National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Springs in the Mojave Desert Network— Surface Water Monitoring at Desert Springs Protocol Narrative Version 1.0 Natural Resource Report NPS/MOJN/NRR—2018/1718 ON THE COVER Looking down at Corkscrew Spring in Death Valley National Park. Photograph courtesy of the National Park Service. Springs in the Mojave Desert Network— Surface Water Monitoring at Desert Springs Protocol Narrative Version 1.0 Natural Resource Report NPS/MOJN/NRR—2018/1718 Geoffrey J. M. Moret, Jennifer L. Bailard, Mark Lehman, Nicole R. Hupp, Nita G. Tallent, and Allen W. Calvert National Park Service 601 Nevada Way Boulder City, NV 89005 September 2018 U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Fort Collins, Colorado The National Park Service, Natural Resource Stewardship and Science office in Fort Collins, Colorado, publishes a range of reports that address natural resource topics. These reports are of interest and applicability to a broad audience in the National Park Service and others in natural resource management, including scientists, conservation and environmental constituencies, and the public. The Natural Resource Report Series is used to disseminate comprehensive information and analysis about natural resources and related topics concerning lands managed by the National Park Service. The series supports the advancement of science, informed decision-making, and the achievement of the National Park Service mission. The series also provides a forum for presenting more lengthy results that may not be accepted by publications with page limitations. All manuscripts in the series receive the appropriate level of peer review to ensure that the information is scientifically credible, technically accurate, appropriately written for the intended audience, and designed and published in a professional manner. This report received formal peer review by subject-matter experts who were not directly involved in the collection, analysis, or reporting of the data, and whose background and expertise put them on par technically and scientifically with the authors of the information. Views, statements, findings, conclusions, recommendations, and data in this report do not necessarily reflect views and policies of the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the U.S. Government. This report is available in digital format from the Mojave Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring website and the Natural Resource Publications Management website. If you have difficulty accessing information in this publication, particularly if using assistive technology, please email [email protected]. Please cite this publication as: Moret, G. J. M., J. L. Bailard, M. Lehman, N. R. Hupp, N. G. Tallent, and A. W. Calvert. 2018. Springs in the Mojave Desert Network—Surface water monitoring at desert springs: Protocol narrative version 1.0. Natural Resource Report NPS/MOJN/NRR—2018/1718. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. NPS 963/148174, September 2018 ii Contents Page Figures.................................................................................................................................................. vii Tables .................................................................................................................................................... ix Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................. xi Acknowledgments ...............................................................................................................................xiii List of Acronyms ................................................................................................................................. xv 1. Background, Rationale, and Objectives ......................................................................................... 1 1.1 The Mojave Desert Network .................................................................................................... 1 1.1.1 Location of the MOJN Parks ............................................................................................ 1 1.1.2 Geography of the MOJN Parks ........................................................................................ 2 1.2 Overview of Springs ................................................................................................................. 5 1.2.1 Springs in the MOJN Framework Model ......................................................................... 5 1.2.2 Hydrology of Mojave Desert Springs ............................................................................... 6 1.2.3 Vegetation Communities at Mojave Desert Springs ........................................................ 7 1.2.4 Wildlife at Mojave Desert Springs ................................................................................... 9 1.3 Threats and Management Concerns ......................................................................................... 9 1.3.1 Climate Change ................................................................................................................ 9 1.3.2 Groundwater Withdrawal ............................................................................................... 10 1.3.3 Diversion ........................................................................................................................ 10 1.3.4 Recreation ....................................................................................................................... 10 1.3.5 Grazing ........................................................................................................................... 10 1.3.6 Invasive Species ............................................................................................................. 11 1.4 Objectives ............................................................................................................................... 11 1.4.1 Monitoring Questions ..................................................................................................... 12 1.4.2 Measurable Objectives ................................................................................................... 12 1.4.3 Qualitative Measurements .............................................................................................. 12 iii Contents (continued) Page 1.4.4 Integration with Other Monitoring Protocols and Resource Management Efforts ...................................................................................................................................... 13 2. Sampling Design .......................................................................................................................... 15 2.1. Target Population .................................................................................................................. 15 2.2 Sample Frame ......................................................................................................................... 16 2.3 Spatial and Revisit Design...................................................................................................... 16 2.3.1 Rotating Panel ................................................................................................................ 16 2.3.2 Spring Selection.............................................................................................................. 18 2.3.3 Design Flexibility ........................................................................................................... 24 2.4 Power Analysis ....................................................................................................................... 25 2.4.1 Methods .......................................................................................................................... 26 2.4.2 Results ............................................................................................................................ 26 2.5 Response Design .................................................................................................................... 27 2.5.1 Spring Acceptance and Classification (SOP 4) .............................................................. 28 2.5.2 Water Availability: Flow Condition (SOP 5) ................................................................. 28 2.5.3 Water Availability: Data-Logging Sensors (SOP 6) ...................................................... 28 2.5.4 Water Quality (SOP 7) ................................................................................................... 29 2.5.5 Site Condition: Spring Vegetation (SOP 8) .................................................................... 29 2.5.6 Site Condition: Invasive Plants (SOP 9) ........................................................................ 30 2.5.7 Site Condition: Disturbance (SOP 10) ........................................................................... 30 2.5.8 Site Condition: Repeat Photographs (SOP 11) ............................................................... 31 3. Field Methods and Logistics ............................................................................................................ 33 3.1. Standard Operating Procedures ............................................................................................