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Michael R. McHale

Intro

I began working for the U.S. Geological Survey in 1997. One of my primary research interests is long-term monitoring and trend analyses. This research involves collecting and analyzing long-term monitoring data to determine the effects of climate and land use change on water quality, water quantity and soil chemistry in minimally disturbed watersheds across the United States. I also conduct watershed research in the Catskill Mountains of New York which is the primary source of drinking water for New York City. My work in the Catskills during the last 2 decades has included the effects of agricultural best management practices on stream water quality, nutrient cycling, and sediment transport. Recently I have become involved in evaluating the effectiveness of green infrastructure in Buffalo, NY as part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

Education           

  • Ph.D., 1999, State University of New York, College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, Major: Forest Hydrology, Areas of Study: Biogeochemistry, Hydrology
  • B.S., 1992, State University of New York at Cortland, Cortland, NY Major: Geology

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 13
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red dots on map of Catskill region of New York

Upper Esopus Creek Tributary Bedload Pilot Study

Problem Sediment transport is a serious concern in the upper Esopus Creek watershed. The creek is a well-documented source of sediment and turbidity to the Ashokan Reservoir, which is part of the New York City water supply system. During the last 2 decades there has been a series of stream stabilization and sediment reduction projects completed in the upper Esopus Creek watershed intended to reduc
By
New York Water Science Center
link

Upper Esopus Creek Tributary Bedload Pilot Study

Problem Sediment transport is a serious concern in the upper Esopus Creek watershed. The creek is a well-documented source of sediment and turbidity to the Ashokan Reservoir, which is part of the New York City water supply system. During the last 2 decades there has been a series of stream stabilization and sediment reduction projects completed in the upper Esopus Creek watershed intended to reduc
Learn More
link
Photo of minor street flooding along Niagara Street in Buffalo, New York

Assessing stormwater reduction using green infrastructure: Niagara River Greenway Project (Buffalo, NY)

The U.S. Geological Survey is assessing the effectiveness of green infrastructure at attenuating and reducing stormflow along a 2.26 mile corridor of Niagara Street in Buffalo, NY. This research is being conducted in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Buffalo Sewer Authority and University at Buffalo.
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
link

Assessing stormwater reduction using green infrastructure: Niagara River Greenway Project (Buffalo, NY)

The U.S. Geological Survey is assessing the effectiveness of green infrastructure at attenuating and reducing stormflow along a 2.26 mile corridor of Niagara Street in Buffalo, NY. This research is being conducted in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Buffalo Sewer Authority and University at Buffalo.
Learn More
link
white map with black and gray dots

Stony Clove Basin Sediment and Turbidity Monitoring

Problem Suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) and turbidity are primary water-quality concerns in New York City’s (NYC) water-supply system (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2007). In the NYC water-supply system turbidity is largely caused by clay and silt rather than organic material (Effler et al. 1998, Peng et al. 2002, 2004). Sediment can originate from the watershed land surface and the...
By
New York Water Science Center
link

Stony Clove Basin Sediment and Turbidity Monitoring

Problem Suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) and turbidity are primary water-quality concerns in New York City’s (NYC) water-supply system (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2007). In the NYC water-supply system turbidity is largely caused by clay and silt rather than organic material (Effler et al. 1998, Peng et al. 2002, 2004). Sediment can originate from the watershed land surface and the...
Learn More
link
light gray and dark gray map with black dots

Esopus Creek Sediment and Turbidity Study

Background The Ashokan Reservoir is located in the Catskill Mountains of New York State and is part of New York City’s (NYC) water supply system. The NYC water-supply system is operated by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) under a filtration avoidance determination (FAD) issued by the New York State Department of Health. The Ashokan Reservoir watershed is 255 mi2 and is one o...
By
New York Water Science Center
link

Esopus Creek Sediment and Turbidity Study

Background The Ashokan Reservoir is located in the Catskill Mountains of New York State and is part of New York City’s (NYC) water supply system. The NYC water-supply system is operated by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) under a filtration avoidance determination (FAD) issued by the New York State Department of Health. The Ashokan Reservoir watershed is 255 mi2 and is one o...
Learn More
link
map of the United States with blue and red triangle markers

Hydrologic Climate Change Indicators

Background Streams and rivers are an important environmental resource and provide water for many human needs. Streamflow is a measure of the volume of water carried by rivers and streams. Changes in streamflow can directly influence the supply of water available for human consumption, irrigation, generating electricity, and other needs. In addition, many plants and animals depend on streamflow
By
New England Water Science Center, New York Water Science Center
link

Hydrologic Climate Change Indicators

Background Streams and rivers are an important environmental resource and provide water for many human needs. Streamflow is a measure of the volume of water carried by rivers and streams. Changes in streamflow can directly influence the supply of water available for human consumption, irrigation, generating electricity, and other needs. In addition, many plants and animals depend on streamflow
Learn More
link
river surrounded by trees

