Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Geosciences
Date of Award
8-2020
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Ingrid E. Luffman
Committee Members
Arpita Nandi, T. Andrew Joyner
Abstract
Unpaved forest roads are adversely affecting coldwater streams through excessive erosion and the subsequent sedimentation of adjacent waterways. To help identify areas of concern, Trout Unlimited (TU) in the Southern Appalachian region developed a Community Science initiative to gather data on sediment sources and stream-road crossings. Volunteers were recruited and trained to monitor road and trail conditions and collect and submit data using a Survey123 application on their cell phones. Analysis of the contributed data reveals statistical connections between drainage type and both erosion level and stream sedimentation. The contributed data were also included as a calibration for the lite version of the Geomorphic Road Analysis and Inventory Package (GRAIP-Lite), a GIS-based road sediment contribution model. The analysis found statistically significant differences between Basic and Calibrated models at one of two sites, and substantial increases in sediment delivery from the Alternate model at both sites.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Hansen, Jacob L., "Utilizing the Public on Public Lands: The Application of Community Science to Monitor and Model Erosion in National Forests" (2020). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 3806. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3806
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Geomorphology Commons, Hydrology Commons, Sedimentology Commons