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C. Scientific Accomplishments <br />i <br />Until recently, White's research has been directed toward management- oriented <br />problems related to aquatic habitat - salmonid population interactions. Studies <br />have almost always been designed to meet an impending management need, thus <br />providing useful information for immediate application to improve resource <br />conservation. Research efforts have focused on instream flow problems, <br />hydropower development, and land use practices (approximately 50% of <br />research). Other studies have been directed at a broad spectrum of management <br />problems. Although salmonid studies continue, White's present emphasis is on <br />large rivers and associated rare His accomplishments in these areas are <br />described below. <br />1. Since Last Promotion <br />Instream Flow <br />Stream flow depletion is a serious aquatic resource problem in Montana and <br />throughout the West. White's expertise and interest in instream flow issues were <br />major factors in his selection for the Montana Unit Leader position. Solutions to <br />instream flow problems are based on an understanding of habitat requirements <br />of fish, how they are influenced by flow, and how this information can be used to <br />predict effects of flow modification or to recommend suitable instream flow for <br />target fish species. White's research has been directed toward contributing to <br />these types of information needs. <br />Validation When White transferred to Montana, he was asked by state <br />cooperators to seek funds to begin research on validation of the state's approach <br />to reserving flows for trout. White was very familiar with the wetted perimeter <br />method used in Montana since he was involved in its original formulation (1,2). In <br />examining the application of the approach (which had been upheld by Montana <br />courts), White found that validation was based on long -term flow -trout population <br />data in large streams, yet the method was being applied to all streams in the state. <br />The first research effort designed by White was to test its validity in small streams. <br />The research was funded by The Montana Water Resources Research Institute, <br />and an MS student was taken. The study, involving population and flow <br />manipulation, showed that wetted perimeter was not a consistent index of summer <br />habitat suitability for trout; it worked well in pool /riff le habitats but underestimated <br />the amount of water necessary in run -riffle habitat. (32, 65 and MT Chapter AFS) <br />Results are being used by MTFWP. <br />24 <br />