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John A Young

John Young is a Research Biologist (Biogeography/GIS) at the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center and Lead of the EESC Remote Sensing and GIS Team. 

John Young is a Research Biologist (Biogeography/GIS) whose research interests include developing innovative applications of GIS and remote sensing technologies to assess the impact of landscape structure on the distribution of aquatic and terrestrial species and their habitats.  His past research activities have included assessing watershed land use effects on aquatic communities, modeling the distribution of endangered, rare, and at risk plants and animals, remote sensing monitoring and assessment of forest vegetation communities, and characterizing forest structure and change using aerial lidar.  His work has also included development of risk and vulnerability models using multi-criteria decision support tools and geospatial modeling, and development of spatial sampling designs for field data collection. 

Professional Experience

  • 2000 to present USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (formerly USGS Leetown Science Center), Kearneysville, WV, Research Biologist (Biogeography/GIS).

  • 1994-2000 USGS Leetown Science Center, Kearneysville, WV, Biologist (GIS Coordinator).

  • 1991-1994 U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Olympia, WA, Geographer/GIS Coordinator.

Education and Certifications

  • M.S. Geography, 1992, Virginia Tech

  • B.A. Geography, 1987, Virginia Tech

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • International Association of Landscape Ecologists, International Biogeography Society

Science and Products

Two aquatic macroinvertebrates in a pan.

Using Multiple Indicators to Assess Stream Condition in the Chesapeake Bay

USGS is working with federal, state and local partners to develop multiple assessments of stream and river conditions in non-tidal areas of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These assessments will help managers preserve stream health and improve biological conditions in impaired streams as the human population and climate continue to change in this region.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center
Using Multiple Indicators to Assess Stream Condition in the Chesapeake Bay

Using Multiple Indicators to Assess Stream Condition in the Chesapeake Bay

USGS is working with federal, state and local partners to develop multiple assessments of stream and river conditions in non-tidal areas of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These assessments will help managers preserve stream health and improve biological conditions in impaired streams as the human population and climate continue to change in this region.
Learn More
Brook trout image

Brook trout vulnerability to drought: eastern component of USGS national integrated ecohydrological research

There is a growing and urgent need to develop and implement innovative strategies to research, monitor, and manage freshwater resources as societal demands escalate simultaneously with climate-driven changes in water availability.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
Brook trout vulnerability to drought: eastern component of USGS national integrated ecohydrological research

Brook trout vulnerability to drought: eastern component of USGS national integrated ecohydrological research

There is a growing and urgent need to develop and implement innovative strategies to research, monitor, and manage freshwater resources as societal demands escalate simultaneously with climate-driven changes in water availability.
Learn More
Bathymetric LiDAR mapping result.

Mapping riverine habitats of the Delaware River using bathymetric LiDAR

Ecosystem management and assessment of rivers requires detailed data on bathymetry before estimates of aquatic habitats can be determined. However, mapping bathymetry in shallow rivers is challenging due to river depth limitations for watercraft.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
Mapping riverine habitats of the Delaware River using bathymetric LiDAR

Mapping riverine habitats of the Delaware River using bathymetric LiDAR

Ecosystem management and assessment of rivers requires detailed data on bathymetry before estimates of aquatic habitats can be determined. However, mapping bathymetry in shallow rivers is challenging due to river depth limitations for watercraft.
Learn More
Chesapeake Bay image

Assessing stream health and fish habitat in streams of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Streams and rivers provide habitat for a diverse array of aquatic and semi-aquatic species. However, human alteration to landscapes and riverscapes has affected this habitat resulting in its degradation and thus loss of habitat and associated sensitive aquatic species. While this relationship has been known for many years, only recently has the availability of data and analytical capabilities...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center
Assessing stream health and fish habitat in streams of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Assessing stream health and fish habitat in streams of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Streams and rivers provide habitat for a diverse array of aquatic and semi-aquatic species. However, human alteration to landscapes and riverscapes has affected this habitat resulting in its degradation and thus loss of habitat and associated sensitive aquatic species. While this relationship has been known for many years, only recently has the availability of data and analytical capabilities...
Learn More
USGS science for a changing world logo

