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.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. in Environmental Science, University of Idaho & the Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza (Costa Rica)
B.S. in Environmental Science, Western Washington University.
Honors and Awards
USGS Balsey Award for Technology Transfer
Science and Products
Future of Aquatic Flows: Towards a National Synthesis of Streamflow Regimes Under a Changing Climate
Future of Aquatic Flows: Impacts of Cryospheric Change on Aquatic Flows and Freshwater Habitat Quality for Fish and Communities
Webinar: Climate Adaptation Planning with Alaska-Based Adaptation Tools
Nome Creek Experimental Watershed
The Arctic in the Classroom: Study of Landscape Change in Remote Communities of Alaska: A K-12 Citizen Science Initiative toward Sustained Arctic Observations
Prioritizing Stream Temperature Data Collection to Meet Stakeholder Needs and Inform Regional Analyses
Northwest Boreal Science and Management Research Tool
Community Observations on Climate Change: Arctic Village, Fort Yukon, and Venetie, Alaska
Yukon River Basin Indigenous Observation Network
Nome Creek Boreal, Fire and Permafrost Hydrology investigations
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.
Yukon River freezing up at Pilot Station, AK
Yukon River freezing up at Pilot Station, AK
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 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, 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 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 loss study in the Yukon River Basin.
Heading out to do field work for a permafrost loss study in the Yukon River Basin.
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 youths at the mouth of the Kodeelno' KodeelKKaakk'et (Kateel River).
Alaska Native youths at the mouth of the Kodeelno' KodeelKKaakk'et (Kateel River).
Alaska community members discuss the journey to confirm placename research.
Alaska community members discuss the journey to confirm placename research.
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.
Example of placename marker installed along the Koyukuk River.
Example of placename marker installed along the Koyukuk River.
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.
Native Language Teacher Susan Paskvan at Netaaghedeedelenh Denh (Cutoff Slough).
Native Language Teacher Susan Paskvan at Netaaghedeedelenh Denh (Cutoff Slough).
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.
The Arctic Rivers Project: Using an equitable co-production framework for integrating meaningful community engagement and science to understand climate impacts
Climate- and disturbance-driven changes in subsistence berries in coastal Alaska: Indigenous knowledge to inform ecological inference
Looking forward, looking back: Building resilience today Training one report. International Arctic Research Center, Fairbanks, AK, April 16-18, 2019
Looking forward, looking back: Building resilience today: Training two report: International Arctic Research Center, Fairbanks, Alaska, January 28-30, 2020
Looking forward, looking back: Building resilience today community report: Iliamna, AK
Looking forward, looking back: Building resilience today community report: St. Michael, AK
Looking forward, looking back: Building resilience today community report: Kwigillingok, AK
Looking forward, looking back: Building resilience today community report: Kotlik, AK
Vulnerability of subsistence systems due to social and environmental change: A case study in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska
Data quality from a community-based, water-quality monitoring project in the Yukon River basin
Tracer-based evidence of heterogeneity in subsurface flow and storage within a boreal hillslope
Multidecadal increases in the Yukon River Basin of chemical fluxes as indicators of changing flowpaths, groundwater, and permafrost
Science and Products
- Science
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 their internaFuture 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 important salmWebinar: 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 predict thesePrioritizing 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 to these sNorthwest 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. The effectCommunity 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 this region,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 USGS colNome 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 resources - Multimedia
COP26-Communities on the Frontline-Jerilyn Kelly from Quinhagak, AKCOP26-Communities on the Frontline-Jerilyn Kelly from Quinhagak, AKCOP26-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 HydroloPermafrost Loss Dramatically Changes Yukon River Chemistry and HydroloYukon River freezing up at Pilot Station, AK
Yukon River freezing up at Pilot Station, AK
Collecting permafrost information on the Tahana RiverCollecting permafrost information on the Tahana RiverDavid 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 RiverResearcher takes winter water chemistry samples on the Yukon RiverResearcher 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, AKWhitefish drying on a fish rack in Pilot Station, AKWhitefish 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 YDrilling to take water chemistry samples for permafrost study in the YDrilling 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 RiverHeading out to do field work for a permafrost study in the Yukon RiverHeading 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 testMatt 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 YouthAlaska 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 InvolvementAlaska community members discuss the journey to confirm placename research.
Alaska community members discuss the journey to confirm placename research.
Alaskan EldersElders 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 MarkerExample of placename marker installed along the Koyukuk River.
Example of placename marker installed along the Koyukuk River.
SunsetSunset 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 RiverNative Language Teacher Susan Paskvan at Netaaghedeedelenh Denh (Cutoff Slough).
Native Language Teacher Susan Paskvan at Netaaghedeedelenh Denh (Cutoff Slough).
Youth EngagementWhile 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.
