GFLOW groundwater flow model for the Park Falls Unit of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Wisconsin

A GFLOW model was constructed of the Park Falls Unit as part of a larger study of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The model supports the goals of the project by providing improved characterization of the groundwater/surface-water system and a tool to evaluate the sensitivity of hydrologic flows and temperature to future climate and land use changes. The purpose of this model and the bigger CNNF modeling effort is to integrate existing hydrologic knowledge over the entire Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest system, and provide a comprehensive quantitative framework for describing how the groundwater system works under current land use and climatic conditions. Specific goals include: 1) Improve the understanding of aquifer characteristics and the groundwater flow regime; 2) More clearly define groundwater-surface water interactions; 3) Refine the identification of groundwater dependent ecosystems; 4) Provide better groundwater information for Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and project level planning; 5) Help evaluate the vulnerability of aquatic resources to climate change; and 6) Provide a basis to support future studies in the forest.