The National Network of Reference Watersheds

The National Network of Reference Watersheds is a collaborative and multipurpose network of minimally disturbed watersheds and monitoring sites. The purpose of this website is to allow users to search the NNRW database of reference watersheds, to identify watersheds of interest, and download watershed information and water quality data. The current scope of the network is limited to freshwater
By
New York Water Science Center
link

The National Network of Reference Watersheds

The National Network of Reference Watersheds is a collaborative and multipurpose network of minimally disturbed watersheds and monitoring sites. The purpose of this website is to allow users to search the NNRW database of reference watersheds, to identify watersheds of interest, and download watershed information and water quality data. The current scope of the network is limited to freshwater
Learn More
link
a large net in a brown shallow stream lined with green leafed trees

Quantitative Assessment of Water Quality in Upper Esopus Creek: Fish, Macroinvertebrates, Periphyton, Turbidity, and Nutrients

Background The Esopus Creek is located in the Catskill Mountains of New York State and is part of the New York City (NYC) drinking water supply system. The basin was dammed in 1915 to form the Ashokan Reservoir splitting the creek into Upper (upstream of the reservoir) and Lower segments. The drainage area of Upper Esopus Creek, between the source (Winisook Lake) and the Ashokan Reservoir is appr
By
New York Water Science Center
link

Quantitative Assessment of Water Quality in Upper Esopus Creek: Fish, Macroinvertebrates, Periphyton, Turbidity, and Nutrients

Background The Esopus Creek is located in the Catskill Mountains of New York State and is part of the New York City (NYC) drinking water supply system. The basin was dammed in 1915 to form the Ashokan Reservoir splitting the creek into Upper (upstream of the reservoir) and Lower segments. The drainage area of Upper Esopus Creek, between the source (Winisook Lake) and the Ashokan Reservoir is appr
Learn More
link
large metal box on legs next to red insulated cooler in leafless woods

Mercury Deposition in the Biscuit Brook Watershed

This project provides weekly wet-only mercury deposition samples at the Mercury Deposition Network (MDN) station in the Biscuit Brook watershed at the Frost Valley YMCA. The station has been in operation since 2004 and is currently funded by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). This is the only MDN station located in the Catskill Mountains and one of only 3 stati
By
New York Water Science Center
link

Mercury Deposition in the Biscuit Brook Watershed

This project provides weekly wet-only mercury deposition samples at the Mercury Deposition Network (MDN) station in the Biscuit Brook watershed at the Frost Valley YMCA. The station has been in operation since 2004 and is currently funded by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). This is the only MDN station located in the Catskill Mountains and one of only 3 stati
Learn More
link
creek with flat rocky bank and green leafed trees at sides

Changes in Soil and Stream Water Chemistry in Response to Reduction in Acid Deposition in the Catskills

Summary The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Long Term Monitoring (LTM) network has supported the collection of stream chemistry data in the Catskills since the 1990s. Trends in stream chemistry have periodically been evaluated in these streams but the most recent assessments only extend through the early 2000s. An updated assessment of stream chemistry trends will help evaluate the eff
By
New York Water Science Center
link

Changes in Soil and Stream Water Chemistry in Response to Reduction in Acid Deposition in the Catskills

Summary The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Long Term Monitoring (LTM) network has supported the collection of stream chemistry data in the Catskills since the 1990s. Trends in stream chemistry have periodically been evaluated in these streams but the most recent assessments only extend through the early 2000s. An updated assessment of stream chemistry trends will help evaluate the eff
Learn More
link
dirt bank at the side of a stream surrounded by forestt

Effects of Stream Restoration and Bank Stabilization on Suspended Sediment in Tributaries to the Upper Esopus Creek

Introduction The upper Esopus Creek watershed is located in the eastern Catskill Mountains of New York State and covers 497 km2 from Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the Catskills at 1,274 m, to the Ashokan Reservoir at 193 m elevation (fig. 1). Suspended sediment and turbidity are primary water quality concerns in the Ashokan Reservoir watershed, part of the New York City Catskill-Delaware
By
New York Water Science Center
link

Effects of Stream Restoration and Bank Stabilization on Suspended Sediment in Tributaries to the Upper Esopus Creek

Introduction The upper Esopus Creek watershed is located in the eastern Catskill Mountains of New York State and covers 497 km2 from Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the Catskills at 1,274 m, to the Ashokan Reservoir at 193 m elevation (fig. 1). Suspended sediment and turbidity are primary water quality concerns in the Ashokan Reservoir watershed, part of the New York City Catskill-Delaware
Learn More
link
boulders in a small stream with green vegetation along banks

Mercury concentration in water, sediment, and fish in the Neversink watershed, New York

