2006FallGEO493 Lect6-7 AssessmentRCC Habitatspages.geo.wvu.edu/~kite/2006FallGEO493_Lect6-7...2. Stream Size 3. Temperature 4. Oxygen 5. Water Chemistry (particularly acidity in WV)

1

Assignment -Spend 30 minutes with each of these resources and outline

their contents – in addition to required reading stated in syllabus

Bunte, Kristin, and Abt, Steven R., 2001, http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs/rmrs_gtr74/

Barnes, Harry H., Jr., 1967, http://pubs.usgs.gov/wsp/wsp_1849/html/pdf.html

Jefferson N. Keaton, Terence Messinger, and Edward J. Doheny, 2005,http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/sir2005-5076/

Self-Formed vs. Relict/Non-fluvial StreamsBunte, Kristin, & Abt, Steven R., 2001

Self-formed streamsSediment almost entirely from upstream sources, bed, and erosion of banks. Sediment transported under current transport regime.

Stream morphology and sediment sizes are exclusively controlled by interaction between flow and sediment. Stream bed contains no particles larger than those moved during highest floods.

Because sediment in self-formed streams is not coupled to hillslopes and other non-fluvial sources, such systems are also referred to as uncoupled streams.

Relict/non-fluvial streamsBunte, Kristin, & Abt, Steven R., 2001

Relict/non-fluvial streams receive much of their sediment from non-fluvial sources, such as:

mass movements (debris flows, rock-fall, landslides, etc.)intensive bank undercutting and slumpingdowncutting into glacial deposits that unearths large

boulders that may be untransportableerosion of bank material deposited under a different regime

of flow or sediment supply.

Streams receiving sediment supply from relict-fluvial and non-fluvial sources are often referred to as coupled.

Coupled streams are common in mountain areas, where nearby hill slopes or glacial deposits contribute to sediment supply.

Presence of large cobbles and boulders may cause unsystematic spatial variability of bed material size.

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Parent Directory for All Chapters: http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs/rmrs_gtr74/

Bunte, Kristin, and Abt, Steven R., 2001, Sampling Surface and Subsurface Particle-Size DIstributions in Wadable Gravel- and Cobble-Bed Streams for Analysis in Sediment Transport, Hydraulic and Streambed Monitoring, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station General Technical ReportRMRS-GTR-74, 428 p.

e.g. Particle size in φ-units:φ = -log2(Di)

Barnes, Harry H., Jr., 1967, Roughness Characteristics of Natural Channels, U.S.

Geological Survey, Water Supply Paper 1849

http://pubs.usgs.gov/wsp/wsp_1849/html/pdf.htmlCompare

http://pubs.usgs.gov/wsp/wsp_1849/pdf/wsp_1849_h.pdfhttp://pubs.usgs.gov/wsp/wsp_1849/pdf/wsp_1849_b.pdf

Manning Equationmetric units

V = (R0.667 S0.5) / n

"American" units

V = 1.49 (R0.667 S0.5) / n

Keaton, Jefferson N. , Messinger, Terence , and Doheny, Edward J. , 2005, Development and Analysis of Regional Curves for Streams in the Non-Urban Valley and Ridge Physiographic Province, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2005-5076, 109 p.

http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2005/5076/

Also see NRCS Regional Hydraulic Geometry Curves

http://wmc.ar.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/HHSWR/Geomorphic/index.html

Regional Curves (of Hydraulic Geometry)

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What is the Work of a Stream?

• Water-Delivery System• Sediment-Transport System

– Ignore this function: other systems will not work properly

• Framework for Ecosystem Structure• (More on this tonight)

ECOLOGICAL FUNCTION OF STREAMSBorrowing Heavily from

Workshop Presentation by J. Todd Petty

West Virginia University

Blackwater River

Stream Habitats GEO 493/427

Lecture 6Fall 2006

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THE HABITAT TEMPLATE:CROSS-SECTIONAL VIEW

Channel• Surface Water

• Stream Bed

• Hyporheic Zone

Floodplain (Riparian) ZonePlant communities contiguous to and affected by streams. Usually has direct influence on stream structure & function.


