This video was prepared for Douglas Beard's presentation at COP26, Communities on the Frontline. Jerilyn Kelly, from Quinhagak, AK shares video and photographs from her community and some of the climate related challenges her community faces. She describes how erosion and permafrost degradation impact her community and their housing.
Ryan Toohey, Ph.D.
Ryan Toohey is the Science Applications Coordinator at the Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center (AK CASC), one of the nine regional centers that form the National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers network.
Ryan has worked for over 24 years in water resources specializing in interdisciplinary applications of hydrology, water quality, ecosystem services, stakeholder engagement and governance from the tropics to Alaska. Throughout those years, he has worked as a consultant, academic, tribal non-governmental organization staff, and now with the U.S. Geological Survey. Ryan received a joint Ph.D. in Environmental Science (Hydrology/Agroforestry) from the University of Idaho and the Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza (CATIE) in Costa Rica. Ryan received his B.S. in Environmental Science (Water Quality/GIS) from Western Washington University. His current position with the U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center (AK CASC), includes research that involves investigating environmental change, hydrological modeling, and community-based research that integrates Indigenous Knowledge, social, water and soils science. Over the past 10 years, Ryan has been using citizen science, community-based research, and hydrological methods to investigate how permafrost dynamics influence biogeochemical fluxes of small and large rivers within the Alaskan and Yukon Boreal forest. In addition to his position at the Alaska CASC, Ryan serves as an Affiliate Research Assistant Professor for the International Arctic Research Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks where he has mentored several graduate students. Ryan has consistently supported student internships while producing publications, community reports, and conference presentations with undergraduate and graduate student co-authors. Ryan has also demonstrated a commitment to improving workplace culture by serving as a Diversity Change Agent, Peer Support Worker, and part of the CASC Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council leadership. Ryan has received the USGS Balsey Award for Technology Transfer for his work with the Indigenous Observation Network.
Science and Products
Future of Aquatic Flows: Towards a National Synthesis of Streamflow Regimes Under a Changing Climate
In ecosystems characterized by flowing water, such as rivers and streams, the dynamics of how the water moves - how deep it is, how fast it flows, how often it floods - have direct effects on the health, diversity, and sustainability of underlying communities. Yet increasingly, climate extremes like droughts and floods are disrupting fragile stream ecosystems by specifically changing...
Future of Aquatic Flows: Impacts of Cryospheric Change on Aquatic Flows and Freshwater Habitat Quality for Fish and Communities
High latitude northern ecosystems are currently warming twice as fast as the global average. Over the last several decades, this has caused dramatic losses of frozen area in the Arctic and sub-Arctic. However, it is unclear how melting coastal mountain glaciers, thawing permafrost, and declines in snowpack will affect the quality of freshwater habitat for culturally and economically...
Webinar: Climate Adaptation Planning with Alaska-Based Adaptation Tools
View this webinar to learn how the Alaska CASC and partners are developing climate adaptation tools for Alaskan communities implementing climate adaptation strategies.
Nome Creek Experimental Watershed
The Nome Creek Experimental Watershed (NCEW) has been the site of multiple studies focused on understanding hydrology, biogeochemistry, and ecosystem changes related to permafrost thaw and fire in the boreal forest.
The Arctic in the Classroom: Study of Landscape Change in Remote Communities of Alaska: A K-12 Citizen Science Initiative toward Sustained Arctic Observations
Alaska’s land, water, plants, wildlife, and seasons are undergoing a great upheaval, and its people, especially the communities living in remote villages are directly and severely impacted by these widespread environmental changes. These changes are not only widespread but also often so rapid that we cannot possibly have enough scientists and professionals on the ground to detect and...
Prioritizing Stream Temperature Data Collection to Meet Stakeholder Needs and Inform Regional Analyses
Changes in stream temperature can have significant impacts on water quality and the health and survival of aquatic fish and wildlife. Water managers, planners, and decision makers are in need of scientific data to help them prepare for and adapt to changes and conserve important resources. Scientists are tasked with ensuring that this data is produced in useful formats and is accessible...
