Professor Jim Graham secured renewed funding from CalTrout for a project in the Eel River watershed, vital for salmonids. Graduate student Farrah Tyler is developing a Riparian Climate Refugia (RCR) dataset using geospatial modeling to identify areas buffered from climate change. These refugia provide essential habitats for species as conditions shift.
Tyler analyzes various environmental data to help land managers focus conservation efforts. Having a background in Environmental Science & Management, she aims to determine areas resilient to climate effects. Her research highlights the importance of the terrestrial landscape around rivers, significantly influencing aquatic ecosystems.
The Eel River has faced habitat degradation due to human activities, making the conservation efforts urgent for both ecological health and Indigenous communities. Tyler’s findings will be accessible via CalTrout’s portal, aiding in habitat restoration and enhanced connectivity for wildlife. This ongoing effort is crucial as climate pressures increase.