BedrockAlluvium

FloodplainFloodplainT1T1

T2T2

Channel ShelfDepositional Bar

TERRACE ASSEMBLAGE(oak, sassafras, dogwood,

mt. Laurel, white ash)FLOODPLAIN FOREST(hackberry, black walnutamerican elm, sycamore)

RIPARIAN SHRUBS(alder, slippery elm,

box elder, red willow)

DEPOSITIONAL BAR(herbaceous vegetation;

willow, sycamore, or cottonwood seedlings)

Eric N. Davis, 2000. Modified from Osterkamp and Hupp, 1984.

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Photo 7/8/0023Concrete Bank:

Wyoming Co.,8 July 2002.

S. Kite Photo

Photo 7/ 8 0025UTM 451341mE

4150501mN

Indian Crk., Rt 16, S of Woosley, Wyoming Co., 8 July 2002

S. Kite Photo

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Photo 7/ 8 0027UTM 451341mE

4150501mN

Indian Crk., Rt 16, S of Woosley, Wyoming Co., July 2002.

S. Kite Photo

Photo 5/19/0041

Anthony Creek near Alvon, Greenbrier Co. S. Kite Photo

Photo 5/19/0023Anthony Creek near Alvon, Greenbrier Co.

S. Kite Photo

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Photo 5/19/0011Anthony Creek near Alvon, Greenbrier Co.

S. Kite Photo

Never does nature say one way and wisdom the other. - Juvenal (A.D. 60?-140)

HYPORHEIC ZONE: channel sediment below the bed surface and above bedrock.

STREAM-CHANNEL HABITATS

Surface Water

Bed Surface

Determines flow patterns; Influences accumulation & retention of organic matter; Substrate for attachment by algae, bacteria, & invertebrates

BED SURFACE

Interchange between surface water & ground water; Nutrient cycling; Refuge for insects & fishes during high flows & if surface water freezes; Nesting for fishes & insects

HYPORHEIC ZONE

Provide aquatic habitat; Delivers dissolved materials (nutrients, carbon, oxygen, ions); Creates habitat complexity via sediment transport

SURFACE WATER

Source of Organic Matter, LWD, and Nutrients; Moderates flood flow; Filter sediments and toxic materials; Moderates water temperature (shading)

RIPARIAN ZONE

Dissipates flood energy and water storage; Source of Dissolved Organic Carbon and NutrientsFLOODPLAIN

FUNCTIONAL ROLECOMPONENT

HABITAT FUNCTION OF STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS OF A STREAM

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STREAM FOOD WEBSAllocthonous

vs.

AutochthonousCPOM

FPOM

STREAM FOOD WEBS

SECONDARY AND TERTIARY CONSUMERS (TOP PREDATORS)VERTEBRATES

PRIMARY & SECONDARY CONSUMERS(CONSUME BACTERIA, ALGAE, AND DETRITUS)

MACROINVERTEBRATES

DECOMPOSERS (PROCESS PARTICULATE AND DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER)

BACTERIA AND FUNGI

PRIMARY PRODUCERS (CONVERT LIGHT ENERGY TO BIOMASS)ALGAE, PERIPHYTON &

MACROPHYTES

FUNCTIONAL ROLEBIOTIC

COMPONENT

INVERTEBRATE FUNCTIONAL FEEDING GROUPS

OTHER INSECTSPREDATOR

FPOMCOLLECTOR-FILTERER

FPOMCOLLECTOR-GATHERER

PERIPHYTONSCRAPER

CPOMSHREDDER

FOOD SOURCEGROUP

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RIVER CONTINUUM CONCEPT

VANNOTE ET AL. (1980)

Changes in organic matter processing and biological communities are linked to predictable

changes in stream habitat continuum.

