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Decision-Support Modeling and Research Priorities for Establishing Baseline Conditions for Outstandingly Remarkable Values, Obed Wild and Scenic River, Tennessee

Open-File Report 2025-1035
Water Availability and Use Science Program
Prepared in cooperation with the National Park Service
By: , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20251035

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Abstract

The Obed River is the last undammed river in Tennessee. The Obed Wild and Scenic River is managed by the National Park Service and covers a protected area of the Obed River headwaters (including four contributing tributaries). The Obed Wild and Scenic River supports a unique ecosystem with eight federally listed species. The National Park Service is responsible for preserving the baseline free-flowing condition of the river and associated outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs). Previous studies have been mostly project-based with differing methods, thus complicating efforts to quantify long-term changes in environmental conditions. This report presents a science plan summarizing (1) ORV conditions, (2) recent results of a decision-support hydrologic model for OBRI, and (3) possible future research priorities. The decision-support model was created to model streamflow conditions and changes in the ORVs since park establishment in 1976 and during three additional time periods. Established baseline conditions could help with management of ORVs not dependent on streamflow.

Suggested Citation

Crowley-Ornelas, E.R., Schapansky, R., Blount, T., and Nicholas, N.S., 2025, Decision-support modeling and research priorities for establishing baseline conditions for outstandingly remarkable values, Obed Wild and Scenic River, Tennessee: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2025–1035, 18 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20251035.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Part I: Background—Summary of Previous Conditions and ORV-Relevant Data Collected Since OBRI Establishment
  • Part II: Analysis and Interpretation of OASIS Model Results Used to Estimate Select ORV Baselines
  • Part III: Potential Research to Accomplish OBRI Goals
  • Conclusions
  • References Cited
  • Glossary
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Decision-support modeling and research priorities for establishing baseline conditions for outstandingly remarkable values, Obed Wild and Scenic River, Tennessee
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2025-1035
DOI 10.3133/ofr20251035
Publication Date August 01, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center
Description viii, 18 p.
Country United States
State Tennessee
Other Geospatial Obed Wild and Scenic River
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details