Northwest Boreal Science and Management Research Tool
Throughout Alaska, land managers and rural communities are faced with developing climate adaptation strategies to prepare for changes in landscapes, ecosystems and terrestrial habitats and their associated resources and services. One of the greatest challenges for land use managers and stakeholders in Alaska is the discovery and accessibility of relevant scientific information and data...
Community Observations on Climate Change: Arctic Village, Fort Yukon, and Venetie, Alaska
For the Upper Yukon area of interior Alaska, climate change has become a daily fact of life, causing a wide range of impacts to the environment, and in some cases to community health. In 2015 the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center organized a series of assessments to better understand the impacts of climate change being observed in...
Yukon River Basin Indigenous Observation Network
The hydrology of the Yukon River Basin has changed over the last several decades as evidenced by a variety of discharge, gravimetric, and geochemical analyses. The Indigenous Observation Network (ION), a community-based project, was initiated by the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council and USGS. Capitalizing on existing USGS monitoring and research infrastructure and supplementing...
Nome Creek Boreal, Fire and Permafrost Hydrology investigations
The Nome Creek Experimental Watershed (NCEW) has been the site of multiple studies focused on understanding hydrology, biogeochemistry, and ecosystem changes related to permafrost thaw and fire in the boreal forest. The boreal forest is the Earth’s largest terrestrial biome, and thus plays a major role in biogeochemical cycling, creation of habitat for wildlife, as well as wilderness and...
COP26-Communities on the Frontline-Jerilyn Kelly from Quinhagak, AK
This video was prepared for Douglas Beard's presentation at COP26, Communities on the Frontline. Jerilyn Kelly, from Quinhagak, AK shares video and photographs from her community and some of the climate related challenges her community faces. She describes how erosion and permafrost degradation impact her community and their housing.
Permafrost Loss Dramatically Changes Yukon River Chemistry and Hydrolo
Yukon River freezing up at Pilot Station, AK
Yukon River freezing up at Pilot Station, AK
Collecting permafrost information on the Tahana River
David Pelunis-Messier and Milton Roberts navigating on the Tanana River, a main tributary of the Yukon River. The two are taking part in the Yukon River permafrost study.
David Pelunis-Messier and Milton Roberts navigating on the Tanana River, a main tributary of the Yukon River. The two are taking part in the Yukon River permafrost study.
Researcher takes winter water chemistry samples on the Yukon River
Researcher Carol Hasburgh taking winter water chemistry samples on the Yukon River for a permafrost loss study.
Researcher Carol Hasburgh taking winter water chemistry samples on the Yukon River for a permafrost loss study.
Whitefish drying on a fish rack in Pilot Station, AK
Whitefish drying on a fish rack in Pilot Station, AK, in the Yukon River Basin.
Whitefish drying on a fish rack in Pilot Station, AK, in the Yukon River Basin.
Drilling to take water chemistry samples for permafrost study in the Y
Drilling to take water chemistry samples for permafrost study in the Yukon River Basin
Drilling to take water chemistry samples for permafrost study in the Yukon River Basin
Heading out to do field work for a permafrost study in the Yukon River
Heading out to do field work for a permafrost loss study in the Yukon River Basin.
Heading out to do field work for a permafrost loss study in the Yukon River Basin.
Preparing for a subsurface tracer test
Matt and Josh Koch preparing for a subsurface tracer test on the West Twin Creek hillslope.
Matt and Josh Koch preparing for a subsurface tracer test on the West Twin Creek hillslope.
Alaska Native Youth
Alaska Native youths at the mouth of the Kodeelno' KodeelKKaakk'et (Kateel River).
Alaska Native youths at the mouth of the Kodeelno' KodeelKKaakk'et (Kateel River).
Community Involvement
Alaska community members discuss the journey to confirm placename research.
Alaska community members discuss the journey to confirm placename research.
Alaskan Elders
Elders Eliza Jones and Bill Williams sharing knowledge of historic land use and place names.
