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Novel Streams: Reference Systems from Natural Analogs to Improve - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Novel Streams: Reference Systems from Natural Analogs to Improve - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Novel Streams: Reference Systems from Natural Analogs to Improve Stream Restoration Practices Joe Berg, Biohabitats, Inc. jberg@biohabitats.com Perspe pective ve Beav eaver d dams ams ver ery c y commo mmon on lan andscap apeUs
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Beav eaver d dams ams ver ery c y commo mmon on lan andscap ape—Us Usef eful A l Analo log?
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The modern, incised, meandering stream is an artifact of the rise and fall of mid-Atlantic streams in response to human manipulation of stream valleys for water power. (Walter, R., & Merritts, D. (2008). Natural streams and the legacy of water-powered mills. Science, vol. 319.)
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How Have We Influenced Our Streams?
►We have changed watershed hydrology
- More, faster water for shorter duration
- Reduced perenniality
►We have changed the drainage network
- Loss of 85% of our 1st and 2nd order streams
- Conversion of ‘material processing’ streams to
conveyance systems
►We have changed sediment regime
- Colonial land clearing
- Channel adjustment major sediment source
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Adapted from Kondolf, M. (1997). Environmental Management, 21, 533-551.
Zone of Erosion/Transport Zone of Deposition
Our Broken Stream Systems Function as Major Sources & Conveyors of Sediment Nitrogen & Phosphorus
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Source: Expert Stream Panel Report, Stack 2013
Sediment from Stream Channel Erosion, NOT Sediment from Watershed Supply
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Stream Restoration Practice
►Contemporary reference stream reach is used
to develop ‘template’ for stream restoration
- Establish physical restoration goals from
measurements of ‘undisturbed’ or ‘minimally disturbed’ or ‘mostly recovered’ reference reaches
►Is this a reasonable practice?
- Can we expect to find non-impacted streams
based on hundreds of years of anthropogenic modifications?
- How would we know if we saw it?
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What is the Alternative?
►Understand historical landscape ecology
- Don’t ignore hundreds of years of anthropogenic
influence
►Temporal reference system
►Not turning the clock back to restore historic
conditions, that isn’t possible
►Use understanding of historic conditions to identify
restoration elements that help us meet restoration goals
►Spatial reference system as part of process
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http:/ / www.fws.gov/ chesapeakebay/ Newsletter/ Fall11/ Pyramid/ pyramid_-overview.jpg
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Source: Solange Filoso, University of Maryland
Red = upstream conveyance channel Black = regenerative stream channel
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Source: Solange Filosa, University of Maryland
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Source: Solange Filosa, University of Maryland ‘Super storm’ Sandy
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Solange Filoso, University of Maryland 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Water temperature (Centigrade) Aug to Sept 2011 control restored
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Source: Solange Filoso, University of Maryland
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Tributary to Rock Creek Washington, DC February 2011 Pre Restoration ~ 8 ft I ncised
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Tributary to Rock Creek Washington, DC October 2011 Connected to Riparian Zone
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5-ft incised
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