Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Oregon
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

In the western United States, severe droughts, reduced snowpack, rising temperatures, and the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires are rapidly altering streams and wetlands. As a result, the availability of water and habitat quality are becoming critical concerns for the fish and wildlife that inhabit these environments. Managers often lack the necessary information to inform effective management strategies, as high desert aquatic ecosystems are frequently understudied. To address this critical knowledge gap, we are conducting a comprehensive study of fish species and their stream habitats in the Goose Lake Basin in southern Oregon. This basin is a terminal lake system, meaning that water availability is particularly limited. As drought conditions worsen, habitat quality and the movement of native species—including trout, lamprey, and minnows—are likely to be further restricted, especially during the hot summer months when they rely on cool freshwater sources. To enhance our understanding of how natural ecological disturbance impacts habitat quality for these native fish, we are employing stable isotopes to evaluate stream habitat connectivity and flow provenance under varying seasonal and environmental conditions. This data will be integrated with existing fish abundance and water temperature information to model where native and non-native fish are likely to thrive under different scenarios. The outcomes of this project will provide vital information for our partners, enabling them to identify ideal habitats for restoration and enhancement. This will support management and decision-making related to species and habitat conservation, ensuring that we can effectively safeguard these vulnerable aquatic ecosystems in the face of ongoing ecological disturbance.