Stressor Gradients and Spatial Narratives of the St. Louis River Estuary George Host and Richard Axler, University of Minnesota Duluth Janet Silbernagel, Mark Wagler and Jim Mathews, University of Wisconsin Madison Nick Danz and Jeff Schuldt, University of Wisconsin Superior Cynthia Hagley and Jesse Schomberg, Minnesota Sea Grant Annette Drewes, Save Our Rice Alliance David Hart, Wisconsin Sea Grant Water quality Abstract This project characterizes water quality, and plant and macroinvertebrate communities along a watershed- based human stressor gradient, and uses the results to map reference and at-risk habitats. This gradient will also be used to develop spatial narratives through multifaceted land, ship, and Internet-based outreach and collaborative learning activities. Communication and education tools include an open geospatial archive, a ‘deep map’ that incorporates vignettes of local communities, augmented reality games and geo-tours of the estuary, ship-based activities, and a diverse array of complementary online resources. Wetland Vegetation ‘Sampled wetlands along stressor gradient 15 1 m 2 quadrants in Flooded emergent /submergent zone Calculated Floristic Quality Index Place-based games & geo-challenge tools: ‘Storylines’ built from spatial narratives & science Launch from web portal and on-site kiosks Designed for mobile hand-held devices Similar to geo- caching but with more issue-based challenges View images and video Interview virtual characters Location-aware devices Stressor Gradient Delineate fine-scale watersheds Summarize multiple stressors Create SumRel composite using ArcHydro (% ag, road density, pt. source) stressor index Accumulate stressors to tributaries of the estuary Use SumRel ranking to stratify sampling Deep Maps: Stories of the Community We use the stressor gradient to build stories of the communities and issues facing the estuary “I just marvel at it. The character of [the river] changes so much here, the current is fast… rocks on this end, sand bars and the river spreads out closer to the lake” – Kenny Danelski “[The River]..pulls people together…you get a bunch of skiers out on the ski hill, they’re going to be communicating. Or blading or biking up the Munger Trail or kayaking out here, fishing, whatever – they forget about the boundaries. –Bob Cragin.” “The biggest challenge is promoting catch and release… There’s more people keeping fish than ever. It’s crazy, the whole area is full of sludge, I don’t eat any of it. –Local Fly Fisherman Results of this study are intended to help guide implementation of the St. Louis River Habitat Plan, help prioritize monitoring, restoration, and remediation activities, and enhance public awareness and understanding of this unique environment. This project was funded through Minnesota and Wisconsin’s Sea Grant Programs Digital Archives Online access to maps, stories and data ‘Sampled 60 points within tributaries nearshore zone thalweg St. Louis River watershed Field variables: DO, pH EC25, Turbidity Lab: Chl a, TP, TN, SO 4