LONGITUDINAL HABITAT VARIATION


Headwater StreamsGroundwater Inputs (& Outputs)

Cold-Water Species

Narrow Channel

Riparian VegetationHigh CPOM inputsShading

Allochthonous Energy Important

Bacteria, Fungi, & Shredders Important Biological Components of Community

Dominant “Energy” Flux: Convert CPOM to FPOM & Biomass; Downstream FPOM Transport

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Mid-Order Streams

Wider, Increased Light

Increased Temperatures

CPOM Inputs Decrease

FPOM from Upstream

Autotrophic Energy Sources Important

Increased Importance of Grazers

Communities Diverse & Variable; Overlap of cold-Water, Warm-Water, & Eurythermal Species

Dominant “Energy” Flux: Convert FPOM & Periphyton to Biomass.


Large RiversExtremely Wide & Deep

Increased Importance of Turbidity

High Temperatures

CPOM Inputs Very Low

FPOM Accumulation from Upstream Extremely Important

Collectors Dominate

Low Diversity Communities; Warm-Water Species Dominate

Important Floodplain Links

Dominant “Energy” Flux:Convert FPOM to Biomass.

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Mississippi River at Vicksburg, MS

Hierarchy of Streams (after Frissel et al., 1986)

Image from Baptist, M.J., 2001

HABITAT SCALESStream Segment: Stream section bounded upstream and downstream by the confluence of a perennial tributary or change in valley type.

Stream Reach: Section within a stream segment that is >30- mean stream widths. Should contain 3-4 pool-riffle-pool sequences and / or 3-4 meander bends. (Focus of Rosgen classes)

Hydraulic Channel Unit (= Facet): Relatively homogeneous area within a reach that differs significantly in depth, flow, or bed composition from adjacent areas. An HCU must be atleast as long as one mean stream width.

Microhabitat: Relatively homogeneous area within a hydraulic channel unit that differs significantly from surrounding areas. This is scale at which most aquatic organisms make habitat selection decisions.

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HYDRAULIC CHANNEL UNIT CLASSIFICATIONHawkins et al. (1993)

Slow Water Fast Water

Scour Pools Dammed Pools Turbulent Non-Turbulent

Eddy

Trench

Convergence

Lateral

Plunge

Debris

Beaver

Landslide

Backwater

Abandoned Channel

Falls

Cascade

Rapids

Riffle

Chute

Sheet

Run

*** Works well in small (<10 m wide), high gradient (>2% slope) streams.

Low Gradient / Slow

Narrow Wide

Non-Complex

Complex

HYDRAULIC CHANNEL UNIT CLASSIFICATIONPetty et al. (2002)

Non-Complex

Complex

High Gradient / Fast

Narrow Wide

Non-Complex

Complex Non-Complex

Complex

Bluff Pool

Glide

Low Gradient Riffle

Pocket Water

High Gradient RiffleRun

Riffle / Run Complex

Designed for larger (>10 m wide), lower gradient (0.5 – 1.5 % slope) streams.

Complex = high microhabitat scale variability in depth, current velocity, and substrate composition

Bluff Pool / Run ComplexPool

HYPORHEIC ZONE: channel sediment below the bed surface and above bedrock.

STREAM-CHANNEL HABITATS

RIFFLE RUN

GLIDE

POOL

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Sustainable Watershed Planning in Ohio - Fundamentals of Aquatic Ecology -www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/documents/AQECOL_FINAL1.pdf#search=%22riffle%20pool%20glide%20run%22

RIFFLE

RUN

RIFFLE

RUN

Basin Area = 48 ha

DBHW = 1.2 km

Discharge = 0.01 cm3/s

W = 2.5 m

Basin Area = 1,043 ha

DBHW = 4.8 km


W = 7.3 m


DBHW = 6.6 km


W = 8.1 m

DRAINAGE-SCALE HETEROGENEITY:


DBHW = 9.5 km


W = 11.7 m Basin Area = 5,106 ha

DBHW = 18.1 km


W = 17.2 m


DBHW = 26.4 km


W = 21.4 m

DRAINAGE-SCALE HETEROGENEITY

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HETEROGENEITY: REACH SCALE

HETEROGENEITY:

CHANNEL UNIT SCALE

HCU TourRIFFLE / CASCADE with PLUNGE POOL

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RIFFLE

CASCADE

PLUNGE POOL

STEP

STEP & POOL

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“FORCED” LARGE WOODY DEBRIS (LWD) POOL

LATERAL SCOUR POOL (w/ UNDERCUT BANK)

LOW GRADIENT RIFFLE (LG / WIDE / SIMPLE)

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GLIDE: (LG / WIDE / SIMPLE)

BLUFF POOL (LG / NARROW / COMPLEX)

LATERAL SCOUR POOL (LG / WIDE / SIMPLE)

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“POCKET WATER”(LG / WIDE / COMPLEX)

INTERMEDIATE GRADIENT RIFFLE (HG / WIDE / SIMPLE)

BLUFF POOL / RIFFLE COMPLEX (HG / NARROW / COMPLEX)

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RIFFLE / RUN COMPLEX (HG / WIDE / COMPLEX)

Sustainable Watershed Planning in Ohio - Fundamentals of Aquatic Ecology -www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/documents/AQECOL_FINAL1.pdf#search=%22riffle%20pool%20glide%20run%22

RIFFLE

RUN

FUNCTIONAL ROLES OF HYDRAULIC CHANNEL UNITS

1. Fish-spawning habitat2. High insect productivity3. FPOM capture & retention in

interstitial spaces of bed material4. Foraging areas for benthic fishes

RIFFLES

1. Refuge from high and low flows2. Refuge from temperature extremes3. Refuge from predators4. CPOM capture & retention5. Foraging Habitat for drift-feeding

fishes and piscivores

POOLS & RIFFLE-RUN COMPLEXES

FUNCTIONAL ROLECHANNEL UNIT

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FACTORS INFLUENCING STREAM FISHES1. Geography and Evolutionary History

2. Stream Size

3. Temperature

4. Oxygen

5. Water Chemistry (particularly acidity in WV)

6. Stream Flow Conditions

7. Substrate

8. Habitat Complexity

9. Food Availability

10.Predator-Prey and Competitive Interactions

GEOGRAPHY AND EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY• 700 freshwater fish species in North America.

• Species richness is highest in the Mississippi Basin, within which there are numerous “hotspots” all of which are on the eastern side of the basin (Tennessee River, Clinch River, Elk River, New River).

Teays River Valley

Michael C. Hansen –Ohio Geological Survey

November 1995

www.dnr.state.oh.us/geosurvey/images/geofacts/no10a.gif

TeaysPaleo-Valley

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Pleistocene Glaciers and GeographySteven Dutch, Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Green Baywww.uwgb.edu/dutchs/GRAPHIC0/ GEOMORPH/MPLRIVS.GIF

Pleistocene Glaciers and GeographySteven Dutch, Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Green Baywww.uwgb.edu/dutchs/GRAPHIC0/ GEOMORPH/EPLRIVS.GIF

STREAM SIZEFish species richness tends to increase downstream

as gradient decreases and stream size increases.

High environmental variabilityFew links among tributaries (isolation)Fish species can withstand extremes,

respond quickly to disturbance, and find all they need locally

Headwater StreamsDiversity is lowest (1 – 2 species)

Brook Trout, Sculpin

Increased environmental stabilityIncreased diversity of food types

(omnivory and piscivory)Increased habitat complexityIncreased links with tributaries

(reduced isolation).

