection of data on the physiological characteristics of both AIS and native species (e.g., enzyme, protein, lipid, carbohydrate components, pH) to provide an understanding of factors that might affect delivery of a bioactive agent. While some basic research is available in this area, additional basic and applied research will lead to development of optimized delivery components to enhance selectivity and sensitivity. Research planned to characterize Asian carp gastrointestinal pH and digestive enzyme profiles will be expanded to include identification and characterization of native fish gastrointestinal tracts.	Characterization of Organism-Level Target Delivery Sites in Native Aquatic Animals	-78.153	37.176	TRUE	-78.81	35.725	-77.71	38.67
  62	Jonathan Sleeman	Data	Hydration	Lake	Lake:Lake Erie	Invasive Species	Problem: Tributaries that would be suitable for bighead carp spawning need to be identified to focus management efforts for evaluating invasion success, as well as sites to launch control actions. Action: Although bighead carps are preferentially inhabitants of lakes and slow moving waters, they are thought to require a long river for spawning and recruitment. An often-cited value in the literature is a minimum length of 100 km. Kolar et al. (2007) identifies 22 rivers on the USA boundaries of the Great Lakes that have a minimum undammed river length of 100 km, and an Asian carp risk assessment performed by the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans includes an inventory of the Canadian Rivers with a minimum length of 50 km. However, the estimates of river length required are based on locations where populations of bighead carps are known to be found, and thus do not describe a true minimum. Recent research at CERC has determined the developmental stage at which bighead carp larvae are capable of swimming and migrating laterally from flowing water into nursery habitats. This knowledge can be used in a model of river velocity and temperature to describe an actual river length required. This more accurate minimum river length, taken together with the temperature and velocity regimes of individual rivers, can be used to more accurately determine which rivers are suitable for spawning and recruitment of bighead carps.	Great Lakes' Tributary Assessment for Asian Carp Habitat Suitability	-85.228	53.216	TRUE	-86.89	52.6	-83.9	53.743
  63	Doug Yeskis	Project	Airation	Lake	Lake:Lake Huron	Invasive Species	Asian carp have been observed to diversify their diets beyond preferred pelagic plankton sources and feed on organic matter (fetritus) during certain conditions and on the basis of availability of food resources. Silver carp are also thought to derive substantial nutrition from bacteria, both consumed and cultured in the gut. However, it is not known whether these food sources are adequate for growth and survival of Asian carp. It is unknown if Asian carp can sustain themselves in the Great Lakes. USGS hired the necessary personnel and purchased the equipment necessary to test the existing model that assumes Asian carp can't survive in Lake Michigan. Personnel began testing of the model on bighead carp. In addition, personnel looked at the behavior of Asian carp to seek out and eat alternative food. Cladophora, one of these alternative food sources, is being grown in culture for testing. Data collection began for this project in July 2010.  In FY 2011, the project will be expanded to test the model on silver carp and outdoor mesocosm work with both species. Data collection which began in July 2010 will continue. The current model being tested will be altered as needed throughout the testing phase.	Risk Assessment of Asian Carp Establishment in the Great Lakes, Based on Available Food Sources	-105.108	39.801	TRUE	-105.5	39.411	-104.5	40.243
  64	Jonathan Sleeman	Publication	Botulism	Lake	Lake:Lake Superior	Nearshore Health	A Department of Interior team, including U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and National Park Service (NPS), is working to determine why botulism outbreaks, which have killed large numbers of fish and fish-eating birds, are occurring in the Great Lakes.  This project will determine: 1) a quick assay test for the presence of the toxin , 2) how birds are exposed to the toxins, and 3) what factors combined trigger an outbreak.  This information will be used to formulate management strategies. Botulism intoxication is caused by ingestion of neurotoxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.  Periodic outbreaks of type E botulism have resulted in die-offs of fish and fish-eating birds in the Great Lakes since at least the 1960s, but outbreaks have become more common and widespread since 1999.  Botulism has been responsible for over 100,000 bird deaths on the Great Lakes since 1999, and extensive bird mortality in northern Lake Michigan near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (SLBE; over 4150 birds in 2007) received widespread press attention and caused great public concern.  The actual sites of toxin exposure for birds remain unknown. Spores of C. botulinum are naturally widely distributed in the environment, but toxin production occurs only when suitable environmental conditions allow spore germination and cell growth, and this may be related to local soil and water conditions.  The physical and ecological factors that are associated with toxin production, waterbird exposure, and botulism outbreaks are poorly understood in the Great Lakes, as in other environments.  Invasive species, particularly dreissenid mussels Dreissena spp. and round gobies Neogobius melanostomus, have been implicated in the recent increased occurrence of botulism mortality in Great Lakes fish and birds, but this has not been proven.  Dreissenid mussels may enhance nearshore algal growth, and decomposing algae may help create the anoxic conditions required for C. botulinum germination. We hypothesize that recent increases in the incidence of type E avian botulism outbreaks in the Great Lakes may be associated with the presence of large amounts of decomposing sloughed Cladophora.  We propose to determine the presence or absence of C. botulinum and type E botulinum toxin in sediments.  In FY 2013, targeted sampling sites will be chosen in northern Lake Michigan near SLBE to represent sites that support varying amounts of sloughed Cladophora at a range of depths throughout the season.  We further propose to use population surveys to assess waterbird distribution, with emphasis on species historically impacted by type E botulism (e.g., Common Loon Gavia immer), to examine the spatial relationships between bird distribution and carcass detection of confirmed botulism mortalities, and to analyze the relation between botulism in birds and environmental conditions at locations where toxin exposure is likely to occur.	Avian botulism in distressed Great Lakes environments	-109.925	30.43	TRUE	-112.7	27.925	-106.8	32.622
  65	Faith Fitzpatrick	Project	Foodweb	Lake	Lake:Lake Michigan	Nearshore Health	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will provide a one-week training course for 'Geomorphic Analysis of Fluvial Systems' to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other state and local agencies in Chicago. This course will provide an introduction to the concepts of how stream channels change over time due to natural and human-caused changes in the watershed. This information is needed to understand the goals and limits of stream restoration specific to Great Lakes streams.	Building local capacity to address nonpoint source problems	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  66	David Bunnell	Data	Water 	Lake	Lake:Lake Erie	Habitat & Wildlife	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will conduct seasonal sampling of sport fish and their food sources to complement the seasonal sampling of lower level food sources that is routinely conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This data will provide a more holistic understanding of how aquatic invasive species could be altering food sources for sport fishes in the Great Lakes.  The data will be used by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and their member states to determine fishing limits and hatchery releases. Prey fish population declines and prey fish community changes have occurred in each of the Great Lakes over the past decade with negative implications for lake trout restoration and the success of important recreational and commercial fisheries.  Factors underlying these changes are often not well understood within or among the lakes as the lakes differ in prey species, invasive species, and productivity.  During EPA's year of intensive sampling, which annually rotates among the lakes, USGS has been sampling each lake's food web, from nutrients to top predatory fish, along a nearshore to offshore gradient to determine if changes in lower trophic levels are driving declines in prey fish biomass that support important fisheries. By deploying similar sampling designs across all of the Great Lakes, USGS can make food web comparisons across lakes where differences in productivity, the degree of invasiveness, and the history of management can provide contrasts that will hopefully elucidate whether prey fish declines are being driven by a common factor or if independent factors are operating in each lake.  FY 2013 funding will support Lake Erie CSMI work that will occur in 2014. Lake Michigan (2010): Two transects were sampled monthly in northern Lake Michigan at three depths.  We are evaluating whether fish predation can regulate spiny water flea population and evaluating whether secondary production declines from nearshore to offshore.  A Lake Michigan decision support tool has also been developed that will allow fishery managers to explore different stocking scenarios to support restoration of native lake trout. Lake Superior (2011): Seasonal collections were made along three transects at 20, 50, and 110 m.  Summer samples were collected at 56 random locations throughout the lake at depths from 7 to 300 m.  Lake Superior has the most intact native fauna among the Great Lakes, so these data provide a baseline of energy transfer information for comparison to the other lakes.  Lake Huron (2012): Similar to Lake Michigan, two transects were sampled monthly in northern and central Lake Huron.  Following up on knowledge gained from the 2007 CSMI year, we are evaluating spatiotemporal overlap of planktivores (such as spiny water flea) and zooplankton prey.  