OREGON — The USDA Forest Service plays a vital role in protecting some of the nation's most diverse and intact aquatic ecosystems. With over 193 million acres of national forest lands supporting more than 220,000 miles of fishable streams and rivers and over 10 million acres of lakes and reservoirs, the Forest Service is a major guardian of aquatic biodiversity in co-stewardship with states and tribal governments.  

This commitment to stewardship is vividly illustrated in the newly completed National Aquatic Biodiversity Assessment. 

Led by experts Becky Flitcroft, a fish research biologist with the Pacific Northwest Research Station, and Dan Shively, director for Natural Resources with the Pacific Northwest Region, the NABA is a groundbreaking effort that maps and examines biodiversity patterns across the freshwater ecosystems of national forests in the continental United States.  

It’s the first assessment of its kind, and its findings provide an invaluable resource for conservation planning and resource management. 

What’s the NABA all about? 
The assessment focuses on three key aquatic species groups—fish, crayfish, and mussels—and goes further to include amphibians, reptiles, and species listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in its interactive dashboard.  

By leveraging a treasure trove of species occurrence data, the NABA highlights watersheds of high aquatic biodiversity, offering insights that are essential for protecting these fragile ecosystems. 

Two standout tools make the NABA particularly powerful: 

1. NABA story map: An engaging, visually rich narrative that showcases the findings and underscores the Forest Service’s critical role in aquatic conservation. 

2. NABA Dashboard: An interactive platform that allows users to explore, compare, and even download aquatic biodiversity data for in-depth analysis. 

Key Findings: Biodiversity in motion 
Through interactive maps, the NABA brings the story of aquatic biodiversity to life:

• The American Southeast stands out as a hotspot, teeming with aquatic species.

• The West, with its unique geological history, shows lower biodiversity but houses species that are broadly adapted, widely distributed, and culturally important. 

• Large river systems like the Mississippi, Columbia, and Sacramento reveal their biological richness, serving as lifelines for interconnected ecosystems. 

Why the NABA matters 
Aquatic ecosystems face increasing threats from a changing climate, habitat loss, and pollution. By understanding where biodiversity is most concentrated and where species are most at risk, the Forest Service in coordination with its partners can prioritize its conservation efforts. The NABA tools are designed not only for Forest Service planners but also for educators, conservationists and researchers. 

For example: 

• Conservation planning: The dashboard’s detailed maps and data empower targeted strategies for protecting species and habitats. 

• Resource management: By visualizing patterns of species richness, managers can make informed decisions on habitat restoration. 

• Educational outreach: The NABA tools inspire public awareness about the importance of freshwater biodiversity and the Forest Service’s role in protecting it. 

Whether you’re a professional conservationist or just curious about the biodiversity in your region, the maps offer an engaging way to see aquatic life through a new lens.