Evaluation and testing of standardized forest vegetation metrics derived from lidar data

The USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is managing the acquisition of lidar data across the Nation for high resolution mapping of the land surface, useful for multiple applications. Lidar data is initially collected as 3-dimensional “point clouds” that map the interaction of the airborne laser with earth surface features, including vegetation, buildings, and ground features. Generally the...
By
Community for Data Integration (CDI)
Evaluation and testing of standardized forest vegetation metrics derived from lidar data

Evaluation and testing of standardized forest vegetation metrics derived from lidar data

The USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is managing the acquisition of lidar data across the Nation for high resolution mapping of the land surface, useful for multiple applications. Lidar data is initially collected as 3-dimensional “point clouds” that map the interaction of the airborne laser with earth surface features, including vegetation, buildings, and ground features. Generally the product of
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 24

“DelRiv 24k – LU": Land Use/Land Cover Related Data Summaries for the Delaware River Watershed Within NHD Plus HR catchments “DelRiv 24k – LU": Land Use/Land Cover Related Data Summaries for the Delaware River Watershed Within NHD Plus HR catchments

These tabular data are the summarization of land use/land cover related variables within the Delaware River watershed at the 1:24,000 scale using the xstrm methodology. Variables being counted as land use/land cover related include all land use and land cover data. Outputs consist of tabular comma-separated values files (CSVs), and parquet formatted files for both the local catchment and...
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

“DelRiv 24k – NE": Natural Environment Related Data Summaries for the Delaware River Watershed Within NHD Plus HR catchments “DelRiv 24k – NE": Natural Environment Related Data Summaries for the Delaware River Watershed Within NHD Plus HR catchments

These tabular data are the summarization of natural environment related variables within catchments of the Delaware River watershed at the 1:24,000 scale using the xstrm methodology. Variables being counted as natural environment related include soils/geology, lithology, elevation, slope, landform (geomorphon) and others. Outputs include tabular comma-separated values files (CSVs) and...
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

2021 Potomac River Phase II Topobathymetric Lidar Validation - USGS Field Survey Data 2021 Potomac River Phase II Topobathymetric Lidar Validation - USGS Field Survey Data

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists conducted field data collection efforts between September 30th and October 9th, 2021 over a large stretch of the Potomac River in Maryland and West Virginia using high accuracy surveying technologies. The work was initiated as an effort to validate commercially acquired topobathymetric light detection and ranging (lidar) data that was collected
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, National Land Imaging Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , EROS CalVal Center of Excellence (ECCOE)

Attribution of fish sampling data to NHDPlus HR catchments within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Attribution of fish sampling data to NHDPlus HR catchments within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

This data release links fish survey data from a suite of programs in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to the NHDPlus High Resolution Region 02 networks, hereafter referred to as NHDPlusHR. The data set contains site name, survey program, coordinates of sample, ancillary information such as sample date and site location information where available, and HR Permanent Identifier. It also...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Potomac River ADCP Bathymetric Survey, October 4-7, 2021 Potomac River ADCP Bathymetric Survey, October 4-7, 2021

Bathymetric LiDAR technology was used to collect riverbed elevation data along the Potomac River. In support of this effort, a bathymetric survey with a boat-mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) was conducted in the study area during October 4-7, 2021. The study area consisted of four verification reaches on the Potomac River including: 1) Williamsport accessed through the...
By
Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

“ChesBay 24k – NE": Natural Environment Related Data Summaries for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Within NHD Plus HR catchments (ver. 4.0, August 2025) “ChesBay 24k – NE": Natural Environment Related Data Summaries for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Within NHD Plus HR catchments (ver. 4.0, August 2025)

These tabular data are the summarization of natural environment related variables within catchments of the Chesapeake Bay watershed at the 1:24,000 scale using the xstrm methodology. Variables being counted as natural environment related include soils/geology, lithology, elevation, slope, stream gradient, landform (geomorphon) and others. Outputs include tabular comma-separated values...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Joint pilot fish habitat framework Joint pilot fish habitat framework