We are evaluating whether secondary production declines from nearshore to offshore- hypothesizing less of a ﾓnearshoreﾔ shunt than in Lake Michigan because of lower densities of quagga mussels in Lake Huron relative to Lake Michigan. Lake Ontario (2013): USGS is currently working with partners to execute similar nearshore to offshore depth stratified sampling as accomplished in the upper lakes, at three sites along the south shore.  USGS is working with partners (NYSDEC and OMNR) to secure additional transects in US waters and/or additional transects along the north shore in Canadian waters.  Additional funding supplied by EPA region 2 will be used to study predator diets from angler-caught salmonids and from smallmouth bass and yellow perch captured with gill nets nearshore. Lake Erie (2014): Similar to Lake Ontario, advance funding enables USGS to build cross agency collaborations for improving sampling efficiency and leveraging increased partner participation and funding for FY 2014 efforts.	Changes in Nutrient Transfer within Great Lakes Food Webs: Implications for Fish Production	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  67	James Johnson	Publication	Streamflow	Lake	Lake:Lake Huron	Habitat & Wildlife	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is restoring native Atlantic salmon in Lake Ontario by raising and releasing fish and conducting assessments to evaluate restoration success.  Working closely with New York State, Iroquois Native Americans, and Ontario governments, USGS scientists are ensuring that the scientifically-based techniques and strategies used will provide the highest probability of success while avoiding potential fish diseases.  This project will phase in restoration of white fish, herring and lake sturgeon in Lake Ontario using similar methods. Three native species (Atlantic salmon, bloater, lake herring), comprising both predator and prey species, are currently being reared and released in Lake Ontario under this template in an attempt to restore ecosystem stability over multiple trophic levels.  Template 72 is attempting to restore a resilient native Great Lake fish community to help curb the expansion of invasive species.  Information generated from this study should have transferability throughout all of the Great Lakes. Using principles of applied science, USGS scientists are identifying techniques and strategies that will provide the highest probability of success for native species restoration in Lake Ontario for Atlantic salmon, deepwater coregonids (bloater) and shallow water coregonids (lake herring). USGS is uniquely positioned to carry out the full array of restoration strategies, including fish propagation and post stocking evaluation for Atlantic salmon. Because of the complexities associated with the extirpation or decline of native fish species in the Great Lakes there is no single remedy suitable for the restoration of all species.  Recent increases in the abundance of coregonids in the upper Great Lakes are coincident with dramatic declines in alewife populations.  Unfortunately, although alewife populations in Lake Ontario are declining, there are no deepwater coregonids remaining in the lake to enable natural recovery.  Consequently, the restoration of coregonids, as well as extirpated Atlantic salmon, must at least initially rely on hatchery-reared fish.	Improving Strategies to Restore Aquatic Habitats and Species	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  68	Kurt Kowalski	Project	Simulation	Lake	Lake:Lake Superior	Habitat & Wildlife	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are focusing on restoring natural water flow and ecological processes between coastal wetlands in the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (Ohio) and adjacent to Lake Erie to improve fish and wildlife habitat. This pilot project will develop  approaches that will restore coastal wetland function and increase ecosystem resilience to be used as a model throughout the Great Lakes basin. USGS will focus on restoring natural hydrologic processes in diked coastal wetlands adjacent to Great Lakes waters to improve wetland functions like phosphorus retention and restoration of habitats for fish and wildlife.  Sustainable approaches are being developed in the Maumee River Area of Concern (AOC) to restore the hydrology and other processes that drive coastal wetland functions and increase ecosystem resiliency.  Results will be evaluated within an adaptive management framework and integrated with similar sites in the Saginaw River/Bay AOC and throughout the Great Lakes basin. Since the connection to the wetland was restored, the abundance and diversity of fish using the wetland habitats has exploded.  Northern pike and other recreationally and commercially valued species are again using the 40 ha wetland for reproduction and feeding.  Bird usage by waterfowl and several listed species is extensive.  Preliminary water-quality data indicate that the water exiting the wetland back into the Maumee River AOC had significantly less phosphorus and other nutrients than the incoming water, which has very positive implications for the water quality BUI for the Maumee River AOC.  Additional samples taken through FY 2013 will characterize the spatial and temporal patterns of fish use, nutrient retention, and other important wetland processes.  Coordinated efforts with the coastal wetland monitoring program, data collection efforts identified in Remedial Action Plans, NOAA-funded habitat restoration projects, and The Nature Conservancy to help guide regional restoration strategies and maximize basin-wide impact of locally-important projects.	New Strategies for Restoring Coastal Wetland Function	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  69	Russ Strach	Data	Soils	Lake	Lake:Lake Ontario	Accountability	Fish habitat will be constructed in the St. Clair River at scientifically determined sites to help remove the BUI on fish habitat degredation. Loss of fish and wildlife habitat is Beneficial Use Impairment 14 in the St. Clair and Detroit River Areas of Concern. Since 2003, research monitoring and fish spawning habitat construction by the US Geological Survey, in collaboration with the Michigan Sea Grant and 15 other partners, has remediated loss of fish and wildlife habitat in the Detroit River, at Belle Isle and at Fighting Island.  A third fish habitat remediation project by USGS and Michigan Sea Grant, funded by the NOAA Great Lakes Habitat Restoration Program, is in progress now for construction of 1.25 acres of fish spawning habitat in the Middle Channel of the St. Clair River in March 2012, at a cost of $500,000. These three fish spawning habitat remediation projects have increased spawning success of more than 12 native fish species in the Detroit River, including the State- and Provincially-threatened lake sturgeon, and the commercially-valuable lake whitefish, and walleye that support fisheries in Lake Erie, worth over $2 Billion per year. The purpose and objectives of this research are compatible with the Strategic Vision for the U.S. Geological Survey in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Region (USGS 2000) and the National Fish Habitat Action Plan (www.fishhabitat.org). In 2011, with $100,000 of funding from the USEPA, the USGS modeled where water depth and water flow velocity are suitable for spawning by desirable native fish species, such as lake sturgeon, lake whitefish, and walleye, in the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers (see Bennion and Manny 2011a). This research revealed 9 sites in the St. Clair River and 9 sites in the Detroit River where water depth and flow are theoretically suitable for spawning by these three and other native fish species in these two rivers. Based on selected environmental criteria, their model assumed that these are the most suitable sites for successful spawning by native fish in the St. Clair River. In 2012 and 2013, with FY 2012 funding from the GLRI, the USGS Great Lakes Science Center proposes to conduct comprehensive physical and biological assessments of the substrates at the 9 potential St. Clair River spawning sites predicted by the geospatial model, compare and contrast spawning habitat quality at the 9 sites, and select two to three sites in Michigan waters where all requirements for spawning by native fishes are met, except for the presence of adequate amounts of rock rubble (> 30 cm of rubble thickness).  At those two to three sites, with about 60 percent of the requested funds, we will construct two to three fish spawning habitat projects, 1.0-1.5 acres in size, in the St. Clair River to further remediate past losses of fish spawning habitat in the St. Clair River AOC. The remaining FY2012 GLRI funds will be used for pre-construction site assessment and selection for spawning habitat construction and post-construction monitoring of fish egg deposition, larval fish production and geospatial modeling of fish spawning and nursery habitat connectivity at and downstream of the selected sites for habitat construction in the St. Clair AOC, and public outreach by Michigan Sea Grant to share the results of this remediation work with the Great Lakes community. Our pre-construction 2012 assessments will result in the name, location and size of each project and how many can be accomplished by the end of FY 2013. Our scientific assessments will measure the increase in fish production at the sites, as a result of this fish spawning habitat construction project. Concurrently, geospatial modeling will be conducted by D. Bennion and B. Manny to assess connectivity of St. Clair River fish spawning habitat site to fish nursery habitat in the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers, the St. Clair Delta, and Lake St. Clair.	St. Clair river Area of Concern, Fish Habitat Restoration	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  70	Edward Roseman	Publication	Forecast 	Lake	Lake:Lake St. Clair	Habitat and Wildlife	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are restoring and enhancing native fish habitat and populations in the Huron-Erie Corridor. A bi-national partnership is identifying, assessing, and prioritizing sites for fish spawning  and nursery habitat restoration to address Beneficial Use Impairments in the Detroit River and St. Clair River Areas of Concern (AOCs). USGS scientists are providing information to help define what constitutes adequate restoration in AOCs. USGS and partners are measuring restoration success through pre- and post-habitat construction assessments. USGS scientists are restoring and enhancing native fish habitat and populations in the Huron-Erie Corridor. A bi-national partnership is identifying, assessing, and prioritizing sites for fish spawning  and nursery habitat restoration to address Beneficial Use Impairments in the Detroit River and St. Clair River Areas of Concern (AOCs).  