The Watershed Health Assessment Framework (WHAF) provides an organized approach for exploring and analyzing the complexity of natural and human systems. These Use Examples show ways to use the map, health scores and other information to systematically examine watershed systems.
Change over time
The WHAF reveals important information about our historic landscapes at different spatial scales. An understanding of how natural systems functioned in the past and how they have changed will inform more sustainable use of our water, land, and biological resources into the future.
- Use examples:
- Maps and reports:
- Watching Climate Change - Animated Maps (select from table)
- Climate Summary for Watersheds, Statewide
Connecting our land and water
We know that the history of our land is deeply connected to the shape and health of our lakes, streams, and rivers. Understanding the ways our land and water features have been altered can inform thoughtful decisions about how we manage our interconnected resources.
- Use example:
Ecological context
Exploring ecological context sets the stage for understanding how features of the landscape influence a range of expected watershed responses. The WHAF provides some great tools to help you consistently and efficiently review the ecological context that influences Minnesota’s watersheds.
- Use examples
- Concepts
- Maps and reports
- Select the Watershed Context Report for your watershed
- Open the Context Report Appendix to open the related WHAF maps
- Open the Land Cover Application to view land cover across scales.
Watershed boundaries and spatial scale
Use the Set Scale tool to map and explore watershed boundaries in the WHAF map. The Use Examples show how a range of scales will reveal additional insights as you investigate a natural resource challenge or question.
Save and share your map
Save your WHAF map as a URL link. This lets you email it to someone else, save and re-open for future use, or embed the link in another document.
- Use example:
- Maps and reports:
- Watershed Context Report Appendix – Links to WHAF Maps