Higher Order StreamsFish diversity increases dramatically(7-30 species)

Suckers, chubs, daces, darters, minnows, shiners,

basses, sunfishes

ExplanationStream Size and Fish Community

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TEMPERATUREOne of most important factors influencing fish distribution

1. Ambient air temperature2. Altitude3. Latitude (insolation)4. Origin of water (groundwater, runoff, impoundment)

5. Stream depth6. Stream width7. Riparian cover

FACTORS INFLUENCING STREAM TEMPERATURE

FISH THERMAL PREFERENCES

Creek chub, Blacknose Dace, White Sucker, Fantail Darter

Eurythermal Species (22-300C) (wide thermal tolerance)

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Carp, Sunfishes, Catfish

Warmwater Species (>280C)(do not like it cold)

Trout, SculpinColdwater Species (<240C)(do not like it hot)

THERMAL CATEGORY EXAMPLES

• Preferred / Tolerable ranges vary dramatically among fish species.

• Produces predictable changes in fish community structure along an upstream to downstream continuum.

• Coldwater species are highly susceptible to habitat degradation because most degradation leads to higher summer temperatures.

Brook Trout

(Salvelinus fontinalis)

THERMAL PREFERENCESPreferred Range

Trout: 15 – 20 C

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Temperature (C)

Suita

bilit

y

Trout

23

Smallmouth Bass

(Micropterusdolomieui)

THERMAL PREFERENCES

Preferred Range

20 – 26 C

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Temperature (C)

Suita

bilit

y

Trout

SMB

SUBSTRATES

1. Determine surface and interstitial flow patterns (i.e., create flow complexities).

2. Influence organic matter accumulation & retention.

3. Substrate for attachment by primary producers, decomposers, & consumers.

4. Predator, thermal, and flow refugia for fishes & invertebrates.

5. Nest material for fishes and invertebrates.

FUNCTIONAL ROLES OF SURFACE SEDIMENTS

Fine Sand and silt = least favorable substrates.

Gravel, Cobble and Boulder = most favorable.

LWD = very import in forested watersheds.

Halliburton, a major oil drilling company will have a representative at the Career Fair in the WVU Engineering Building on Evansdale Campus tomorrow, Oct. 11. They are hiring Summer and permanent employees, and are interested in Geology students with a BS or MS. They are hiring for jobs in the Gulf Coast and the starting salary is around $40,000. The representative, Mr. Emmett Keener will be at the Career Fair from 9 am to 3 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 11.

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00.10.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9

1

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60Depth (cm)

Rela

tive

Suita

bilit

y

00.10.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9

1

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75

Avg. Current Velocity (cm / sec)

Rel

ativ

e Su

itabi

lity

HABITAT SUITABILITY CURVES (Brook Trout)

5cm12cm 20cm

00.10.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9

1

0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5

Distance to Cover (m)

Suita

bilit

y

TROUT HABITAT SUITABILITY OF HYDRAULIC CHANNEL UNITS

Bluff Pool and Riffle / Run Complexes

0.00

0.04

0.08

0.12

0.16

0.20

0.24

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9 1

Freq

uenc

y

Glides / Low Gradient Riffles

0.00

0.04

0.08

0.12

0.16

0.20

0.24

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9 1

Habitat Suitability

Freq

uenc

y

sherwin.ws/Dunbar_Creek_Project/Animals/Brook_Trout_001.jpg

www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead/fishing_site/fishing/fish_species/brooktrout_files/

image005.jpg

FUNCTIONAL ROLE OF VEGETATION1. Shading

2. Bank Stability

3. Sediment Control

4. Storm Flow Mediation

5. Nutrient Inputs

6. Organic Matter Inputs (DOM and CPOM)

7. Large Woody Debris Inputs•Pool Formation & Habitat Complexity•Organic Matter & Nutrient Retention•Aquatic Insect Habitat

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The Arroyo Problem in the

Southwestern U.S.

Brandon J. VogtUSGS

www.cpluhna.nau.edu/images/vogt1.jpeg

geochange.er.usgs.gov/sw/impacts/geology/arroyos/

FUNCTIONAL ROLE OF VEGETATION

Photo by Will HarmanMichael Baker Corp.

Much Larger NC Stream Showing Proper Dimensions & Importance of Plantings

South Fork Mitchell River, BrendleReach under construction

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South Fork Mitchell River, Brendle Reach 2 years after…Photo by Will Harman, Michael Baker Corp.