USGS is providing information to help define what constitutes adequate restoration in AOCs. USGS and partners are measuring restoration success through pre- and post-habitat construction assessments.  1) Use science-driven, adaptive management to measure physical and biological habitat parameters within the Huron-Erie Corridor (HEC); identify locations where natural spawning and/or nursery habitat exists; and identify locations where habitat improvement projects would attract and enhance native fish populations. 2) Integrate geospatial and hydrodynamic models to estimate natural habitat attributes (geomorphology, flow regimes, depths, substrate characteristics, and bank slope) as baseline parameters for fish habitat restoration. This part of the project is building on an ongoing EPA funded project to meet AOC delisting goals by developing a ﾓblueprintﾔ for fish habitat restoration in the HEC. 3) Develop ecological process models that couple physical and biological fish habitat parameters and to identify sites where productive fish habitat can be restored. 4)  Select candidate sites for construction of fish habitat (spawning reefs and nursery areas) to expand, improve, and restore habitats that produce native fishes. 5) Use accepted scientific methods to monitor the suitability of restored and constructed fish habitats to native fish populations.	Fish Habitat Enhancement Strategies for the Huron-Erie Corridor	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  71	Cyndi Rachol	Project	fish	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Michigan Basin	Nearshore Health	Monitoring stations are located in the Swartz Creek area at the edge of a field where conservation practices will be implemented.  The proximity of the monitoring to the field will allow for more rapid understanding of the effects of agricultural conservation practices on water quality. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) was established to accelerate ecosystem restoration in the Great Lakes by confronting the most serious threats to the region, such as nonpoint source pollution, toxic sediments, and invasive species. Three Priority Watersheds have been targeted by the Regional Working Group's Phosphorus Reduction Work Group (Fox/Green Bay, Saginaw, and Maumee) and are characterized by having a high density of agricultural land use and have ecosystem impairments that have been clearly identified. Within the Saginaw River Priority Watersheds, monitoring will be conducted at the sub-watershed, edge-of-field, and subsurface-tile scale. The edge-of-field and subsurface-tile monitoring stations will be targeted to those areas within each watershed that will be directly affected by the conservation efforts. These sites will allow for a rapid assessment of conservation implementation as the water quality from those locations are immediately affected by land-use and management changes and represent the major pathways for non-point pollution to enter the stream.  Relationships between the smaller to sub-watershed scale will help develop an understanding on how conservation efforts may impact the watershed as a whole. This effort will accelerate quantification of current and ongoing efforts in the Flint GLRI Priority subwatershed with a focus on the smallest scale of implementation (field scale) and is responsive to RWG questions/requests regarding the need to quantify impacts of priority GLRI activities through relevant science and monitoring. USGS will undertake and coordinate a multi-agency effort to predict losses of phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment from individual fields using established water quality monitoring networks and simulation tools. Results may be scaled-up to examine broader scale effects and reasonable/achievable reductions that can be expected from targeted activities. Coordination among scientists, water quality specialists, and modelers in NRCS, USGS, EPA, and partnering universities is expected. Linkages between this work and ongoing Great Lakes efforts to establish target loads for subwatersheds (e.g., Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement) will be explored.	Saginaw River Edge of Field Monitoring	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  72	Ed Bugliosi	Data	conservation	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Erie Basin	Nearshore Health	The Great Lakes ecosystem has undergone major changes over the last two decades related to the invasion of Dreissenid mussels, increased water clarity, increased benthic algae and associated water quality problems.   For reasons not yet entirely understood, and that have bi-national significance, water column total phosphorus has not significantly increased over the last decade but the relative percent of the more biologically available dissolved phosphorus has increased.  The filtering action of Dreissenid mussels has been shown to increase concentrations of dissolved phosphorus in the water column immediately above mussel beds and this had been hypothesized as one explanation for the increase of benthic algae.   However, the Lake Ontario 2008 CSMI monitoring year's assessment of nearshore water eutrophication problems concluded that localized eutrophication problems could not be explained by the presence of mussel beds alone.  Tributary nutrient inputs always appeared to be a common factor related to localized nearshore problems.  This work will expand the nearshore work begun in 2008, as part of a binational assessment coordinated by the Lake Ontario Lakewide Management Plan, to develop better understand the connection between tributary nutrient inputs and Lake Ontario nearshore water quality and nutrient fate and transport with the aim of identifying potential management actions.  This nearshore work will complement offshore work to be coordinated by US and Canadian Lake Ontario Lakewide Management Plan partners through the use of the research vessels Lake Guardian and Limnos. The maintenance of flow gaging systems and regular monitoring programs are essential to understand nutrient loadings and impacts.   This work will allow the maintenance of gaging stations and the collection of nutrient samples from six major, and several selected minor New York Lake Ontario tributaries through the 2014 field year.  Included will be the GLRI priority watershed, the Genesee River,  and Oak Orchard Creek, both identified as large nutrient loading basins to the southern shore of Lake Ontario.  In addition to seven regularly scheduled sampling events for each tributary, the sampling plan will be designed to capture spring, growing season and extreme flow events with a focus on understanding particulate and dissolved nutrient concentrations and loadings.  This work will be in addition to the work being conducted for template 76 at the Genesee River. This information will be of tremendous value in supporting the development of nutrient loading estimates and for the development of nutrient fate and transport models coincident with the new bi-national Great Lakes Water Quality agreement protocol. Studies of water quality and the lower foodweb at selected nearshore zones impacted by tributary inputs will be designed to better understand the fate and transport of nutrients in the water column and aquatic foodweb and the connection with the health of nearshore aquatic communities and local beaches along the Lake Ontario shoreline.   Timing of nearshore sampling events will be coordinated with tributary monitoring.    Both tributary and nearshore monitoring and research activities will place an emphasis on developing a better understanding of dissolved and total phosphorus ratios  and whether different ratios drive varying biological responses. All of this work will be coordinated with a range of US and Canadian Lake Ontario nutrient related work being conducted in 2013 in order to develop a basin-wide assessment of nutrient loadings, fate and transport and the identification of potential management strategies and research in support of the Lake Ontario Lakewide Management Plan (LaMP).   A review of currently on-going, and soon-to-be completed, nutrient-related studies, including fate and transport and the response of biological systems, will be included as part of initial planning workshops and factored into the final nearshore project design.	Understanding Nutrient Loading Impacts on Lake Ontario Nearshore Waters	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  73	Kurt Kowalski	Publication	Water 	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Huron Basin	Accountability	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will use remote sensing data to establish a baseline understanding of current distributions of invasive wetland plants and then forecast potential invasion corridors.  Alterations to the Great Lakes shoreline or water-level patterns associated with global climate change could have significant impacts on the extent and composition of coastal habitat.  Low lake levels can expose fertile wetland bottomlands to invasive species such as common reed (Phragmites).	Forecasting Potential Phragmites Coastal Invasion Corridors	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  74	Steve Aichele	Project	Streamflow	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Superior Basin	Accountability	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will expand the online availability of geographic and aerial photography data to monitor the presence and extent of invasive species in wetlands, coastal areas and other sensitive habitats. USGS is working with the Great Lakes Observing System collaboration and other data sharing efforts across the Great Lakes to compile the data into a user friendly format that is accessible on line. Elevation and orthoimagery (aerial photography) data will be expanded in the Great Lakes Basin using a collaborative to support the GLRI.  This information would support invasive species monitoring, wetland inventory, and habitat restoration.  USGS will work with the Great Lakes Observing System and other data sharing efforts to make USGS geospatial information readily accessible to researchers and the public. Working with county governments, the State of Michigan, and other Federal Agencies, particularly the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Geological Survey will endeavor to acquire high-resolution elevation and LiDAR point-cloud data for (in order of priority): Macomb County, St. Clair County, and Monroe County, Michigan.  Data will be acquired based on a standard USGS specification requiring 2 meter maximum sample spacing, 15cm maximum vertical error, as well as several interpreted products. The contract will be handled by the USGS National Geospatial Technical Operations Center (NGTOC) Commercial Partnerships Team (CPT) based in Rolla Missouri.  