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 13
The Arctic Rivers Project: Using an equitable co-production framework for integrating meaningful community engagement and science to understand climate impacts
As the Arctic and its rivers continue to warm, a better understanding of the possible future impacts on people would benefit from close partnership with Indigenous communities and scientists from diverse fields of study. We present efforts by the Arctic Rivers Project to conduct community-engaged research to increase collective understanding of the historical and potential future impacts of climatAuthorsNicole M. Herman-Mercer, Alestine Andre, Victoria Buschman, Dylan Blaskey, Cassandra M. Brooks, Yifan Cheng, Evelynn Combs, Karen Cozzetto, Serena Fitka, Joshua C. Koch, Aine Lawlor, Elizabeth Moses, Emily Murray, Edda A. Mutter, Andrew Newman, Charles Prince, Patricia Salmon, Jenessa Tlen, Ryan C. Toohey, Michael L. Williams, Keith MusselmanClimate- and disturbance-driven changes in subsistence berries in coastal Alaska: Indigenous knowledge to inform ecological inference
Berry-producing plants are a key subsistence resource in Indigenous Alaskan communities. High-latitude coastal regions are particularly impacted by global climate change due to their location at the land-sea ecotone subjecting them to terrestrial stressors as well as shifts in ocean dynamics. While vegetation changes have been documented for the subarctic coastal region of Alaska, we know little aAuthorsNicole M. Herman-Mercer, Rachel A. Loehman, Ryan C. Toohey, Cynthia PaniyakLooking forward, looking back: Building resilience today Training one report. International Arctic Research Center, Fairbanks, AK, April 16-18, 2019
The Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center (AK CASC), in partnership with the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association (APIA), designed the Looking Forward, Looking Back: Building Resilience Today project (hereafter BRT) as a series of trainings and workshops with tribal community leadership and members to collaboratively develop the western science knowledge and Indigenous Knowledge necessary forLooking forward, looking back: Building resilience today: Training two report: International Arctic Research Center, Fairbanks, Alaska, January 28-30, 2020
The Looking Forward Looking Back: Building Resilience Today Training Two is the final training in a series of project engagement events with the partner communities of St. Michael, Kotlik, Kwigillingok, Quinhagak, and Iliamna. Training Two Report provides an overview of the activities and information presented during the training, which took place at the International Arctic Research Center in FaiAuthorsMalinda Chase, Jeremy Littell, Krista Heeringa, Ryan C. Toohey, Molly TankersleyLooking forward, looking back: Building resilience today community report: Iliamna, AK
The Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center (AK CASC), in partnership with the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association (APIA), designed the Looking Forward, Looking Back: Building Resilience Today project as a series of trainings and workshops with tribal community leadership and members to collaboratively develop the western science knowledge and Indigenous knowledge to assist with adaptation planAuthorsCommunity of Iliamna, Jeremy Littell, Nancy Fresco, Ryan C. Toohey, Malinda ChaseLooking forward, looking back: Building resilience today community report: St. Michael, AK
The Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center (AK CASC), in partnership with the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association (APIA), designed the Looking Forward, Looking Back: Building Resilience Today (hereafter ‘BRT’) project as a series of trainings and workshops with tribal community leadership and members. The overarching goal of the project was to collaboratively develop the Indigenous knowledge aAuthorsCommunity of St. Michael, Jeremy Littell, Nancy Fresco, Ryan C. Toohey, Malinda ChaseLooking forward, looking back: Building resilience today community report: Kwigillingok, AK
The Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center (AK CASC), in partnership with the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association (APIA), designed the Looking Forward, Looking Back: Building Resilience Today (hereafter ‘BRT’) project as a series of trainings and workshops with tribal community leadership and members. The overarching goal of the project was to collaboratively develop the Indigenous knowledge aAuthorsCommunity of Kwigillingok, Jeremy Littell, Nancy Fresco, Ryan C. Toohey, Malinda ChaseLooking forward, looking back: Building resilience today community report: Kotlik, AK
The Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center (AK CASC), in partnership with the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association (APIA), designed the Looking Forward, Looking Back: Building Resilience Today (hereafter ‘BRT’) project as a series of trainings and workshops with tribal community leadership and members. The overarching goal of the project was to collaboratively develop the Indigenous knowledge aAuthorsCommunity of Kotlik, Jeremy Littell, Nancy Fresco, Ryan C. Toohey, Malinda ChaseVulnerability of subsistence systems due to social and environmental change: A case study in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska
Arctic Indigenous communities have been classified as highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. The remoteness of Arctic communities, their dependence upon local species and habitats, and the historical marginalization of Indigenous peoples, enhances this characterization of vulnerability. However, vulnerability is a result of diverse historical, social, economic, political, cultural, instituAuthorsNicole M. Herman-Mercer, Melinda Laituri, Maggie Massey, Elli Matkin, Ryan C. Toohey, Kelly Elder, Paul F. Schuster, Edda A. MutterData quality from a community-based, water-quality monitoring project in the Yukon River basin
This paper examines the quality of data collected by the Indigenous Observation Network, a community-based water-quality project in the Yukon River Basin of Alaska and Canada. The Indigenous Observation Network relies on community technicians to collect surface-water samples from as many as fifty locations to achieve their goals of monitoring the quality of the Yukon River and major tributaries inAuthorsNicole M. Herman-Mercer, Ronald C. Antweiler, Nicole J. Wilson, Edda A. Mutter, Ryan C. Toohey, Paul F. SchusterTracer-based evidence of heterogeneity in subsurface flow and storage within a boreal hillslope
Runoff from boreal hillslopes is often affected by distinct soil boundaries, including the frozen boundary and the organic – mineral boundary (OMB), where highly porous and hydraulically-conductive organic material overlies fine-grained mineral soils. Viewed from the surface, ground cover appears as a patchwork on sub-meter scales, with thick, moss mats interspersed with lichen-covered, silty soilAuthorsJoshua C. Koch, Ryan C. Toohey, D.M. ReevesMultidecadal increases in the Yukon River Basin of chemical fluxes as indicators of changing flowpaths, groundwater, and permafrost
The Yukon River Basin, underlain by discontinuous permafrost, has experienced a warming climate over the last century that has altered air temperature, precipitation, and permafrost. We investigated a water chemistry database from 1982 to 2014 for the Yukon River and its major tributary, the Tanana River. Significant increases of Ca, Mg, and Na annual flux were found in both rivers. Additionally,AuthorsRyan C. Toohey, Nicole M. Herman-Mercer, Paul F. Schuster, Edda A. Mutter, Joshua C. Koch - News