The distribution of mercury (Hg) and sites of greatest Hg methylation are poorly understood in Catskill Mountain watersheds. Although concentrations of Hg in the water column are low, high concentrations of Hg in smallmouth bass and walleye have led to consumption advisories in most large New York City reservoirs in the Catskill Mountains. Mercury in natural waters can exist in many forms, inc
By
New York Water Science Center
link

Mercury concentration in water, sediment, and fish in the Neversink watershed, New York

The distribution of mercury (Hg) and sites of greatest Hg methylation are poorly understood in Catskill Mountain watersheds. Although concentrations of Hg in the water column are low, high concentrations of Hg in smallmouth bass and walleye have led to consumption advisories in most large New York City reservoirs in the Catskill Mountains. Mercury in natural waters can exist in many forms, inc
Learn More
link
brown shiny body of water amongst green trees

The Hydrologic Benchmark Network

Summary The Hydrologic Benchmark Network (HBN) consists of 37 watersheds that provide long-term measurements of streamflow and water quality in areas that are minimally affected by human activities. In 2011 measurements of aquatic biology and soil chemistry were added to the network. All of these data are used to study long-term trends in surface water flow, water chemistry, aquatic biology, and
By
New York Water Science Center
link

The Hydrologic Benchmark Network

Summary The Hydrologic Benchmark Network (HBN) consists of 37 watersheds that provide long-term measurements of streamflow and water quality in areas that are minimally affected by human activities. In 2011 measurements of aquatic biology and soil chemistry were added to the network. All of these data are used to study long-term trends in surface water flow, water chemistry, aquatic biology, and
Learn More

Northeastern Hydrologic Benchmark Network (HBN) Soil Chemistry and Catskill Mountain Water-Quality Data

This data product contains soil chemistry data from 4 locations. Two of the locations were located in the Neversink River watershed near Claryville, NY (01435000) in the Catskill Mountains of New York (Fall Brook and Winnisook Creek), 1 of the locations was the Young Womans Creek watershed near Renovo, PA (01545600) and the last site was the Wild River watershed at Gilead, Maine (01054200). Soil c
By
New York Water Science Center
Filter Total Items: 32

Green infrastructure in the Great Lakes—Assessment of performance, barriers, and unintended consequences

The Great Lakes Basin covers around 536,393 square kilometers, and the Great Lakes hold more than 5,400 cubic miles of water, accounting for more than 20 percent of the world’s fresh surface water supply. The Great Lakes provide a source of drinking water to tens of millions of people in Canada and the United States and support one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Increasing urbanizati
Authors
Nancy T. Baker, Daniel J. Sullivan, William R. Selbig, Ralph Haefner, David C. Lampe, E. Randall Bayless, Michael R. McHale
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center

The water quality of selected streams in the Catskill and Delaware water-supply watersheds in New York, 1999–2009

From October 1, 1999, through September 30, 2009, water-quality samples were collected, and discharge was measured at 13 streamgages within the Catskill and Delaware watersheds of the New York City water supply system. The Catskill and Delaware watersheds supply about 90 percent of the water needed by 9 million customers. On average, 59 water-quality samples were collected at each station during e
Authors
Michael R. McHale, Jason Siemion, Peter S. Murdoch
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

Turbidity–suspended-sediment concentration regression equations for monitoring stations in the upper Esopus Creek watershed, Ulster County, New York, 2016–19

Upper Esopus Creek is the primary tributary to the Ashokan Reservoir, part of the New York City water-supply system. Elevated concentrations of suspended sediment and turbidity in the watershed of the creek are of concern for the system.Water samples were collected through a range of streamflow and turbidity at 14 monitoring sites in the upper Esopus Creek watershed for analyses of suspended-sedim
Authors
Jason Siemion, Donald B. Bonville, Michael R. McHale, Michael R. Antidormi
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

The Biscuit Brook and Neversink Reservoir Watersheds: Long-term investigations of stream chemistry, soil chemistry, and aquatic ecology in the Catskill Mountains, New York, USA, 1983 to 2020

This data note describes the Biscuit Brook and Neversink Reservoir watershed Long-Term Monitoring Data that includes: 1) stream discharge, (1983 – 2020 for Biscuit Brook and 1937 – 2020 for the Neversink Reservoir watershed), 2) stream water chemistry, 1983-2020, at 4 stations, 3) fish survey data from 16 locations in the watershed 1990-2019, 4) soil chemistry data from 2 headwater sub-watersheds,
Authors
Peter S. Murdoch, Douglas A. Burns, Michael McHale, Jason Siemion, Barry P. Baldigo, Gregory B. Lawrence, Scott D. George, Michael R. Antidormi, Donald B. Bonville
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

Biological and chemical recovery of acidified Catskill Mountain streams in response to the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990

Decades of acidic deposition have adversely affected aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in acid-sensitive watersheds in parts of the eastern United States. The national Acid Rain Program (Title IV of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments - CAAA) helped reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and resulted in sharp decreases in the acidity of atmospheric deposition. The decrea
Authors
Barry P. Baldigo, Scott D. George, Dylan R. Winterhalter, Michael McHale
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

Have sustained acidic deposition decreases led to increased calcium availability in recovering watersheds of the Adirondack region of New York, USA?