The NGTOC will be reimbursed at a rate of between 5 and 10% for labor associated with contract management, administration, and QA/QC of the products. The rapidly deteriorating budget situation for local governments in Southeast Michigan has called into question the availability of local matching funds.  In the absence of local matching funds, data sharing agreements will be negotiated with the counties to make locally maintained geospatial data available to scientists and the general public.  Priority will be given first to HEC counties, then counties contributing to the HEC, and finally other counties in the Lake Erie Basin that have not been flown.	Geospatial Information for decision support in AOCs and ecosystems	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  74	Steve Aichele	Project	Streamflow	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Superior Basin	Accountability	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will expand the online availability of geographic and aerial photography data to monitor the presence and extent of invasive species in wetlands, coastal areas and other sensitive habitats. USGS is working with the Great Lakes Observing System collaboration and other data sharing efforts across the Great Lakes to compile the data into a user friendly format that is accessible on line. Elevation and orthoimagery (aerial photography) data will be expanded in the Great Lakes Basin using a collaborative to support the GLRI.  This information would support invasive species monitoring, wetland inventory, and habitat restoration.  USGS will work with the Great Lakes Observing System and other data sharing efforts to make USGS geospatial information readily accessible to researchers and the public. Working with county governments, the State of Michigan, and other Federal Agencies, particularly the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Geological Survey will endeavor to acquire high-resolution elevation and LiDAR point-cloud data for (in order of priority): Macomb County, St. Clair County, and Monroe County, Michigan.  Data will be acquired based on a standard USGS specification requiring 2 meter maximum sample spacing, 15cm maximum vertical error, as well as several interpreted products. The contract will be handled by the USGS National Geospatial Technical Operations Center (NGTOC) Commercial Partnerships Team (CPT) based in Rolla Missouri.  The NGTOC will be reimbursed at a rate of between 5 and 10% for labor associated with contract management, administration, and QA/QC of the products. The rapidly deteriorating budget situation for local governments in Southeast Michigan has called into question the availability of local matching funds.  In the absence of local matching funds, data sharing agreements will be negotiated with the counties to make locally maintained geospatial data available to scientists and the general public.  Priority will be given first to HEC counties, then counties contributing to the HEC, and finally other counties in the Lake Erie Basin that have not been flown.	Geospatial Information for decision support in AOCs and ecosystems	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  75	Jim Stark	Data	Simulation	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Ontario Basin	Accountability	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will expand the online availability of geographic and aerial photography data to monitor the presence and extent of invasive species in wetlands, coastal areas and other sensitive habitats. USGS is working with the Great Lakes Observing System collaboration and other data sharing efforts across the Great Lakes to compile the data into a user friendly format that is accessible on line. Elevation and orthoimagery (aerial photography) data will be expanded in the Great Lakes Basin using a collaborative to support the GLRI.  This information would support invasive species monitoring, wetland inventory, and habitat restoration.  USGS will work with the Great Lakes Observing System and other data sharing efforts to make USGS geospatial information readily accessible to researchers and the public. Working with county governments, the State of Michigan, and other Federal Agencies, particularly the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Geological Survey will endeavor to acquire high-resolution elevation and LiDAR point-cloud data for (in order of priority): Macomb County, St. Clair County, and Monroe County, Michigan.  Data will be acquired based on a standard USGS specification requiring 2 meter maximum sample spacing, 15cm maximum vertical error, as well as several interpreted products. The contract will be handled by the USGS National Geospatial Technical Operations Center (NGTOC) Commercial Partnerships Team (CPT) based in Rolla Missouri.  The NGTOC will be reimbursed at a rate of between 5 and 10% for labor associated with contract management, administration, and QA/QC of the products. The rapidly deteriorating budget situation for local governments in Southeast Michigan has called into question the availability of local matching funds.  In the absence of local matching funds, data sharing agreements will be negotiated with the counties to make locally maintained geospatial data available to scientists and the general public.  Priority will be given first to HEC counties, then counties contributing to the HEC, and finally other counties in the Lake Erie Basin that have not been flown.	Lakewide Management Plan Capacity Support by U.S. Geological Survey - LAKE ERIE	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  76	James Stark	Publication	Soils	Watershed	Watershed:Lake St. Clair Basin	Accountability	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists will provide expertise and support for the implementation of Lakewide Management Plans (LaMPs) and the lake specific goals, objectives and targets for each of the Great Lakes.  The LaMPs are critical bi-national collaborations that plan and integrate Great Lakes restoration actions.  USGS work on this project includes participation in bi-national Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative planning and field work, including reporting for the LaMP documents. LaMP efforts include compiling monitoring information into the Great Lakes web mapper (Mapper) and support of summary publications describing the status of monitoring data for each lake.  The Mapper's focus is on compilation of information that will result in recognition of areas where data are being collected, missing or sparse, and on areas where ecosystems are vulnerable.  The Mapper will assist decision-making for protecting and restoring Great Lake ecosystems.	Lakewide Management Plan Capacity Support by U.S. Geological Survey	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  77	David Bunnell	Project	Forecast 	Channel	Channel:St. Mary's Channel	Accountability	Scientists on USGS vessels will sample multiple trophic levels simultaneously (rather than the haphazard agency by agency approach currently used) to provide the best empirical data to populate bioenergetics- and ecosystem-level models, which will provide two important outcomes for Great Lakes restoration.  First, the models will provide a heuristic understanding of energy flow within each of the Great Lakes, and help managers understand whether predator/prey interactions are balanced.  Second, the data will contribute to models that will allow managers to explore how possible future perturbations or management actions could influence key species at multiple trophic levels.  We will work closely with state management agencies and stakeholder groups to ensure that ecosystem models that emerge from this work explore relevant future management scenarios.     USGS will conduct seasonal sampling of benthic invertebrates, zooplankton, prey fish, sport fish, and their diets to complement the seasonal lower trophic level sampling by EPA. This data will provide a more holistic understanding of how invasive-driven, food-web changes could be altering energy available to sport fishes in the Great Lakes and used to build ecosystem models and make cross-lake comparisons of food web changes.  Scientists on USGS vessels will sample multiple trophic levels simultaneously (rather than the haphazard agency by agency approach currently used) to provide the best empirical data to populate bioenergetics- and ecosystem-level models, which will provide two important outcomes for Great Lakes restoration.  First, the models will provide a heuristic understanding of energy flow within each of the Great Lakes, and help managers understand whether predator/prey interactions are balanced.  Second, the data will contribute to models that will allow managers to explore how possible future perturbations or management actions could influence key species at multiple trophic levels.  We will work closely with state management agencies and stakeholder groups to ensure that ecosystem models that emerge from this work explore relevant future management scenarios.	Monitoring and Reporting on the Health of the Great Lakes	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  78	Howard Reeves	Data	Fish	Channel	Channel:St. Lawrence Channel	Accountability	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will develop and provide  forecasting tools for managers to determine how water withdrawals or other hydrologic or land use changes in watersheds may affect Great Lakes ecosystems. This information will help guide restoration efforts to achieve maximum effectiveness and success. Project provides unified information across the Great Lakes Basin for ecosystem restoration, assessment, and management by incorporating models that relate changes in landscape and hydrologic variables and stresses to changes in ecosystem function.  The project relies upon regionally consistent hydrologic, biologic, and geospatial data to generate regionally consistent estimates, models, and analysis. USGS is the Circular A-16 theme lead for hydrographic spatial data.  As such USGS has responsibility to coordinate with other federal agencies, states, and other entities the development and stewardship of the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD).  USGS also has developed in partnership with EPA the NHDPlus, it has a memorandum of understanding with The Nature Conservancy to study environmental flows and impacts of hydrologic alterations on ecology.  USGS has been a lead agency in the development of techniques and methods to estimate streamflow characteristics in gaged and ungaged watersheds and in developing, applying, and coordinating research in ecology and hydroecology. Products from this research will include a consistent hydrologic dataset of the US Great Lakes Basin built on the 1:100,000 NHDplus and attributed with landscape and aquatic ecologic variables.  