Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID IL_2023_Taylor

Land use impacts on environmental quality and aquatic biodiversity in the Vermillion River drainage, Illinois

Institute: Illinois
Year Established: 2023 Start Date: 2023-09-01 End Date: 2024-08-31
Total Federal Funds: $15,141 Total Non-Federal Funds: $19,079

Principal Investigators: Christopher A. Taylor

Project Summary: Agricultural development and urban expansion can impact the aquatic environment through altering land use, water chemistry, and habitat quality. In turn, these parameters can affect the diversity and abundance of aquatic species which provide ecosystem benefits. For this project, we propose examining the broad- and fine-scale environmental changes that come with varied land use. We will examine the diversity and abundance of fish and crayfish species at sites across the Vermillion River drainage and how they are affected by these environmental parameters. Additionally, we will examine what environmental conditions support larger populations of the invasive rusty crayfish, which are known to damage aquatic ecosystems. By understanding the drivers of aquatic populations, and the scale at which they are most effective, we can support state conservation managers in promoting native species while deterring a damaging invasive species.