Water Stewardship Information Sources
| ID | 1872 |
|---|---|
| Citation | Vadas, RL. 1997. Integrity of riparian and aquatic habitat in two agriculturally impacted stream valleys of southern British Columbia. Environment Canada |
| Organization | Environment Canada |
| URL | http://research.rem.sfu.ca/frap/9827.pdf |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords | Habitat patterns in and along two midsize streams of the Thompson River drainage, British Columbia, were examined using multivariate - statistical (factor) analyses. Terrestrial data consisted of spot counts of floral-growth forms and substrata in the lower riparian zone and qualitative assessments of floral intactness in the upper riparian zone. Results of the analyses suggest that lower-riparian vegetation does not accurately reflect floral conditions in the upper riparian zone; thus, assessments of stream habitat integrity require examination of both zones. Aquatic data was collected on stream width, lateral microhabitats and hydraulic-mesohabitat characteristics along longitudinal and deforestation gradients. Expected habitat differences, such as increased pool:riffle ratio and habitat diversity, were not consistent along the longitudinal gradient, probably because sampling was limited to midsize streams and natural features confounded patterns. Similarly, expected habitat differences along the riparian-intactness gradient were inconsistent. The latter was probably due to unaddressed factors such as sedimentation. Further studies, including holistic physiochemical analyses are necessary to establish what riparian and aquatic habitat factors consistently change with deforestation in the southern interior of British Columbia. |
| Information Type | report |
| Regional Watershed | Nicola; Shuswap |
| Sub-watershed if known | Salmon River; Nicola River |
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| Project status | complete |
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