Empirical models developed for fish distribution, temperature, and streamflow will be developed. A hierarchical lotic habitat classification framework and fish-based lotic habitat classification will be built on the hydrologic dataset. Field sampling and experimental campaigns aimed at testing and improving the lotic classification schemes will be designed.  The sampling design will be implemented by coordinating with existing field-based sampling teams and efforts through Federal and State agencies and Universities.	Watershed modeling for stream ecosystem management	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  79	Jim Stark	Publication	Rivermouth	Channel	Channel:Detroit Channel	Accountability	Overall LaMP efforts include compiling monitoring and research information into the Great Lakes web mapper (Mapper).  The Mapper's focus is on information that will result in recognition of areas where data are being collected, missing or sparse, and on areas where ecosystems are vulnerable. The development of a nearshore-coastal framework will be used in conjunction with the Mapper to develop a strategy for coordinated research and monitoring. The Mapper and framework will assist decision-making for protecting and restoring Great Lakes ecosystems. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists will provide expertise, capacity and support for the implementation of Lakewide Management Plans (LaMPs) and the lake specific goals, objectives and targets for each of the Great Lakes.  The LaMPs are critical bi-national collaborations that plan and integrate Great Lakes restoration actions.  USGS work on this project includes participation in bi-national Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative planning and field year work, including reporting for the LaMP documents. USGS Lakewide Management Plan capacity support would include participation in LaMP processes, programs, conferences, workshops and projects, including the development of LaMP documents, and updates. Specifically, USGS staff would participate in and serve on workgroup and technical committees, including attending meetings and workshops as necessary.  USGS would also participate in Management-level meetings and committees as appropriate.  USGS would also undertake and participate in interagency actions that implement LaMP programs and priorities and would help incorporate LaMP goals in USGS planning efforts.  In addition, USGS will analyze samples for by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for microcystins at the Kansas Water Science Center	Lakewide Management Plan Capacity Support by U.S. Geological Survey - BROKEN UP INTO LAKES	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  80	Ed Bugliosi	Data	Radiation	Channel	Channel:Niagara Channel	Accountability	This project is designed to (1) collect more frequent total suspended sediment (TSS) and total phosphorous (TP) data for the Genesee River Watershed, both within and outside of the AOC; and (2) to conduct a pilot study capable of evaluating the reduction in sediments and nutrients from the current and proposed GLRI non-point source reduction projects in the watershed. This project is envisioned as a two-year pilot for the Genesee River Watershed, with potentially wider applications in the Lake Ontario Basin and other Great Lake areas.	Genesee River BUI / Genesee River Watershed: TSS and TP loading collection and Pilot Project to Evaluate BMP Effectiveness	-94.588	45.481	TRUE	-95.02	44.998	-94.06	45.872
  81	Ed Bugliosi	Project	Ventilation	Channel	Channel:St. Clair/Detroit River System	Accountability	Since 2010, connecting channels have been included in each of the Great Lakes' Lake Management Plans (LaMPs). Lake Ontario now includes both the Niagara River and the St. Lawrence River.  The Niagara River is well characterized by a number of long-term programs, but because of the lack of tributary water-quality data, the St. Lawrence River and its tributaries constitute a data gap in the information needed for the Lake Ontario to fulfill its goals.  Critical information needs include basic water-quality parameters, total suspended solids, nutrients and flow data.  These data are needed to aid in the identification of sources of nutrient and sediment loading to the St. Lawrence.  The monitoring network will consist of seven sites on four rivers (the St. Lawrence and three tributaries: Grass River, Raquette River, and St Regis River), and will include monitoring two locations on the three tributary rivers.  In addition, the St. Lawrence River will also be sampled.  Four samples will be collected during the first year of monitoring, starting in FY-13.  These samples will be scheduled at equal temporal intervals based on beginning date of the project.  Comparison of water-quality data from upstream to downstream sites will be useful in assessing the impact of sediment and nutrient sources between these sites. Field, laboratory, and flow parameters will be measured at each site during each visit. Field parameters will be collected at each site and will include pH, temperature, and specific conductance.   Samples will be collected and analyzed for Total Suspended Sediment and nutrients: [Ammonia as N, Nitrite, nitrite+nitrate, and Total Nitrogen] and [Orthophosphate (soluble reactive Phosphorous) and Total Phosphorous].  In cases where USGS flow data are not available, flow data will be collected at the site according to USGS protocols.  Analytical methods corresponding to those used in the GLRI Lake Ontario tributary sampling being performed by the USGS as part of template 153b in 2012 will be used.  One quality assurance sample will be collected per round of sampling; a total of two blanks and two replicates will be collected over the four sampling rounds.  Analytical data results will be reported to the EPA using spreadsheets and will also be available through the USGS National Water Quality Information (NWIS) site for the public.  These data will be provided within three months of the end of sample collection.	St Lawrence River / Quantifying Sediment and Nutrient Loading in the St. Lawrence  River and watershed	-95.203	34.275	TRUE	-96.3	33.352	-94.32	35.066
  82	Mark Gaikowski	Publication	Procrastination	Lake	Lake:Lake Michigan	Invasive Species	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is developing control techniques that can substantially improve the ability of natural resource managers to selectively target Dreissenid Mussels without harming other species.  Evaluation of potential toxicants will be incorporated into delivery systems that take advantage of the unique characteristics of dreissenid mussel feeding and digestion processes.  This effort is part of a larger integrated pest management strategy. The invasive dreissenid mussels (zebra and quagga mussels) are negatively affecting the Great Lakes and other waterbodies throughout the Great Lakes Basin.  Native species as well as recreational, municipal, industrial, and other water uses are adversely impacted by dreissenid mussels.  Methods of detecting and monitoring, as well as physical, biological, and chemical methods of control are critical needs if managers are to respond rapidly to new and existing infestations. Research under this template would provide the basis for developing an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy to prevent further range expansion and to control existing invasive dreissenid mussel populations – research that will support the prevention and control of current and future Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Research proposed for 2013 as part of this framework would examine several aspects of an IPM program to control dreissenid mussels. Understanding the invasion front and the extent of invasions is critical to any IPM program and research in this template would pursue developing eDNA markers to determine the presence/absence of dreissenid mussels and to differentiate their life stages. Development of these markers would enhance our ability to evaluate the efficacy of watercraft disinfection methods, detect new invasions and determine the effectiveness of treatments applied to infested water bodies. Control of dreissenid mussels in currently invaded waters requires a multi-pronged approach as no one method would likely provide adequate control in every situation. Proposed research will evaluate the potential of low frequency electromagnetic (LFEM) radiation to control dreissenid mussels. Laboratory investigations by Purdue University observed increased mortality of zebra mussels following LFEM radiation exposure. The project would evaluate the effectiveness of LFEM radiation to control dreissenid mussels and assess potential non-target effects on native mussels. In addition, we would pursue development of effective chemical control tools for dreissenid mussels in the areas of spawning inhibition and species-specific delivery of mussel toxicants. Dreissenid mussel spawning may be inhibited by chemical cues released by the bluegreen algae Microcystis aeruginosa. Because dreissenid mussels occur at high densities and use broadcast spawning, cues that inhibit spawning coordination likely induce a chain reaction of chemical and physiological events that propagate throughout the population. Studies within this template would seek to identify and evaluate those cues as potential methods to disrupt dreissenid spawning. Work within the template would also apply knowledge gained in the development of methods to incorporate biocides into a targeted delivery system to control the invasive bighead and silver carps, in order to identify and incorporate mussel toxicants into targeted delivery formulations specifically for the control of dreissenid mussels. Using the peer-reviewed literature, we will identify toxicants with demonstrated activity to dreissenid mussels and with the highest likelihood of successful registration by EPA. Selected toxicants will be incorporated into delivery systems that take advantage of the unique characteristics of dreissenid mussels feeding and digestion processes.	Methods to Control Invasive Dreissenid Mussels	-78.153	37.176	TRUE	-78.81	35.725	-77.71	38.67
