Long-term trend in the aquatic macroinvertebrate community of the Mancos River at Mesa Verde National Park: Aquatic macroinvertebrate monitoring 2008-2019

A long-term study (2008–2019) of the Mancos River at Mesa Verde National Park reveals significant declines in sensitive aquatic macroinvertebrate taxa, driven by thermal and hydrologic stress. Key findings include excessive summer stream temperatures exceeding Colorado’s water quality standards and concurrent low-flow periods, both linked to declines in intolerant species such as Trichoptera and Ephemeroptera-Plecoptera-Trichoptera (EPT) taxa. The study used multi-metric indices to demonstrate ecological impairment at two monitoring sites, attributing these trends to climate-related stresses. Future management must prioritize tracking thermal and hydrologic conditions to mitigate impacts on stream ecosystems.

Stumpf, S., Ploughe, L., & Calvo, C. (2024). Long-term trend in the aquatic macroinvertebrate community of the Mancos River at Mesa Verde National Park: Aquatic macroinvertebrate monitoring 2008-2019 (, Ed.). National Park Service. https://doi.org/10.36967/2306058