From the variable grades, an overall grade is created for each reach. This grade reflects a composite score from each of the assessment variables using a weighted average as covered in the table below. If a reach lacked sufficient data for a given variable or metric, that variable or metric was excluded from the grading.
From the reach grades, methodology for reach prioritization was developed. This included eight conditional prioritization elements and two reach characteristics evaluated to determine a reach priority score. The selected elements reflect metrics that are most likely to be affected by restoration efforts, therefore prioritizing reaches that might receive the most benefit from restoration. If a prioritization element lacked sufficient data for a given reach, that metric was excluded from the scoring.
Prioritization Element | Metric | Quantification |
|---|---|---|
Reach Characteristic | ||
Reach Length | - | Percentile of Max |
Public Access | - | % of reach public |
Conditional | ||
Thermal Stress | Temperature | Minimum Grade |
Fire Impact | Watershed Supply: Wildfire Burned Area | 1-5 (A-F) |
Sedimentation | Local Supply | 1-5 (A-F) |
Nutrient Enriched | Nitrogen and Phosphorus | Minimum Grade |
Floodplain Connectivity | Riparian Fragmentation | 1-5 (A-F) |
Riparian Potential | Riparian Condition | 1-5 (A-F) |
River Form | Planform Dynamics | 1-5 (A-F) |
Ecological Value | Aquatic Ecosystem Metrics | Minimum Grade |