  83	Edward Roseman	Data	Hydration	Lake	Lake:Lake Erie	Habitat & Wildlife	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are restoring and enhancing native fish habitat and populations in the Huron-Erie Corridor. A bi-national partnership is identifying, assessing, and prioritizing sites for fish spawning  and nursery habitat restoration to address Beneficial Use Impairments in the Detroit River and St. Clair River Areas of Concern (AOCs). USGS scientists are providing information to help define what constitutes adequate restoration in AOCs. USGS and partners are measuring restoration success through pre- and post-habitat construction assessments. USGS scientists are restoring and enhancing native fish habitat and populations in the Huron-Erie Corridor. A bi-national partnership is identifying, assessing, and prioritizing sites for fish spawning  and nursery habitat restoration to address Beneficial Use Impairments in the Detroit River and St. Clair River Areas of Concern (AOCs).  USGS is providing information to help define what constitutes adequate restoration in AOCs. USGS and partners are measuring restoration success through pre- and post-habitat construction assessments.  1) Use science-driven, adaptive management to measure physical and biological habitat parameters within the Huron-Erie Corridor (HEC); identify locations where natural spawning and/or nursery habitat exists; and identify locations where habitat improvement projects would attract and enhance native fish populations. 2) Integrate geospatial and hydrodynamic models to estimate natural habitat attributes (geomorphology, flow regimes, depths, substrate characteristics, and bank slope) as baseline parameters for fish habitat restoration. This part of the project is building on an ongoing EPA funded project to meet AOC delisting goals by developing a ﾓblueprintﾔ for fish habitat restoration in the HEC. 3) Develop ecological process models that couple physical and biological fish habitat parameters and to identify sites where productive fish habitat can be restored. 4)  Select candidate sites for construction of fish habitat (spawning reefs and nursery areas) to expand, improve, and restore habitats that produce native fishes. 5) Use accepted scientific methods to monitor the suitability of restored and constructed fish habitats to native fish populations.	Fish Habitat Enhancement Strategies for the Huron-Erie Corridor	-85.228	53.216	TRUE	-86.89	52.6	-83.9	53.743
  84	William Richardson	Project	Airation	Lake	Lake:Lake Huron	Accountability	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are working to identify and understand the role tributaries to the Great Lakes play in influencing the quality of nearshore and deepwater habitats and the dynamics associated with the mixing of river and lake waters. A scientific framework will be developed for restoration and management in these areas. Managers can use this framework to match Area of Concern habitat restoration targets to previously identified stream and river mouth impacts on the lakes. Building on biological indicators of the condition of aquatic ecosystems developed by university and federal agency scientists in other U.S. regions, USGS will develop similar biological indicators appropriate for evaluating influences of tributaries on near shore and deep water systems within the Great Lakes. Research will focus on vertebrate and invertebrate species/communities and their ecological attributes in developing appropriate indicators. Outcome will be to enhance availability, awareness and application of biological indicators in management and restoration of the Great Lakes. Collectively across four sub-projects, we propose to take a comprehensive scientific approach that encompasses an integrated and holistic suite of essential stream/river ecosystem characteristics.  The approach will consider whole watershed dynamics, across a continuum from the terrestrial landscapes of the Great Lakes tributary watersheds to nearshore and deepwater lake habitats.  We will develop, measure, and evaluate structural and functional indicators that not only reflect essential ecosystem characteristics that have been identified for stream ecosystems, but that also drive lake responses to tributary inputs.	Building a Suite of Diagnostic Indicators for Evaluating Tributary Streams and Their Influence on the Condition of the Great Lakes	-105.108	39.801	TRUE	-105.5	39.411	-104.5	40.243
  85	Jessica Lucido	Publication	Citation	Lake	Lake:Lake Superior	Accountability	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will provide Great Lakes managers, partners and the public with readily accessible information in interactive formats to help plan and implement restoration activities. The biological, water resources, geological, and geospatial datasets will be centralized and used for developing decision support tools such as environmental simulation models. These models can provide users with information about the potential impacts due to environmental changes in the Great Lakes system.  This work is coordinated with the Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) collaboration. USGS scientists will provide easily accessible, centrally located, USGS biological, water resources, geological, and geospatial datasets for Great Lakes basin restoration activities coordinated with GLOS.  Managers, partners and the public will be able to readily access this information in usable interactive formats to help plan and implement restoration activities. Building tools and infrastructure to support standard data access, efficient data discovery and dynamic mapping of watersheds and their hydrologic properties. Developing decision support tools to enhance scientific investigation or disseminate project findings, for example integrating hydrologic models with real-time data streams in order to assess the potential environmental impacts of climate change on stream water quality. Partners include Great Lakes states, EPA, and other federal management agencies.	Compilation of USGS Data for the Great Lakes Basin	-109.925	30.43	TRUE	-112.7	27.925	-106.8	32.622
  86	Edward Bugliosi	Data	Forecast 	Lake	Lake:Lake Erie	Accountability	USGS scientists will support EPA's year of intensive sampling around the Great Lakes to complement and expand upon EPA and other partner entities work.  In 2013, on Lake Ontario USGS will sample the food web from a nearshore (20 m) to offshore (100 m) gradient where seasonal sampling of primary producers, benthic invertebrates, zooplankton, prey fish, sport fish, and their diets will occur.  We will work closely with state management agencies and stakeholder groups to ensure that ecosystem models that emerge from this work explore relevant future management scenarios.  Scientists will analyze the diets of the six species of trout and salmon currently occurring in Lake Ontario.  This predator diet analysis is the key trophic link that integrates lower trophic level productivity with top predator production and sport fishery success.  Bridging primary and secondary production to top predators will also inform native species restoration.	CSMI - Sediment and Nutrient Loading for Lake Ontario / CSMI - Benthos [2012 Title]	-109.925	30.43	TRUE	-112.7	27.925	-106.8	32.622
  87	Edward Roseman	Publication	Carp	Lake	Lake:Lake Michigan	Accountability	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are restoring and enhancing native fish habitat and populations in the Huron-Erie Corridor. A bi-national partnership is identifying, assessing, and prioritizing sites for fish spawning  and nursery habitat restoration to address Beneficial Use Impairments in the Detroit River and St. Clair River Areas of Concern (AOCs). USGS scientists are providing information to help define what constitutes adequate restoration in AOCs. USGS and partners are measuring restoration success through pre- and post-habitat construction assessments. USGS scientists are restoring and enhancing native fish habitat and populations in the Huron-Erie Corridor. A bi-national partnership is identifying, assessing, and prioritizing sites for fish spawning  and nursery habitat restoration to address Beneficial Use Impairments in the Detroit River and St. Clair River Areas of Concern (AOCs).  USGS is providing information to help define what constitutes adequate restoration in AOCs. USGS and partners are measuring restoration success through pre- and post-habitat construction assessments.  1) Use science-driven, adaptive management to measure physical and biological habitat parameters within the Huron-Erie Corridor (HEC); identify locations where natural spawning and/or nursery habitat exists; and identify locations where habitat improvement projects would attract and enhance native fish populations. 2) Integrate geospatial and hydrodynamic models to estimate natural habitat attributes (geomorphology, flow regimes, depths, substrate characteristics, and bank slope) as baseline parameters for fish habitat restoration. This part of the project is building on an ongoing EPA funded project to meet AOC delisting goals by developing a ﾓblueprintﾔ for fish habitat restoration in the HEC. 3) Develop ecological process models that couple physical and biological fish habitat parameters and to identify sites where productive fish habitat can be restored. 4)  Select candidate sites for construction of fish habitat (spawning reefs and nursery areas) to expand, improve, and restore habitats that produce native fishes. 5) Use accepted scientific methods to monitor the suitability of restored and constructed fish habitats to native fish populations.	CSMI - LAKE ERIE	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  88	William Richardson	Project	Monitoring	Lake	Lake:Lake Erie	Accountability	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are working to identify and understand the role tributaries to the Great Lakes play in influencing the quality of nearshore and deepwater habitats and the dynamics associated with the mixing of river and lake waters. A scientific framework will be developed for restoration and management in these areas. Managers can use this framework to match Area of Concern habitat restoration targets to previously identified stream and river mouth impacts on the lakes. Building on biological indicators of the condition of aquatic ecosystems developed by university and federal agency scientists in other U.S. regions, USGS will develop similar biological indicators appropriate for evaluating influences of tributaries on near shore and deep water systems within the Great Lakes. Research will focus on vertebrate and invertebrate species/communities and their ecological attributes in developing appropriate indicators. Outcome will be to enhance availability, awareness and application of biological indicators in management and restoration of the Great Lakes. Collectively across four sub-projects, we propose to take a comprehensive scientific approach that encompasses an integrated and holistic suite of essential stream/river ecosystem characteristics.  The approach will consider whole watershed dynamics, across a continuum from the terrestrial landscapes of the Great Lakes tributary watersheds to nearshore and deepwater lake habitats.  