The document summarizes a study evaluating changes in effective discharge (Qeff) using USGS gauge records from the North Fork Nooksack River and Nooksack River at Ferndale in Northwest Washington. The study found a 25-30% increase in effective discharge in the upper watershed compared to the lower watershed. Recent trends in hydrologic patterns are affecting channel forming discharge and will cause channels to adjust their form. The next steps are to expand the study to more watersheds and sites and couple it with habitat flow parameters.