A Framework for Assessment of Hydrologic Condition

Many federal agencies are emphasizing the protection, management, and restoration of ecosystems at the watershed scale. A federal interagency analysis process was developed in 1998 to assist field hydrologists with three tasks: delineation of watersheds, organization and storage of information in watershed case files, and assessment of hydrologic condition. The six-step assessment process produces information that is focused on locally relevant cause-effect relationships. The products from the assessment are useful for interdisciplinary interaction and planning, prioritization of restoration or monitoring efforts, and support the development of recovery plans dealing with water quality limited waterbodies (Clean Water Act, section 303[d]) or listed species (Endangered Species Act, section 7). The procedures described are integral to implementation of the Clean Water Action Plan and its associated Unified Federal Policy.