Elders Eliza Jones and Bill Williams sharing knowledge of historic land use and place names.
Placename Marker
Example of placename marker installed along the Koyukuk River.
Example of placename marker installed along the Koyukuk River.
Sunset
Sunset along the Koyukuk River in front of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Subsistence Cabin.
Sunset along the Koyukuk River in front of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Subsistence Cabin.
Placename Marker along the Koyukuk River
Native Language Teacher Susan Paskvan at Netaaghedeedelenh Denh (Cutoff Slough).
Native Language Teacher Susan Paskvan at Netaaghedeedelenh Denh (Cutoff Slough).
Youth Engagement
While the journey along the Koyukuk River focuses on preserving history, engaging youth is an essential part of trying to sustain the history.
While the journey along the Koyukuk River focuses on preserving history, engaging youth is an essential part of trying to sustain the history.
Science and Products
Future of Aquatic Flows: Towards a National Synthesis of Streamflow Regimes Under a Changing Climate
In ecosystems characterized by flowing water, such as rivers and streams, the dynamics of how the water moves - how deep it is, how fast it flows, how often it floods - have direct effects on the health, diversity, and sustainability of underlying communities. Yet increasingly, climate extremes like droughts and floods are disrupting fragile stream ecosystems by specifically changing...
Future of Aquatic Flows: Impacts of Cryospheric Change on Aquatic Flows and Freshwater Habitat Quality for Fish and Communities
High latitude northern ecosystems are currently warming twice as fast as the global average. Over the last several decades, this has caused dramatic losses of frozen area in the Arctic and sub-Arctic. However, it is unclear how melting coastal mountain glaciers, thawing permafrost, and declines in snowpack will affect the quality of freshwater habitat for culturally and economically...
Webinar: Climate Adaptation Planning with Alaska-Based Adaptation Tools
View this webinar to learn how the Alaska CASC and partners are developing climate adaptation tools for Alaskan communities implementing climate adaptation strategies.
Nome Creek Experimental Watershed
The Nome Creek Experimental Watershed (NCEW) has been the site of multiple studies focused on understanding hydrology, biogeochemistry, and ecosystem changes related to permafrost thaw and fire in the boreal forest.
The Arctic in the Classroom: Study of Landscape Change in Remote Communities of Alaska: A K-12 Citizen Science Initiative toward Sustained Arctic Observations
Alaska’s land, water, plants, wildlife, and seasons are undergoing a great upheaval, and its people, especially the communities living in remote villages are directly and severely impacted by these widespread environmental changes. These changes are not only widespread but also often so rapid that we cannot possibly have enough scientists and professionals on the ground to detect and...
Prioritizing Stream Temperature Data Collection to Meet Stakeholder Needs and Inform Regional Analyses
Changes in stream temperature can have significant impacts on water quality and the health and survival of aquatic fish and wildlife. Water managers, planners, and decision makers are in need of scientific data to help them prepare for and adapt to changes and conserve important resources. Scientists are tasked with ensuring that this data is produced in useful formats and is accessible...
Northwest Boreal Science and Management Research Tool
Throughout Alaska, land managers and rural communities are faced with developing climate adaptation strategies to prepare for changes in landscapes, ecosystems and terrestrial habitats and their associated resources and services. One of the greatest challenges for land use managers and stakeholders in Alaska is the discovery and accessibility of relevant scientific information and data...
Community Observations on Climate Change: Arctic Village, Fort Yukon, and Venetie, Alaska
For the Upper Yukon area of interior Alaska, climate change has become a daily fact of life, causing a wide range of impacts to the environment, and in some cases to community health. In 2015 the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center organized a series of assessments to better understand the impacts of climate change being observed in...
Yukon River Basin Indigenous Observation Network
The hydrology of the Yukon River Basin has changed over the last several decades as evidenced by a variety of discharge, gravimetric, and geochemical analyses. The Indigenous Observation Network (ION), a community-based project, was initiated by the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council and USGS. Capitalizing on existing USGS monitoring and research infrastructure and supplementing...