Soil calcium depletion has been strongly linked to acidic deposition in eastern North America and recent studies have begun to document the recovery of soils in response to large decreases in acidic deposition. However, increased calcium availability has not yet been seen in the B horizon, where calcium depletion has been most acute, but mineral weathering is critically important for resupplying e
Authors
Gregory B. Lawrence, Jason Siemion, Michael R. Antidormi, Donald B. Bonville, Michael McHale
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

Trends in precipitation chemistry across the U.S. 1985–2017: Quantifying the benefits from 30 years of Clean Air Act amendment regulation

Acid rain was first recognized in the 1970s in North America and Europe as an atmospheric pollutant that was causing harm to ecosystems. In response, the U.S. Congress enacted Title IV of the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAA) in 1990 to reduce sulfur and nitrogen emissions from fossil fuel burning power plants. This study reports trends in wet-precipitation chemistry in response to emissions reductio
Authors
Michael McHale, Amy Ludtke, Gregory A. Wetherbee, Douglas A. Burns, Mark A. Nilles, Jason S. Finkelstein
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

Long-term changes in soil and stream chemistry across an acid deposition gradient in the northeastern United States

Declines in acidic deposition across Europe and North America have led to decreases in surface water acidity and signs of chemical recovery of soils from acidification. To better understand the link between recovery of soils and surface waters, chemical trends in precipitation, soils, and streamwater were investigated in three watersheds representing a depositional gradient from high to low across
Authors
Jason Siemion, Michael McHale, Gregory B. Lawrence, Douglas A. Burns, Michael R. Antidormi
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

The response of soil and stream chemistry to decreases in acid deposition in the Catskill Mountains, New York, USA

The Catskill Mountains have been adversely impacted by decades of acid deposition, however, since the early 1990s, levels have decreased sharply as a result of decreases in emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. This study examines trends in acid deposition, stream-water chemistry, and soil chemistry in the southeastern Catskill Mountains. We measured significant reductions in acid depos
Authors
Michael McHale, Douglas A. Burns, Jason Siemion, Michael R. Antidormi
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

Trends in snowmelt-related streamflow timing in the conterminous United States

Changes in snowmelt-related streamflow timing have implications for water availability and use as well as ecologically relevant shifts in streamflow. Historical trends in snowmelt-related streamflow timing (winter-spring center volume date, WSCVD) were computed for minimally disturbed river basins in the conterminous United States. WSCVD was computed by summing daily streamflow for a seasonal wind
Authors
Robert W. Dudley, Glenn A. Hodgkins, Michael McHale, Michael J. Kolian, Benjamin Renard
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Streamflow

This indicator describes trends in the amount of water carried by streams across the United States, as well as the timing of runoff associated with snowmelt.
Authors
Michael McHale, Robert W. Dudley, Glenn A. Hodgkins
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

Methods of soil resampling to monitor changes in the chemical concentrations of forest soils

Recent soils research has shown that important chemical soil characteristics can change in less than a decade, often the result of broad environmental changes. Repeated sampling to monitor these changes in forest soils is a relatively new practice that is not well documented in the literature and has only recently been broadly embraced by the scientific community. The objective of this protocol is
Authors
Gregory B. Lawrence, Ivan J. Fernandez, Paul W. Hazlett, Scott W. Bailey, Donald S. Ross, Thomas R. Villars, Angelica Quintana, Rock Ouimet, Michael McHale, Chris E. Johnson, Russell D. Briggs, Robert A. Colter, Jason Siemion, Olivia L. Bartlett, Olga Vargas, Michael R. Antidormi, Mary Margaret Koppers
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

McHale, MR, (1999) Hydrologic controls of nitrogen cycling in an Adirondack Watershed. Ph.D. Thesis, Faculty of Forestry, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY
McHale, MR, Cirmo, CP, Mitchell, MJ and McDonnell, JJ, (2004) Wetland nitrogen dynamics in an Adirondack forested watershed. Hydrological Processes, 18: 1853-1870.
McHale, MR, McDonnell, JJ, Cirmo, CP and Mitchell, JJ, (2002) A field-based study of soil water and groundwater nitrate release in an Adirondack forested watershed. Water Resources Research, 38: 2-1 – 2-17.
McHale, MR, Mitchell, MJ, McDonnell, JJ and Cirmo, CP (2000) Nitrogen solutes in an Adirondack forested watershed: Importance of dissolved organic nitrogen. Biogeochemistry, 48: 165-184.

