Stakeholder feedback being solicited on new national framework for assessing societal benefits of aquatic resources

SCCWRP has begun soliciting stakeholder feedback on a newly developed national framework that rapidly evaluates the health of streams and other aquatic resources through the lens of the human services they provide, including recreation, hazard reduction, water supply and cultural uses.

The ecosystem services framework, which researchers began gathering feedback on in September, establishes a standardized approach for quantifying eight ecosystem services; the framework incorporates readily available geospatial data and data from rapid condition assessments (e.g., the California Rapid Assessment Method, or CRAM, in California).

Historically, managers have lacked a rapid assessment framework for evaluating the societal benefits provided by aquatic resources alongside their ecological health.

Stakeholder outreach began in September during a workshop in Montana. A second workshop is planned at SCCWRP on November 3, 2026 and will include a remote attendance option; to RSVP, contact Dr. Eric Stein. The third and final workshop is planned for January 2027 in Florida.