Ecological risk based assessment used to restore riparian physical functions to a fresh water Creek

JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

卷:221

Article

Hall, Robert K.¹  Lin, John²  Schumacher, Brian A.³  Charles, Kerry-Ann⁴  Heggem, Daniel T.² 

[1] USEPA Reg 9, WTR2,75 Hawthorne St, San Francisco, CA 94105 USA

[2] NERL, USEPA Off Res & Dev, Syst Exposure Div, Las Vegas, NV USA

[3] NERL, USEPA Off Res & Dev, Exposure Methods & Measurements Div, Las Vegas, NV 89119 USA

[4] Chippewas Georgina Isl, Environm Dept, RR 2 Box N-13 Sutton West, Georgina, ON L0E 1R0, Canada

关键词: Ecosystem function;    Water quality;    Non-point source;    Proper functioning condition;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.03.117

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

The purpose of this study was to determine if an interdisciplinary team using a qualitative proper functioning condition (PFC) assessment protocol could identify and reverse significant detrimental ecological alterations which occurred within Gertie's Creek watershed, Ontario, Canada. At potential, Gertie's Creek supported a woody debris glacial outwash fine gravel substrate fish spawning habitat. The anthropogenic activities on Georgina Island caused a denuded anadromous fish population since the early-to mid-1990's in the Gertie's Creek watershed. The PFC assessment indicated that anthropogenic activities on Georgina Island negatively impacted stream flows in Gertie's Creek. Reduced stream flow resulted in the natural stream (lotic) riparian habitat not advancing out of an early seral silver maple and eastern hemlock vegetated swamp (forested wetland) habitat. The Gertie's Creek interdisciplinary team PFC assessment indicated that the entire watershed is not in balance with the water and sediment being supplied along with a lack of diverse riparian vegetation. Sediment was not being transported to the wetland and lake coastal areas because of chronic reduced flows. Further qualitative assessments by the authors of other smaller lentic and lotic ecosystems on Georgina Island indicate that reduced hydrologic flow is an issue for the entire island. Ecosystem function management planning works with the ecosystem to continually respond as the ecology changes in ways that enhance remarkable natural recovery. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

【 授权许可】

Free