**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.

Bike lane along urban street in Niagara, New York.
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water rapids
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McHale_3
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Science and Products

  • Science
    Filter Total Items: 13
    link
    red dots on map of Catskill region of New York

    Upper Esopus Creek Tributary Bedload Pilot Study

    Problem Sediment transport is a serious concern in the upper Esopus Creek watershed. The creek is a well-documented source of sediment and turbidity to the Ashokan Reservoir, which is part of the New York City water supply system. During the last 2 decades there has been a series of stream stabilization and sediment reduction projects completed in the upper Esopus Creek watershed intended to reduc
    By
    New York Water Science Center
    link

    Upper Esopus Creek Tributary Bedload Pilot Study

    Problem Sediment transport is a serious concern in the upper Esopus Creek watershed. The creek is a well-documented source of sediment and turbidity to the Ashokan Reservoir, which is part of the New York City water supply system. During the last 2 decades there has been a series of stream stabilization and sediment reduction projects completed in the upper Esopus Creek watershed intended to reduc
    Learn More
    link
    Photo of minor street flooding along Niagara Street in Buffalo, New York

    Assessing stormwater reduction using green infrastructure: Niagara River Greenway Project (Buffalo, NY)

    The U.S. Geological Survey is assessing the effectiveness of green infrastructure at attenuating and reducing stormflow along a 2.26 mile corridor of Niagara Street in Buffalo, NY. This research is being conducted in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Buffalo Sewer Authority and University at Buffalo.
    By
    Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
    link

    Assessing stormwater reduction using green infrastructure: Niagara River Greenway Project (Buffalo, NY)

    The U.S. Geological Survey is assessing the effectiveness of green infrastructure at attenuating and reducing stormflow along a 2.26 mile corridor of Niagara Street in Buffalo, NY. This research is being conducted in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Buffalo Sewer Authority and University at Buffalo.
    Learn More
    link
    white map with black and gray dots

    Stony Clove Basin Sediment and Turbidity Monitoring

    Problem Suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) and turbidity are primary water-quality concerns in New York City’s (NYC) water-supply system (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2007). In the NYC water-supply system turbidity is largely caused by clay and silt rather than organic material (Effler et al. 1998, Peng et al. 2002, 2004). Sediment can originate from the watershed land surface and the...
    By
    New York Water Science Center
    link

    Stony Clove Basin Sediment and Turbidity Monitoring

    Problem Suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) and turbidity are primary water-quality concerns in New York City’s (NYC) water-supply system (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2007). In the NYC water-supply system turbidity is largely caused by clay and silt rather than organic material (Effler et al. 1998, Peng et al. 2002, 2004). Sediment can originate from the watershed land surface and the...
    Learn More
    link
    light gray and dark gray map with black dots

    Esopus Creek Sediment and Turbidity Study

    Background The Ashokan Reservoir is located in the Catskill Mountains of New York State and is part of New York City’s (NYC) water supply system. The NYC water-supply system is operated by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) under a filtration avoidance determination (FAD) issued by the New York State Department of Health. The Ashokan Reservoir watershed is 255 mi2 and is one o...
    By
    New York Water Science Center
    link

    Esopus Creek Sediment and Turbidity Study

    Background The Ashokan Reservoir is located in the Catskill Mountains of New York State and is part of New York City’s (NYC) water supply system. The NYC water-supply system is operated by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) under a filtration avoidance determination (FAD) issued by the New York State Department of Health. The Ashokan Reservoir watershed is 255 mi2 and is one o...
    Learn More
    link
    map of the United States with blue and red triangle markers

    Hydrologic Climate Change Indicators

    Background Streams and rivers are an important environmental resource and provide water for many human needs. Streamflow is a measure of the volume of water carried by rivers and streams. Changes in streamflow can directly influence the supply of water available for human consumption, irrigation, generating electricity, and other needs. In addition, many plants and animals depend on streamflow
    By
    New England Water Science Center, New York Water Science Center
    link

    Hydrologic Climate Change Indicators

    Background Streams and rivers are an important environmental resource and provide water for many human needs. Streamflow is a measure of the volume of water carried by rivers and streams. Changes in streamflow can directly influence the supply of water available for human consumption, irrigation, generating electricity, and other needs. In addition, many plants and animals depend on streamflow
    Learn More
    link
    river surrounded by trees

    The National Network of Reference Watersheds

    The National Network of Reference Watersheds is a collaborative and multipurpose network of minimally disturbed watersheds and monitoring sites. The purpose of this website is to allow users to search the NNRW database of reference watersheds, to identify watersheds of interest, and download watershed information and water quality data. The current scope of the network is limited to freshwater
    By
    New York Water Science Center
    link