We will develop, measure, and evaluate structural and functional indicators that not only reflect essential ecosystem characteristics that have been identified for stream ecosystems, but that also drive lake responses to tributary inputs.	CSMI - LAKE HURON	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  89	Jessica Lucido	Data	Foodweb	Lake	Lake:Lake Huron	Accountability	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will provide Great Lakes managers, partners and the public with readily accessible information in interactive formats to help plan and implement restoration activities. The biological, water resources, geological, and geospatial datasets will be centralized and used for developing decision support tools such as environmental simulation models. These models can provide users with information about the potential impacts due to environmental changes in the Great Lakes system.  This work is coordinated with the Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) collaboration. USGS scientists will provide easily accessible, centrally located, USGS biological, water resources, geological, and geospatial datasets for Great Lakes basin restoration activities coordinated with GLOS.  Managers, partners and the public will be able to readily access this information in usable interactive formats to help plan and implement restoration activities. Building tools and infrastructure to support standard data access, efficient data discovery and dynamic mapping of watersheds and their hydrologic properties. Developing decision support tools to enhance scientific investigation or disseminate project findings, for example integrating hydrologic models with real-time data streams in order to assess the potential environmental impacts of climate change on stream water quality. Partners include Great Lakes states, EPA, and other federal management agencies.	CSMI - LAKE MICHIGAN	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  90	Edward Bugliosi	Publication	Rivermouth	Lake	Lake:Lake Superior	Accountability	USGS scientists will support EPA's year of intensive sampling around the Great Lakes to complement and expand upon EPA and other partner entities work.  In 2013, on Lake Ontario USGS will sample the food web from a nearshore (20 m) to offshore (100 m) gradient where seasonal sampling of primary producers, benthic invertebrates, zooplankton, prey fish, sport fish, and their diets will occur.  We will work closely with state management agencies and stakeholder groups to ensure that ecosystem models that emerge from this work explore relevant future management scenarios.  Scientists will analyze the diets of the six species of trout and salmon currently occurring in Lake Ontario.  This predator diet analysis is the key trophic link that integrates lower trophic level productivity with top predator production and sport fishery success.  Bridging primary and secondary production to top predators will also inform native species restoration.	CSMI - LAKE SUPERIOR	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  91	Randall Hunt	Project	Water 	Lake	Lake:Lake Ontario	Accountability	USGS scientists are developing science based forcasting tools that capture changes to water flows and discharges of nutrients and sediments to the Great Lakes. The work done by this project provides managers with forecasting tools for predicting the combined effects of climate and land use changes that will help them identify and prioritize the sites best suited  for restoration efforts.     USGS scientists will use remote-sensing data to establish a baseline understanding of current distributions of invasive wetland plants and then forecast potential invasion corridors.  Alterations to the Great Lakes shoreline or water-level patterns associated with global climate change could have significant impacts on the extent and composition of coastal habitat.  Low lake levels can expose fertile wetland bottomlands to invasive species such as common reed (Phragmites).	Forecasting Great Lakes Basin Responses to Future Change	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  92	Cris Marsh	Data	sediment	Lake	Lake:Lake St. Clair	Invasive Species	U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) will identify through this project significant sources and impacts of historical and newly emerging toxics to the Great Lakes ecosystem through broad surveillance as well as laboratory and field research of tree swallows and other bird species.  USGS scientists will determine the amount of exposure to and the effects of historical and emerging contaminants in Great Lakes food chains. The data will inform regulators and provide guidance on removal of Beneficial Use Impairments at Area of Concern sites around the Great Lakes.  Work supported under this project is quantifying exposure to, and effects of, both historical and emerging contaminants on Great Lakes food chains using sentinel indicator species such as colonial waterbirds and tree swallows.  Results will contribute directly to assessments of Great Lakes ecosystem health and science-based decision making, provide data that will be directly used by States and EPA to assess whether specific BUIs can be removed and AOC's subsequently delisted, provide a baseline for future trend analysis, and determine the effectiveness of recent remediation actions at AOCs and other known hotspots.  The tree swallow data provide for a biological matrix that is consistent across all AOCs and allows direct comparisons among AOCs and comparisons to non-AOC locations across not only the Great Lakes, but also the northern tier of states in the U.S. as well as Canada.  Because swallows can be enticed to nest at AOCs with the use of nest boxes, similar data will be available for all AOCs.  Because there are effects thresholds already established for tree swallows, or other avian species, it can be determined directly whether exposures to contaminants of various chemical classes are at or above levels of concern.  The collection of colonial waterbird data, where those species occur, in conjunction with the tree swallow data, will allow for modeling and assessment of possible contaminant effects throughout the aquatic ecosystem.  The limited feeding radius of swallows and close ties to sediment contamination allow for an assessment of the biological availability of sediment contaminants as well as quantification of changes in sediment contamination that will be directly usable by EPA in remedy effectiveness assessments.	Birds as Indicators of Contmainant Exposure in the Great Lakes	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  93	Dan Sullivan	Publication	nutrient	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Michigan Basin	Accountability	The Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) coordinates and integrates regional coastal observations supporting national and regional priorities including Great Lakes restoration. The Department of Interior backbone project is providing GLOS equipment for collecting water-quality sensor parameters and samples for organic and metal contaminants, and nutrient and sediment data in tributaries, embayments, and the nearshore to determine and guide restoration activities.  Simulation models are also being developed that will provide quantifiable measures of restoration progress and comparisons of progress over time and space.	Implementation of the Great Lakes Observing System	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  94	Russ Strach	Project	indicators	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Erie Basin	Accountability	Builds on CSMI year of intensive sampling to sample lower foodweb invertebrates to allow better management of all tropic levels of Lake Ontario. The Lake Ontario food web is perhaps the most severely impacted in all of the Great Lakes and impacts driven by the introduction of non-indigenous species continue to drive large-scale changes today.  The invasive species driven food web in Lake Ontario is of stark contrast to the mostly native food web of Lake Superior and provides the endpoint of the continuum of impacts that occurs moving downstream through the other Great Lakes.  The contrasts and similarities between lakes will help inform the question of how replacement of native species with invasives alters energy pathways and impacts trophic efficiency.  Spatially and temporally rigorous sampling within lakes coupled with standardized methods and syntheses across lakes will allow us to use gradients in food web structure and productivity to explore how nutrient changes at the bottom of the food web impact fish production at the top; how species replacements alter production across trophic levels; and how biologically and environmentally mediated physical changes (e.g., light transmission, temperature change, etc.) alter the food web.  Ecosystem models resulting from this work allow managers to explore how future perturbations or management actions influence key trophic responses in Lake Ontario. Data Collection and analyses: This study follows EPA's year of intensive sampling around the Great Lakes and complements and expands upon EPA and other partner entities work.  In 2013, on Lake Ontario USGS will sample the food web from a nearshore (20 m) to offshore (100 m) gradient where seasonal sampling of primary producers, benthic invertebrates, zooplankton, prey fish, sport fish, and their diets will occur.  We will work closely with state management agencies and stakeholder groups to ensure that ecosystem models that emerge from this work explore relevant future management scenarios. Predator Diet Budget Supplementation: Work funded by this template will analyze the diets of the six species of trout and salmon currently occurring in Lake Ontario.  This predator diet analysis is the key trophic link that integrates lower trophic level productivity with top predator production and sport fishery success.  Bridging primary and secondary production to top predators will also inform native species (i.e., lake trout, Atlantic salmon, and deepwater coregonines) restoration.	Lake Ontario CSMI Lower tropic level data	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  95	Jim Stark	Data	Procrastination	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Huron Basin	Accountability	USGS scientists are developing science based forcasting tools that capture changes to water flows and discharges of nutrients and sediments to the Great Lakes. The work done by this project provides managers with forecasting tools for predicting the combined effects of climate and land use changes that will help them identify and prioritize the sites best suited  for restoration efforts.     