Date

Friday, October 9, 2026, 2:00–2:30 pm ET / 11:00–11:30 am PT

Speaker

Kaili Gregory, Ph.D. candidate, Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

Webinar Summary

Cold-water rivers are at the forefront of ecosystem change impacts, with shifting precipitation patterns and air temperatures posing a significant threat to the resilience of these ecologically, socially, and economically valuable systems. The Au Sable River, Michigan, USA, known for its scenic waterways and rich angling history, is experiencing diverse stressors including habitat degradation and fragmentation, the effects of which are only expected to worsen with ecosystem change. In a participatory decision process, we co-developed an adaptive management framework to identify key uncertainties, strategically acquire new knowledge, and facilitate more effective decision making. To support the framework, we built an individual-based model to predict future status of two trout populations under different climate and management scenarios. The scale of the model was based on a participatory mapping exercise with stakeholders focused on the spatial patterns of social values. Model results will allow for improved spatial prioritization of management actions, leading to more coordinated experimental management strategies, while building trust and communication pathways between individuals and organizations. Broadly, the work presented here serves as an example of how participatory mapping can be integrated with quantitative methods to support adaptive management and decision-making for a riverine system undergoing significant change. 

Series Info 
Friday’s Findings is a twice‑monthly public webinar series hosted by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area.