Nome Creek Boreal, Fire and Permafrost Hydrology investigations
The Nome Creek Experimental Watershed (NCEW) has been the site of multiple studies focused on understanding hydrology, biogeochemistry, and ecosystem changes related to permafrost thaw and fire in the boreal forest. The boreal forest is the Earth’s largest terrestrial biome, and thus plays a major role in biogeochemical cycling, creation of habitat for wildlife, as well as wilderness and...
COP26-Communities on the Frontline-Jerilyn Kelly from Quinhagak, AK
This video was prepared for Douglas Beard's presentation at COP26, Communities on the Frontline. Jerilyn Kelly, from Quinhagak, AK shares video and photographs from her community and some of the climate related challenges her community faces. She describes how erosion and permafrost degradation impact her community and their housing.
This video was prepared for Douglas Beard's presentation at COP26, Communities on the Frontline. Jerilyn Kelly, from Quinhagak, AK shares video and photographs from her community and some of the climate related challenges her community faces. She describes how erosion and permafrost degradation impact her community and their housing.
Permafrost Loss Dramatically Changes Yukon River Chemistry and Hydrolo
Yukon River freezing up at Pilot Station, AK
Yukon River freezing up at Pilot Station, AK
Collecting permafrost information on the Tahana River
David Pelunis-Messier and Milton Roberts navigating on the Tanana River, a main tributary of the Yukon River. The two are taking part in the Yukon River permafrost study.
David Pelunis-Messier and Milton Roberts navigating on the Tanana River, a main tributary of the Yukon River. The two are taking part in the Yukon River permafrost study.
Researcher takes winter water chemistry samples on the Yukon River
Researcher Carol Hasburgh taking winter water chemistry samples on the Yukon River for a permafrost loss study.
Researcher Carol Hasburgh taking winter water chemistry samples on the Yukon River for a permafrost loss study.
Whitefish drying on a fish rack in Pilot Station, AK
Whitefish drying on a fish rack in Pilot Station, AK, in the Yukon River Basin.
Whitefish drying on a fish rack in Pilot Station, AK, in the Yukon River Basin.
Drilling to take water chemistry samples for permafrost study in the Y
Drilling to take water chemistry samples for permafrost study in the Yukon River Basin
Drilling to take water chemistry samples for permafrost study in the Yukon River Basin
Heading out to do field work for a permafrost study in the Yukon River
Heading out to do field work for a permafrost loss study in the Yukon River Basin.
Heading out to do field work for a permafrost loss study in the Yukon River Basin.
Preparing for a subsurface tracer test
Matt and Josh Koch preparing for a subsurface tracer test on the West Twin Creek hillslope.
Matt and Josh Koch preparing for a subsurface tracer test on the West Twin Creek hillslope.
Alaska Native Youth
Alaska Native youths at the mouth of the Kodeelno' KodeelKKaakk'et (Kateel River).
Alaska Native youths at the mouth of the Kodeelno' KodeelKKaakk'et (Kateel River).
Community Involvement
Alaska community members discuss the journey to confirm placename research.
Alaska community members discuss the journey to confirm placename research.
Alaskan Elders
Elders Eliza Jones and Bill Williams sharing knowledge of historic land use and place names.
Elders Eliza Jones and Bill Williams sharing knowledge of historic land use and place names.
Placename Marker
Example of placename marker installed along the Koyukuk River.
Example of placename marker installed along the Koyukuk River.
Sunset
Sunset along the Koyukuk River in front of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Subsistence Cabin.
Sunset along the Koyukuk River in front of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Subsistence Cabin.
Placename Marker along the Koyukuk River
Native Language Teacher Susan Paskvan at Netaaghedeedelenh Denh (Cutoff Slough).
Native Language Teacher Susan Paskvan at Netaaghedeedelenh Denh (Cutoff Slough).
Youth Engagement
While the journey along the Koyukuk River focuses on preserving history, engaging youth is an essential part of trying to sustain the history.
While the journey along the Koyukuk River focuses on preserving history, engaging youth is an essential part of trying to sustain the history.