    The National Network of Reference Watersheds

    The National Network of Reference Watersheds is a collaborative and multipurpose network of minimally disturbed watersheds and monitoring sites. The purpose of this website is to allow users to search the NNRW database of reference watersheds, to identify watersheds of interest, and download watershed information and water quality data. The current scope of the network is limited to freshwater
    Learn More
    link
    a large net in a brown shallow stream lined with green leafed trees

    Quantitative Assessment of Water Quality in Upper Esopus Creek: Fish, Macroinvertebrates, Periphyton, Turbidity, and Nutrients

    Background The Esopus Creek is located in the Catskill Mountains of New York State and is part of the New York City (NYC) drinking water supply system. The basin was dammed in 1915 to form the Ashokan Reservoir splitting the creek into Upper (upstream of the reservoir) and Lower segments. The drainage area of Upper Esopus Creek, between the source (Winisook Lake) and the Ashokan Reservoir is appr
    By
    New York Water Science Center
    link

    Quantitative Assessment of Water Quality in Upper Esopus Creek: Fish, Macroinvertebrates, Periphyton, Turbidity, and Nutrients

    Background The Esopus Creek is located in the Catskill Mountains of New York State and is part of the New York City (NYC) drinking water supply system. The basin was dammed in 1915 to form the Ashokan Reservoir splitting the creek into Upper (upstream of the reservoir) and Lower segments. The drainage area of Upper Esopus Creek, between the source (Winisook Lake) and the Ashokan Reservoir is appr
    Learn More
    link
    large metal box on legs next to red insulated cooler in leafless woods

    Mercury Deposition in the Biscuit Brook Watershed

    This project provides weekly wet-only mercury deposition samples at the Mercury Deposition Network (MDN) station in the Biscuit Brook watershed at the Frost Valley YMCA. The station has been in operation since 2004 and is currently funded by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). This is the only MDN station located in the Catskill Mountains and one of only 3 stati
    By
    New York Water Science Center
    link

    Mercury Deposition in the Biscuit Brook Watershed

    This project provides weekly wet-only mercury deposition samples at the Mercury Deposition Network (MDN) station in the Biscuit Brook watershed at the Frost Valley YMCA. The station has been in operation since 2004 and is currently funded by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). This is the only MDN station located in the Catskill Mountains and one of only 3 stati
    Learn More
    link
    creek with flat rocky bank and green leafed trees at sides

    Changes in Soil and Stream Water Chemistry in Response to Reduction in Acid Deposition in the Catskills

    Summary The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Long Term Monitoring (LTM) network has supported the collection of stream chemistry data in the Catskills since the 1990s. Trends in stream chemistry have periodically been evaluated in these streams but the most recent assessments only extend through the early 2000s. An updated assessment of stream chemistry trends will help evaluate the eff
    By
    New York Water Science Center
    link

    Changes in Soil and Stream Water Chemistry in Response to Reduction in Acid Deposition in the Catskills

    Summary The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Long Term Monitoring (LTM) network has supported the collection of stream chemistry data in the Catskills since the 1990s. Trends in stream chemistry have periodically been evaluated in these streams but the most recent assessments only extend through the early 2000s. An updated assessment of stream chemistry trends will help evaluate the eff
    Learn More
    link
    dirt bank at the side of a stream surrounded by forestt

    Effects of Stream Restoration and Bank Stabilization on Suspended Sediment in Tributaries to the Upper Esopus Creek

    Introduction The upper Esopus Creek watershed is located in the eastern Catskill Mountains of New York State and covers 497 km2 from Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the Catskills at 1,274 m, to the Ashokan Reservoir at 193 m elevation (fig. 1). Suspended sediment and turbidity are primary water quality concerns in the Ashokan Reservoir watershed, part of the New York City Catskill-Delaware
    By
    New York Water Science Center
    link

    Effects of Stream Restoration and Bank Stabilization on Suspended Sediment in Tributaries to the Upper Esopus Creek

    Introduction The upper Esopus Creek watershed is located in the eastern Catskill Mountains of New York State and covers 497 km2 from Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the Catskills at 1,274 m, to the Ashokan Reservoir at 193 m elevation (fig. 1). Suspended sediment and turbidity are primary water quality concerns in the Ashokan Reservoir watershed, part of the New York City Catskill-Delaware
    Learn More
    link
    boulders in a small stream with green vegetation along banks

    Mercury concentration in water, sediment, and fish in the Neversink watershed, New York

    The distribution of mercury (Hg) and sites of greatest Hg methylation are poorly understood in Catskill Mountain watersheds. Although concentrations of Hg in the water column are low, high concentrations of Hg in smallmouth bass and walleye have led to consumption advisories in most large New York City reservoirs in the Catskill Mountains. Mercury in natural waters can exist in many forms, inc
    By
    New York Water Science Center
    link

    Mercury concentration in water, sediment, and fish in the Neversink watershed, New York

