The Wyoming Habitat Assessment Methodology (WHAM)

Abstract

Abstract Assessment of habitat and fish assemblages to determine the extent of anthropogenic alterations and define conditions relative to management goals is an important activity of management agencies. Assessment activities have been traditionally conducted at relatively small spatial scales (e.g., reaches and channel units), but many problems facing managers occur at larger spatial scales (e.g., watersheds and stream segments). A single methodology that can encompass all spatial scales is unrealistic; therefore, agencies need systems where assessment techniques focusing on several spatial scales can be integrated. A successful system requires a framework that uses a logical organizational structure and focuses on an assessment process. We describe such a conceptual framework, termed the Wyoming Habitat Assessment Methodology (WHAM), currently used by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The WHAM consists of three organizational levels that parallel the hierarchical structure of lotic systems. Level I...