USGS scientists will use remote-sensing data to establish a baseline understanding of current distributions of invasive wetland plants and then forecast potential invasion corridors.  Alterations to the Great Lakes shoreline or water-level patterns associated with global climate change could have significant impacts on the extent and composition of coastal habitat.  Low lake levels can expose fertile wetland bottomlands to invasive species such as common reed (Phragmites).	Lakewide Management Plan Capacity Support by U.S. Geological Survey - LAKE HURON	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  96	Jim Stark	Publication	Hydration	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Superior Basin	Accountability	U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) will identify through this project significant sources and impacts of historical and newly emerging toxics to the Great Lakes ecosystem through broad surveillance as well as laboratory and field research of tree swallows and other bird species.  USGS scientists will determine the amount of exposure to and the effects of historical and emerging contaminants in Great Lakes food chains. The data will inform regulators and provide guidance on removal of Beneficial Use Impairments at Area of Concern sites around the Great Lakes.  Work supported under this project is quantifying exposure to, and effects of, both historical and emerging contaminants on Great Lakes food chains using sentinel indicator species such as colonial waterbirds and tree swallows.  Results will contribute directly to assessments of Great Lakes ecosystem health and science-based decision making, provide data that will be directly used by States and EPA to assess whether specific BUIs can be removed and AOC's subsequently delisted, provide a baseline for future trend analysis, and determine the effectiveness of recent remediation actions at AOCs and other known hotspots.  The tree swallow data provide for a biological matrix that is consistent across all AOCs and allows direct comparisons among AOCs and comparisons to non-AOC locations across not only the Great Lakes, but also the northern tier of states in the U.S. as well as Canada.  Because swallows can be enticed to nest at AOCs with the use of nest boxes, similar data will be available for all AOCs.  Because there are effects thresholds already established for tree swallows, or other avian species, it can be determined directly whether exposures to contaminants of various chemical classes are at or above levels of concern.  The collection of colonial waterbird data, where those species occur, in conjunction with the tree swallow data, will allow for modeling and assessment of possible contaminant effects throughout the aquatic ecosystem.  The limited feeding radius of swallows and close ties to sediment contamination allow for an assessment of the biological availability of sediment contaminants as well as quantification of changes in sediment contamination that will be directly usable by EPA in remedy effectiveness assessments.	Lakewide Management Plan Capacity Support by U.S. Geological Survey - LAKE MICHIGAN	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  97	Jim Stark	Data	Airation	Watershed	Watershed:Lake Ontario Basin	Accountability	The Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) coordinates and integrates regional coastal observations supporting national and regional priorities including Great Lakes restoration. The Department of Interior backbone project is providing GLOS equipment for collecting water-quality sensor parameters and samples for organic and metal contaminants, and nutrient and sediment data in tributaries, embayments, and the nearshore to determine and guide restoration activities.  Simulation models are also being developed that will provide quantifiable measures of restoration progress and comparisons of progress over time and space.	Lakewide Management Plan Capacity Support by U.S. Geological Survey - LAKE ONTARIO	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  98	Jim Stark	Project	Botulism	Watershed	Watershed:Lake St. Clair Basin	Accountability	Builds on CSMI year of intensive sampling to sample lower foodweb invertebrates to allow better management of all tropic levels of Lake Ontario. The Lake Ontario food web is perhaps the most severely impacted in all of the Great Lakes and impacts driven by the introduction of non-indigenous species continue to drive large-scale changes today.  The invasive species driven food web in Lake Ontario is of stark contrast to the mostly native food web of Lake Superior and provides the endpoint of the continuum of impacts that occurs moving downstream through the other Great Lakes.  The contrasts and similarities between lakes will help inform the question of how replacement of native species with invasives alters energy pathways and impacts trophic efficiency.  Spatially and temporally rigorous sampling within lakes coupled with standardized methods and syntheses across lakes will allow us to use gradients in food web structure and productivity to explore how nutrient changes at the bottom of the food web impact fish production at the top; how species replacements alter production across trophic levels; and how biologically and environmentally mediated physical changes (e.g., light transmission, temperature change, etc.) alter the food web.  Ecosystem models resulting from this work allow managers to explore how future perturbations or management actions influence key trophic responses in Lake Ontario. Data Collection and analyses: This study follows EPA's year of intensive sampling around the Great Lakes and complements and expands upon EPA and other partner entities work.  In 2013, on Lake Ontario USGS will sample the food web from a nearshore (20 m) to offshore (100 m) gradient where seasonal sampling of primary producers, benthic invertebrates, zooplankton, prey fish, sport fish, and their diets will occur.  We will work closely with state management agencies and stakeholder groups to ensure that ecosystem models that emerge from this work explore relevant future management scenarios. Predator Diet Budget Supplementation: Work funded by this template will analyze the diets of the six species of trout and salmon currently occurring in Lake Ontario.  This predator diet analysis is the key trophic link that integrates lower trophic level productivity with top predator production and sport fishery success.  Bridging primary and secondary production to top predators will also inform native species (i.e., lake trout, Atlantic salmon, and deepwater coregonines) restoration.	Lakewide Management Plan Capacity Support by U.S. Geological Survey - LAKE SUPERIOR	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  99	William Richardson	Publication	Foodweb	Channel	Channel:St. Mary's Channel	Accountability	U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are working to identify and understand the role tributaries to the Great Lakes play in influencing the quality of nearshore and deepwater habitats and the dynamics associated with the mixing of river and lake waters. A scientific framework will be developed for restoration and management in these areas. Managers can use this framework to match Area of Concern habitat restoration targets to previously identified stream and river mouth impacts on the lakes.  The overall intent of this project is to provide, based on intensive and extensive sampling across representative Great Lakes rivermouths, improved guidance for restoration of Great Lakes rivermouth estuarine processes, habitats, and services, and for planning of ecologically sustainable development in these already highly-developed zones.  These complex ecological zones are little recognized nor well understood at present, by scientists or resource managers working in the Great Lakes.  Our first objective is to determine how rivermouth zone habitats are structured by the intersection of lake processes, riverine processes, and local coastal geomorphology.  This information will guide restoration in terms of identifying critical habitat needs, assuring alignment with fundamental rivermouth ecosystem processes, planning for effects of ongoing land use and climate changes, and identifying achievable endpoints or reference conditions for restoration actions.  Our second objective is to develop a set of food web ﾓhealth indicatorsﾔ, that will help both the project team and natural resource managers interpret and assess rivermouth ecological condition, while accounting for natural variations in lake and river conditions.  These will provide powerful tools for management, as these estuaries are viewed as critical, productive nursery grounds for many Great Lakes fish populations, recognizing that this productivity is dependent on healthy food webs.  We are tackling three spatial scales in this project: 1) the entire set of U.S. rivermouths, to characterize extent and variability at this regional landscape scale based on synoptic GIS analyses; 2) a subset of 20-30 rivermouths distributed throughout the Great Lakes Basin, in which we conduct extensive field studies at the lake/basin ecosystem scale; and 3) selected, representative rivermouths (3-4) on Lake Michigan, in which we conduct intensive field studies at a local rivermouth scale; these findings will nest within broader-scale frameworks defined based on synoptic analyses of the entire suite of Great Lakes rivermouths. Within this conceptual framework, our research will be organized within five interconnected tasks: Task 1 - Synoptic characterization of all Great Lakes rivermouths.  This work will help local and regional managers understand the entire spectrum of rivermouth types, as well as the key driving variables at work for local restoration applications. Task 2 - Facilitate regional, collaborative discussions to build broad-based scientific understanding and management applications (the Great Lakes Rivermouth Collaboratory).  For restoration success at the ecosystem scale, it is critical that concepts, definitions, and approaches are broadly understood and accepted.  One product will be a peer-reviewed concept paper highlighting the status of science and management for rivermouth estuaries. Tasks 3 and 4 - Describe the characteristics and dynamics of these hydrologic mixing zones, and describe component habitats within rivermouths, informed by both physical metrics and biological use.  This understanding will serve to guide an array of restoration activities, including identifying critical habitat needs, assuring alignment with fundamental ecosystem processes, and planning for effects of land use and climate change. 	Characterizing Rivermouth Ecosystems	-90.0086721	44.18934899	TRUE	-93.92944336	41.28080257	-85.88745117	46.99870957
  