This story map will take you through the process of exploring and testing methods necessary for a higher resolution, seamless fish habitat assessment across both inland and estuarine waters through the lens of our joint pilot assessment Fish habitat assessments attempt to relate past, current, or future landscape conditions to the state of fish species occurrence, distribution, abundance...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center
No results found.
Filter Total Items: 55

Assessing streams in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to guide conservation and restoration activities Assessing streams in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to guide conservation and restoration activities

Freshwater streams in the Chesapeake Bay watershed are home to numerous aquatic organisms (like fish, amphibians, mussels, and insects) and provide drinking water and recreational opportunities to people living in or visiting the watershed. Land-use changes, such as urban development and increased activities in certain agricultural sectors, have degraded water quality and altered...
Authors
Kelly O. Maloney, Rosemary M. Fanelli, Matthew J. Cashman, Lindsey J. Boyle, Stephanie E. Gordon, Benjamin P. Gressler, Michelle P. Katoski, Alexander H. Kiser, Marina J. Metes, Gregory E. Noe, Andrew J. Sekellick, Allison Sussman, John A. Young
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Pilot framework for fish habitat assessments across tidal and non tidal waters in the Patuxent River Basin Pilot framework for fish habitat assessments across tidal and non tidal waters in the Patuxent River Basin

As part of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, all Bay States and the District of Columbia have committed to improving the condition of the Bay, which includes a goal to achieve sustainable fisheries. One outcome under that broad goal is improved effectiveness of fish habitat conservation and preservation efforts. In support of that outcome, the U.S. Geological Survey Eastern...
Authors
H Nisonson, Alexander H. Kiser, Benjamin P. Gressler, A Leight, John A. Young
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Causal inference approaches reveal both positive and negative unintended effects of agricultural and urban management practices on instream biological condition Causal inference approaches reveal both positive and negative unintended effects of agricultural and urban management practices on instream biological condition

Agricultural and urban management practices (MPs) are primarily designed and implemented to reduce nutrient and sediment concentrations in streams. However, there is growing interest in determining if MPs produce any unintended positive effects, or co-benefits, to instream biological and habitat conditions. Identifying co-benefits is challenging though because of confounding variables (i...
Authors
Sean Cassian Emmons, Taylor Woods, Matthew J. Cashman, Olivia Devereux, Gregory E. Noe, John A. Young, Scott Stranko, Jay V. Kilian, Katherine Hanna, Kelly O. Maloney
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Assessing tradeoffs between current and desired vegetation condition in a National Park using historical maps and high resolution lidar data Assessing tradeoffs between current and desired vegetation condition in a National Park using historical maps and high resolution lidar data

In the United States, National Park Service Civil War battlefield units are managed for both historical accuracy (i.e., to represent landscape conditions at the time of the conflict for historical interpretation), and for natural resource protection. However, managing for both goals can create conflicts as many battlefields were largely open or in second growth forests historically, but...
Authors
John A. Young, Carolyn Mahan
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Multispecies approaches to status assessments in support of endangered species classifications Multispecies approaches to status assessments in support of endangered species classifications

Multispecies risk assessments have developed within many international conservation programs, reflecting a widespread need for efficiency. Under the United States Endangered Species Act (ESA), multispecies assessments ultimately lead to species-level listing decisions. Although this approach provides opportunities for improved efficiency, it also risks overwhelming or biasing the...
Authors
Daniel Bruce Fitzgerald, Mary Freeman, Kelly O. Maloney, John A. Young, Amanda E. Rosenberger, David C. Kazyak, David R. Smith
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Explainable machine learning improves interpretability in the predictive modeling of biological stream conditions in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, USA Explainable machine learning improves interpretability in the predictive modeling of biological stream conditions in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, USA