Vegetation = Nature’s Bank Protection Stabilized by

Cross-VaneImage from Will Harman,

Michael Baker Corp.

Dense Root Wads Reduce Bank Shear

Mitchell River Basin Photo: J.S. Kite

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LargeWoodyDebris

HABITAT COMPLEXITYAT ALL SPATIAL SCALES

WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?

Habitat requirements for reproduction, growth, and survivorship within a species are often very different.

Same is true for habitat requirements among different species.

Therefore, species abundance & diversity are critically dependent on local & regional diversity of habitats.

Burkhead, Noel, 2005, Logperch.mpg, inLogperches: Masters of the Stone: U.S.

Geological Survey Florida Integrated Science Center - Center for Aquatic Resource Studies

(16mg download):

http://cars.er.usgs.gov/Southeastern_Aquatic_Fauna/Freshwater_Fishes/Logperch/Logperch.mpg

USFS Photo

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Brook Trout Life Stages

/www.sportfishingbc.com/images/bc_brookie3.jpg Todd Petty Photo

USFS Photo USFS Photo

USFS Photo

HABITAT COMPLEXITY: Brook Trout Example

Deep areas with overhead cover.Predators

Slack water refuges associated with large in-stream obstructions.

High flowsDeep pools near groundwater inputs.Temperature

SURVIVORSHIP

Intermediate depth, high velocity microhabitats adjacent to low velocity resting areas

Juveniles and Small Adults

Deep, high velocity microhabitats adjacent to deep, low velocity resting areas.

Large AdultsFEEDING

Low velocity marginal areas with fine substrates.Juvenile Rearing

Low velocity flow with intermediate sized substrates, down-welling & upwelling.

SpawningREPRODUCTION

LIFE STAGE HABITAT REQUIREMENT

HUMAN ACTIVITIES THAT AFFECT STREAMS

1. Agriculture2. Mining3. Urbanization & Development 4. Road Construction5. Chemical and Manufacturing Industries6. Forestry7. Navigation Structures (e.g. Locks & Dams)8. Dams (Lancaster Co. PA, >400 historic mill dams)9. Levees10. Channelization & Cut-Offs

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Impact of “Cow Ramps” on Flood

Flows

Trimble, Stanley W., & Mendel, Alexandra C.,

1995, The cow as a geomorphic agent - a critical review:Geomorphology (13) p.

233-253

Image from Baptist, 2001

Peppler, Marie C. & Fitzpatrick, Faith A., 2005

Methods for Monitoring the Effects of Grazing Management on Bank Erosion and Channel Morphology, Fever River,

Pioneer Farm, Wisconsin, 2004USGS Fact Sheet 2005-3134

http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2005/3134/Before Grazing

After Grazing

Photo: Randy Mentz

Scratching Area & Cattle Paths

PRIMARY LIMITS ON STREAM FISHERIES1. WATER CHEMISTRY

• Acid Mine Drainage• Acid Precipitation• Toxic Effluent (e.g. Hormones, Personal Hygiene Products, Caffeine )• Excessive Nutrients (e.g. Ag Land)

2. EROSION / SEDIMENTATION / TURBIDITY• Upland Sources: Ag Fields, Gullies, Construction, Unpaved Roads • Bank Scour: Unstable Banks, Riparian Vegetation Loss

3. LOSS OF CHANNEL COMPLEXITY• Changes to Channel Geometry (increased width/depth ratio)• Sedimentation• LWD / Boulder Removals• Channelization or Dredging

4. ELEVATED WATER TEMPERATURE• Loss of Riparian Vegetation• Changes in Channel Geometry• Reduced or Alteration of Groundwater / Surface Runoff Balance • Thermal Pollution (e.g. Power Plants)

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Synthesizing U.S. RiverRestoration Efforts

E. S. Bernhardt et al., 2005, Synthesizing U.S. River Restoration Efforts: Science, v. 308, p. 636-637.

http://www.geo.wvu.edu/%7Ekite/BernhardtEtAl2005_SynthesisUSRiverRest.pdf

Evidence that Degradation of Running Waters Is at All-time High>1/3 of rivers in the United States are listed

as impaired or polluted Freshwater withdrawals in some regions

are so extreme that major rivers no longer flow to the sea year round.