    The distribution of mercury (Hg) and sites of greatest Hg methylation are poorly understood in Catskill Mountain watersheds. Although concentrations of Hg in the water column are low, high concentrations of Hg in smallmouth bass and walleye have led to consumption advisories in most large New York City reservoirs in the Catskill Mountains. Mercury in natural waters can exist in many forms, inc
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    The Hydrologic Benchmark Network

    Summary The Hydrologic Benchmark Network (HBN) consists of 37 watersheds that provide long-term measurements of streamflow and water quality in areas that are minimally affected by human activities. In 2011 measurements of aquatic biology and soil chemistry were added to the network. All of these data are used to study long-term trends in surface water flow, water chemistry, aquatic biology, and
    By
    New York Water Science Center
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    The Hydrologic Benchmark Network

    Summary The Hydrologic Benchmark Network (HBN) consists of 37 watersheds that provide long-term measurements of streamflow and water quality in areas that are minimally affected by human activities. In 2011 measurements of aquatic biology and soil chemistry were added to the network. All of these data are used to study long-term trends in surface water flow, water chemistry, aquatic biology, and
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  • Data

    Northeastern Hydrologic Benchmark Network (HBN) Soil Chemistry and Catskill Mountain Water-Quality Data

    This data product contains soil chemistry data from 4 locations. Two of the locations were located in the Neversink River watershed near Claryville, NY (01435000) in the Catskill Mountains of New York (Fall Brook and Winnisook Creek), 1 of the locations was the Young Womans Creek watershed near Renovo, PA (01545600) and the last site was the Wild River watershed at Gilead, Maine (01054200). Soil c
    By
    New York Water Science Center
  • Publications
    Filter Total Items: 32

    Green infrastructure in the Great Lakes—Assessment of performance, barriers, and unintended consequences

    The Great Lakes Basin covers around 536,393 square kilometers, and the Great Lakes hold more than 5,400 cubic miles of water, accounting for more than 20 percent of the world’s fresh surface water supply. The Great Lakes provide a source of drinking water to tens of millions of people in Canada and the United States and support one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Increasing urbanizati
    Authors
    Nancy T. Baker, Daniel J. Sullivan, William R. Selbig, Ralph Haefner, David C. Lampe, E. Randall Bayless, Michael R. McHale
    By
    Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center

    The water quality of selected streams in the Catskill and Delaware water-supply watersheds in New York, 1999–2009

    From October 1, 1999, through September 30, 2009, water-quality samples were collected, and discharge was measured at 13 streamgages within the Catskill and Delaware watersheds of the New York City water supply system. The Catskill and Delaware watersheds supply about 90 percent of the water needed by 9 million customers. On average, 59 water-quality samples were collected at each station during e
    Authors
    Michael R. McHale, Jason Siemion, Peter S. Murdoch
    By
    Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

    Turbidity–suspended-sediment concentration regression equations for monitoring stations in the upper Esopus Creek watershed, Ulster County, New York, 2016–19

    Upper Esopus Creek is the primary tributary to the Ashokan Reservoir, part of the New York City water-supply system. Elevated concentrations of suspended sediment and turbidity in the watershed of the creek are of concern for the system.Water samples were collected through a range of streamflow and turbidity at 14 monitoring sites in the upper Esopus Creek watershed for analyses of suspended-sedim
    Authors
    Jason Siemion, Donald B. Bonville, Michael R. McHale, Michael R. Antidormi
    By
    Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

    The Biscuit Brook and Neversink Reservoir Watersheds: Long-term investigations of stream chemistry, soil chemistry, and aquatic ecology in the Catskill Mountains, New York, USA, 1983 to 2020

    This data note describes the Biscuit Brook and Neversink Reservoir watershed Long-Term Monitoring Data that includes: 1) stream discharge, (1983 – 2020 for Biscuit Brook and 1937 – 2020 for the Neversink Reservoir watershed), 2) stream water chemistry, 1983-2020, at 4 stations, 3) fish survey data from 16 locations in the watershed 1990-2019, 4) soil chemistry data from 2 headwater sub-watersheds,
    Authors
    Peter S. Murdoch, Douglas A. Burns, Michael McHale, Jason Siemion, Barry P. Baldigo, Gregory B. Lawrence, Scott D. George, Michael R. Antidormi, Donald B. Bonville
    By
    Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

    Biological and chemical recovery of acidified Catskill Mountain streams in response to the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990

    Decades of acidic deposition have adversely affected aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in acid-sensitive watersheds in parts of the eastern United States. The national Acid Rain Program (Title IV of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments - CAAA) helped reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and resulted in sharp decreases in the acidity of atmospheric deposition. The decrea
    Authors
    Barry P. Baldigo, Scott D. George, Dylan R. Winterhalter, Michael McHale
    By
    Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

    Have sustained acidic deposition decreases led to increased calcium availability in recovering watersheds of the Adirondack region of New York, USA?