Anthropogenic alterations have resulted in widespread degradation of stream conditions. To aid in stream restoration and management, baseline estimates of conditions and improved explanation of factors driving their degradation are needed. We used random forests to model biological conditions using a benthic macroinvertebrate index of biotic integrity for small, non-tidal streams...
Authors
Kelly O. Maloney, Claire Buchanan, Rikke Jepsen, Kevin P. Krause, Matthew J. Cashman, Benjamin P. Gressler, John A. Young, Matthias Schmid
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Mahan, C. G. and J. A. Young. 2018. Natural resource condition assessment: New River Gorge National River. Technical Report NPS/NERI/NRR—2018/1622.
Mahan, C. G., and J. A. Young. 2016. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park Natural Resource Condition Assessment. Natural Resource Report NPS/NERO/NRR—2016/1252. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Fishway Structure Data in the Eastern United States Fishway Structure Data in the Eastern United States

This geonarrative represents a compilation of fishways, and their associated characteristics, collected by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) member states at the request of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center, USGS Science in Long Island Sound and its Watershed

Science and Products

Two aquatic macroinvertebrates in a pan.

Using Multiple Indicators to Assess Stream Condition in the Chesapeake Bay

USGS is working with federal, state and local partners to develop multiple assessments of stream and river conditions in non-tidal areas of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These assessments will help managers preserve stream health and improve biological conditions in impaired streams as the human population and climate continue to change in this region.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center
Using Multiple Indicators to Assess Stream Condition in the Chesapeake Bay

Using Multiple Indicators to Assess Stream Condition in the Chesapeake Bay

USGS is working with federal, state and local partners to develop multiple assessments of stream and river conditions in non-tidal areas of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These assessments will help managers preserve stream health and improve biological conditions in impaired streams as the human population and climate continue to change in this region.
Learn More
Brook trout image

Brook trout vulnerability to drought: eastern component of USGS national integrated ecohydrological research

There is a growing and urgent need to develop and implement innovative strategies to research, monitor, and manage freshwater resources as societal demands escalate simultaneously with climate-driven changes in water availability.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
Brook trout vulnerability to drought: eastern component of USGS national integrated ecohydrological research

Brook trout vulnerability to drought: eastern component of USGS national integrated ecohydrological research

There is a growing and urgent need to develop and implement innovative strategies to research, monitor, and manage freshwater resources as societal demands escalate simultaneously with climate-driven changes in water availability.
Learn More
Bathymetric LiDAR mapping result.

Mapping riverine habitats of the Delaware River using bathymetric LiDAR

Ecosystem management and assessment of rivers requires detailed data on bathymetry before estimates of aquatic habitats can be determined. However, mapping bathymetry in shallow rivers is challenging due to river depth limitations for watercraft.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
Mapping riverine habitats of the Delaware River using bathymetric LiDAR

Mapping riverine habitats of the Delaware River using bathymetric LiDAR

Ecosystem management and assessment of rivers requires detailed data on bathymetry before estimates of aquatic habitats can be determined. However, mapping bathymetry in shallow rivers is challenging due to river depth limitations for watercraft.
Learn More
Chesapeake Bay image

Assessing stream health and fish habitat in streams of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Streams and rivers provide habitat for a diverse array of aquatic and semi-aquatic species. However, human alteration to landscapes and riverscapes has affected this habitat resulting in its degradation and thus loss of habitat and associated sensitive aquatic species. While this relationship has been known for many years, only recently has the availability of data and analytical capabilities...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center
Assessing stream health and fish habitat in streams of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Assessing stream health and fish habitat in streams of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Streams and rivers provide habitat for a diverse array of aquatic and semi-aquatic species. However, human alteration to landscapes and riverscapes has affected this habitat resulting in its degradation and thus loss of habitat and associated sensitive aquatic species. While this relationship has been known for many years, only recently has the availability of data and analytical capabilities...
Learn More
USGS science for a changing world logo

Evaluation and testing of standardized forest vegetation metrics derived from lidar data

The USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is managing the acquisition of lidar data across the Nation for high resolution mapping of the land surface, useful for multiple applications. Lidar data is initially collected as 3-dimensional “point clouds” that map the interaction of the airborne laser with earth surface features, including vegetation, buildings, and ground features. Generally the...
By
Community for Data Integration (CDI)
Evaluation and testing of standardized forest vegetation metrics derived from lidar data

Evaluation and testing of standardized forest vegetation metrics derived from lidar data

The USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is managing the acquisition of lidar data across the Nation for high resolution mapping of the land surface, useful for multiple applications. Lidar data is initially collected as 3-dimensional “point clouds” that map the interaction of the airborne laser with earth surface features, including vegetation, buildings, and ground features. Generally the product of
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 24

“DelRiv 24k – LU": Land Use/Land Cover Related Data Summaries for the Delaware River Watershed Within NHD Plus HR catchments “DelRiv 24k – LU": Land Use/Land Cover Related Data Summaries for the Delaware River Watershed Within NHD Plus HR catchments

These tabular data are the summarization of land use/land cover related variables within the Delaware River watershed at the 1:24,000 scale using the xstrm methodology. Variables being counted as land use/land cover related include all land use and land cover data. Outputs consist of tabular comma-separated values files (CSVs), and parquet formatted files for both the local catchment and...
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

“DelRiv 24k – NE": Natural Environment Related Data Summaries for the Delaware River Watershed Within NHD Plus HR catchments “DelRiv 24k – NE": Natural Environment Related Data Summaries for the Delaware River Watershed Within NHD Plus HR catchments

These tabular data are the summarization of natural environment related variables within catchments of the Delaware River watershed at the 1:24,000 scale using the xstrm methodology. Variables being counted as natural environment related include soils/geology, lithology, elevation, slope, landform (geomorphon) and others. Outputs include tabular comma-separated values files (CSVs) and...
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

2021 Potomac River Phase II Topobathymetric Lidar Validation - USGS Field Survey Data 2021 Potomac River Phase II Topobathymetric Lidar Validation - USGS Field Survey Data

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists conducted field data collection efforts between September 30th and October 9th, 2021 over a large stretch of the Potomac River in Maryland and West Virginia using high accuracy surveying technologies. The work was initiated as an effort to validate commercially acquired topobathymetric light detection and ranging (lidar) data that was collected
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, National Land Imaging Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , EROS CalVal Center of Excellence (ECCOE)

Attribution of fish sampling data to NHDPlus HR catchments within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Attribution of fish sampling data to NHDPlus HR catchments within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

This data release links fish survey data from a suite of programs in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to the NHDPlus High Resolution Region 02 networks, hereafter referred to as NHDPlusHR. The data set contains site name, survey program, coordinates of sample, ancillary information such as sample date and site location information where available, and HR Permanent Identifier. It also...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Potomac River ADCP Bathymetric Survey, October 4-7, 2021 Potomac River ADCP Bathymetric Survey, October 4-7, 2021

Bathymetric LiDAR technology was used to collect riverbed elevation data along the Potomac River. In support of this effort, a bathymetric survey with a boat-mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) was conducted in the study area during October 4-7, 2021. The study area consisted of four verification reaches on the Potomac River including: 1) Williamsport accessed through the...
By
Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

“ChesBay 24k – NE": Natural Environment Related Data Summaries for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Within NHD Plus HR catchments (ver. 4.0, August 2025) “ChesBay 24k – NE": Natural Environment Related Data Summaries for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Within NHD Plus HR catchments (ver. 4.0, August 2025)

These tabular data are the summarization of natural environment related variables within catchments of the Chesapeake Bay watershed at the 1:24,000 scale using the xstrm methodology. Variables being counted as natural environment related include soils/geology, lithology, elevation, slope, stream gradient, landform (geomorphon) and others. Outputs include tabular comma-separated values...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Joint pilot fish habitat framework Joint pilot fish habitat framework

This story map will take you through the process of exploring and testing methods necessary for a higher resolution, seamless fish habitat assessment across both inland and estuarine waters through the lens of our joint pilot assessment Fish habitat assessments attempt to relate past, current, or future landscape conditions to the state of fish species occurrence, distribution, abundance...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center
No results found.
Filter Total Items: 55

Assessing streams in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to guide conservation and restoration activities Assessing streams in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to guide conservation and restoration activities