Extinction rates of freshwater fauna are five times that for terrestrial biota.

River Re$toration Has Become Highly Profitable Busine$$

>$1,000,000,000 Dollars/Year (since 1990).River restoration will play increasing role in

environmental management & policy decisions.Most restoration projects are small scale (less

than 1 km of stream length)Information on their implementation & outcome is

not readily accessible. This prompted a database of river restoration

across the US with the goal of determining common elements of successful projects.

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Synthesis of 37,099 projects in NRRSS (National River Restoration Science

Synthesis) database.Number of river restoration projects increased

exponentially between 1995 and 2005.Restoration efforts varied across geographic

regions. Most projects (88%) are from Pacific Northwest, Chesapeake Bay watershed, or California

Bernhardt et al., 2005, Synthesizing U.S. River Restoration Efforts: Science, v. 308, p. 636-637.

Bernhardt et al., 2005, Synthesizing U.S. River Restoration Efforts: Science, v. 308, p. 636-637.

32

MEDIAN COSTS FOR GOAL CATEGORIES

Riparian buffer creation/maintenance$19,000Water quality management (WQM)Wetland construction$180,000Storm-water management (SM)Livestock exclusion$15,000Riparian management (RM)

$812,000Land acquisition (LA) Native species reintroduction$77,000In-stream species management (ISM)Boulders/woody debris added$20,000In-stream habitat improvement (IHI)Flow regime enhancement$198,000Flow modification (FM)Bank or channel reshaping$207,000Floodplain reconnection (FR)Fish ladders installed$30,000Fish passage (FP)Revegetation$98,000Dam removal/retrofit (DR/R)Bank or channel reshaping$120,000Channel reconfiguration (CR)Revegetation, bank grading$42,000Bank stabilization (BS)Cleaning (e.g., trash removal)$63,000Aesthetics/recreation/education (A/R/E)

Examples of common restoration activities

Median costNRRSS goal category

Where is the Low-Hanging Fruit?

Most Commonly Stated Goals for River Restoration in the U.S.A.

Enhance Water QualityManage Riparian Zones, Improve In-Stream HabitatFish PassageBank Stabilization

Projects with these goals are typically smallin scale with median costs of <$45K.

CUMULATIVE COSTS FOR GOAL CATEGORIES

Water quality management (WQM)Riparian management (RM) Instream habitat improvement (IHI)Fish passage (FP)Bank stabilization (BS)Flow modification (FM)Aesthetics/recreation/education (A/R/E) Channel reconfiguration (CR)Dam removal/retrofit (DR/R) Stormwater management (SM)Floodplain reconnection (FR) In-stream species management (ISM)Land Acquisition (LA)

NRRSS goal category

Where are the Cash Cows?

$$$$

33

Large Proportion of Restoration Dollars on Fewer, More-Expensive Projects

Reconnecting FloodplainsModifying FlowsImproving Aesthetics or RecreationReconfiguring Channels

Assessment & MonitoringOnly 10% of project records indicated any form

of assessment or monitoring. Most of these ~3700 projects were not designed

to evaluate consequences of restoration or disseminate monitoring results.

Monitoring and assessment varied by region: • 6% of projects in Chesapeake Bay Watershed • >20% of projects in Southwest, Southeast, Central USA Projects with Higher Costs More Likely to be

MonitoredGreater effort is needed to gather & disseminate

data on restoration methods and outcomes, particularly given the costs.

Documents

2006FallGEO493 Lect6-7 AssessmentRCC Habitatspages.geo.wvu.edu/~kite/2006FallGEO493_Lect6-7...2. Stream Size 3. Temperature 4. Oxygen 5. Water Chemistry (particularly acidity in WV)