    Soil calcium depletion has been strongly linked to acidic deposition in eastern North America and recent studies have begun to document the recovery of soils in response to large decreases in acidic deposition. However, increased calcium availability has not yet been seen in the B horizon, where calcium depletion has been most acute, but mineral weathering is critically important for resupplying e
    Authors
    Gregory B. Lawrence, Jason Siemion, Michael R. Antidormi, Donald B. Bonville, Michael McHale
    By
    Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

    Trends in precipitation chemistry across the U.S. 1985–2017: Quantifying the benefits from 30 years of Clean Air Act amendment regulation

    Acid rain was first recognized in the 1970s in North America and Europe as an atmospheric pollutant that was causing harm to ecosystems. In response, the U.S. Congress enacted Title IV of the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAA) in 1990 to reduce sulfur and nitrogen emissions from fossil fuel burning power plants. This study reports trends in wet-precipitation chemistry in response to emissions reductio
    Authors
    Michael McHale, Amy Ludtke, Gregory A. Wetherbee, Douglas A. Burns, Mark A. Nilles, Jason S. Finkelstein
    By
    Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

    Long-term changes in soil and stream chemistry across an acid deposition gradient in the northeastern United States

    Declines in acidic deposition across Europe and North America have led to decreases in surface water acidity and signs of chemical recovery of soils from acidification. To better understand the link between recovery of soils and surface waters, chemical trends in precipitation, soils, and streamwater were investigated in three watersheds representing a depositional gradient from high to low across
    Authors
    Jason Siemion, Michael McHale, Gregory B. Lawrence, Douglas A. Burns, Michael R. Antidormi
    By
    Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

    The response of soil and stream chemistry to decreases in acid deposition in the Catskill Mountains, New York, USA

    The Catskill Mountains have been adversely impacted by decades of acid deposition, however, since the early 1990s, levels have decreased sharply as a result of decreases in emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. This study examines trends in acid deposition, stream-water chemistry, and soil chemistry in the southeastern Catskill Mountains. We measured significant reductions in acid depos
    Authors
    Michael McHale, Douglas A. Burns, Jason Siemion, Michael R. Antidormi
    By
    Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

    Trends in snowmelt-related streamflow timing in the conterminous United States

    Changes in snowmelt-related streamflow timing have implications for water availability and use as well as ecologically relevant shifts in streamflow. Historical trends in snowmelt-related streamflow timing (winter-spring center volume date, WSCVD) were computed for minimally disturbed river basins in the conterminous United States. WSCVD was computed by summing daily streamflow for a seasonal wind
    Authors
    Robert W. Dudley, Glenn A. Hodgkins, Michael McHale, Michael J. Kolian, Benjamin Renard
    By
    Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

    Streamflow

    This indicator describes trends in the amount of water carried by streams across the United States, as well as the timing of runoff associated with snowmelt.
    Authors
    Michael McHale, Robert W. Dudley, Glenn A. Hodgkins
    By
    Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

    Methods of soil resampling to monitor changes in the chemical concentrations of forest soils

    Recent soils research has shown that important chemical soil characteristics can change in less than a decade, often the result of broad environmental changes. Repeated sampling to monitor these changes in forest soils is a relatively new practice that is not well documented in the literature and has only recently been broadly embraced by the scientific community. The objective of this protocol is
    Authors
    Gregory B. Lawrence, Ivan J. Fernandez, Paul W. Hazlett, Scott W. Bailey, Donald S. Ross, Thomas R. Villars, Angelica Quintana, Rock Ouimet, Michael McHale, Chris E. Johnson, Russell D. Briggs, Robert A. Colter, Jason Siemion, Olivia L. Bartlett, Olga Vargas, Michael R. Antidormi, Mary Margaret Koppers
    By
    Water Resources Mission Area, New York Water Science Center

    Non-USGS Publications**

    McHale, MR, (1999) Hydrologic controls of nitrogen cycling in an Adirondack Watershed. Ph.D. Thesis, Faculty of Forestry, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY
    McHale, MR, Cirmo, CP, Mitchell, MJ and McDonnell, JJ, (2004) Wetland nitrogen dynamics in an Adirondack forested watershed. Hydrological Processes, 18: 1853-1870.
    McHale, MR, McDonnell, JJ, Cirmo, CP and Mitchell, JJ, (2002) A field-based study of soil water and groundwater nitrate release in an Adirondack forested watershed. Water Resources Research, 38: 2-1 – 2-17.
    McHale, MR, Mitchell, MJ, McDonnell, JJ and Cirmo, CP (2000) Nitrogen solutes in an Adirondack forested watershed: Importance of dissolved organic nitrogen. Biogeochemistry, 48: 165-184.

    **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.

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