Freshwater streams in the Chesapeake Bay watershed are home to numerous aquatic organisms (like fish, amphibians, mussels, and insects) and provide drinking water and recreational opportunities to people living in or visiting the watershed. Land-use changes, such as urban development and increased activities in certain agricultural sectors, have degraded water quality and altered...
Authors
Kelly O. Maloney, Rosemary M. Fanelli, Matthew J. Cashman, Lindsey J. Boyle, Stephanie E. Gordon, Benjamin P. Gressler, Michelle P. Katoski, Alexander H. Kiser, Marina J. Metes, Gregory E. Noe, Andrew J. Sekellick, Allison Sussman, John A. Young
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Pilot framework for fish habitat assessments across tidal and non tidal waters in the Patuxent River Basin Pilot framework for fish habitat assessments across tidal and non tidal waters in the Patuxent River Basin

As part of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, all Bay States and the District of Columbia have committed to improving the condition of the Bay, which includes a goal to achieve sustainable fisheries. One outcome under that broad goal is improved effectiveness of fish habitat conservation and preservation efforts. In support of that outcome, the U.S. Geological Survey Eastern...
Authors
H Nisonson, Alexander H. Kiser, Benjamin P. Gressler, A Leight, John A. Young
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Causal inference approaches reveal both positive and negative unintended effects of agricultural and urban management practices on instream biological condition Causal inference approaches reveal both positive and negative unintended effects of agricultural and urban management practices on instream biological condition

Agricultural and urban management practices (MPs) are primarily designed and implemented to reduce nutrient and sediment concentrations in streams. However, there is growing interest in determining if MPs produce any unintended positive effects, or co-benefits, to instream biological and habitat conditions. Identifying co-benefits is challenging though because of confounding variables (i...
Authors
Sean Cassian Emmons, Taylor Woods, Matthew J. Cashman, Olivia Devereux, Gregory E. Noe, John A. Young, Scott Stranko, Jay V. Kilian, Katherine Hanna, Kelly O. Maloney
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Assessing tradeoffs between current and desired vegetation condition in a National Park using historical maps and high resolution lidar data Assessing tradeoffs between current and desired vegetation condition in a National Park using historical maps and high resolution lidar data

In the United States, National Park Service Civil War battlefield units are managed for both historical accuracy (i.e., to represent landscape conditions at the time of the conflict for historical interpretation), and for natural resource protection. However, managing for both goals can create conflicts as many battlefields were largely open or in second growth forests historically, but...
Authors
John A. Young, Carolyn Mahan
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Multispecies approaches to status assessments in support of endangered species classifications Multispecies approaches to status assessments in support of endangered species classifications

Multispecies risk assessments have developed within many international conservation programs, reflecting a widespread need for efficiency. Under the United States Endangered Species Act (ESA), multispecies assessments ultimately lead to species-level listing decisions. Although this approach provides opportunities for improved efficiency, it also risks overwhelming or biasing the...
Authors
Daniel Bruce Fitzgerald, Mary Freeman, Kelly O. Maloney, John A. Young, Amanda E. Rosenberger, David C. Kazyak, David R. Smith
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center

Explainable machine learning improves interpretability in the predictive modeling of biological stream conditions in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, USA Explainable machine learning improves interpretability in the predictive modeling of biological stream conditions in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, USA

Anthropogenic alterations have resulted in widespread degradation of stream conditions. To aid in stream restoration and management, baseline estimates of conditions and improved explanation of factors driving their degradation are needed. We used random forests to model biological conditions using a benthic macroinvertebrate index of biotic integrity for small, non-tidal streams...
Authors
Kelly O. Maloney, Claire Buchanan, Rikke Jepsen, Kevin P. Krause, Matthew J. Cashman, Benjamin P. Gressler, John A. Young, Matthias Schmid
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Mahan, C. G. and J. A. Young. 2018. Natural resource condition assessment: New River Gorge National River. Technical Report NPS/NERI/NRR—2018/1622.
Mahan, C. G., and J. A. Young. 2016. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park Natural Resource Condition Assessment. Natural Resource Report NPS/NERO/NRR—2016/1252. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Fishway Structure Data in the Eastern United States Fishway Structure Data in the Eastern United States

This geonarrative represents a compilation of fishways, and their associated characteristics, collected by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) member states at the request of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
By
Eastern Ecological Science Center, USGS Science in Long Island Sound and its Watershed

*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government

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