"A new analysis from Trout Unlimited shows the U.S. Geological Survey underestimates the number of streams nationwide that flow only following rain.

The fishing and conservation group says that for every mile of stream mapped in the National Hydrography Dataset, another 1.5 miles of ephemeral streams exist.

The analysis comes as the Trump administration is soliciting comments on its Waters of the U.S., or WOTUS, rule that would eliminate Clean Water Act protections for ephemeral streams, which flow only following rainfall.

Outdoors groups like Trout Unlimited fiercely oppose the proposal, arguing that ephemeral streams serve as critical habitat for fish species and contribute crucial supplies of cool, clean water to more habitat downstream."

Ariel Wittenberg reports for Greenwire April 1, 2019. [2]