Development of process-based assessment protocols in the Kishwaukee River Basin, Illinois: Watershed integration of hydrology, geomorphology and ecology

John S. Schwartz, Edwin E Herricks, A. Catherine Marcinkevage, Jian Ping Suen, Bruce L Rhoads, Praveen Kumar, Stephen S. Russell

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

In recent years use of GIS natural resources databases has greatly improved watershed analysis techniques. These techniques have provided excellent inventories of watershed attributes supporting management strategies, but it has become evident that analysis techniques must include process-based assessments from the inventory data. Assessments must also include an integration of hydrology, geomorphology, and ecology observations. Protocols for process-based assessments are critical to achieving restoration project sustainability. The Kishwaukee River watershed, a 1,340-mi 2 watershed located in northern Illinois was chosen to test development of process-based protocols for watershed analysis. Stream power was found to be an important environmental driver correlating with physical habitat maintenance, recovery from stream channelization, and instream pollutant assimilation. The greatest impacts to ecological integrity appeared to be from rapid urbanization and agricultural practices in low-gradient subwatersheds. It was found that protocol development of ecological metrics could be greatly improved if bio-inventory data were consistently collected with respect to methodology and sample locations/times.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2004 World Water and Environmetal Resources Congress
Subtitle of host publicationCritical Transitions in Water and Environmental Resources Management
EditorsG. Sehlke, D.F. Hayes, D.K. Stevens
Pages4433-4442
Number of pages10
StatePublished - 2004
Event2004 World Water and Environmental Resources Congress: Critical Transitions in Water and Environmental Resources Management - Salt Lake City, UT, United States
Duration: Jun 27 2004Jul 1 2004

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 2004 World Water and Environmetal Resources Congress: Critical Transitions in Water and Environmetal Resources Management

Other

Other2004 World Water and Environmental Resources Congress: Critical Transitions in Water and Environmental Resources Management
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySalt Lake City, UT
Period6/27/047/1/04

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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