Stream Biological Assessments (Benthic Macro Invertebrates for Watershed Analysis): Mid-Sol Duc Watershed Case Study
Plotnikoff RW. 1998. Stream Biological Assessments (Benthic Macro Invertebrates for Watershed Analysis): Mid-Sol Duc Watershed Case Study. Washington State Department of Ecology. Olympia, WA
A method was developed for surveying current biological conditions in a watershed and interpreting the results. The biological condition of five streams was compared to several watershed scale assessments. Benthic macroinvertebrate communities were evaluated using biometric analysis and site condition was determined using diagnostic flow charts. The survey of benthic macroinvertebrates identified three categories of risk from further changes to current watershed condition. Biological response to temperature and sediment condition were identified as influential physical features to macroinvertebrates in this watershed. Minor impairment to the biological community was identified at sites where physical changes to the stream were not obvious. Macroinvertebrate surveys in five stream settings were able to describe the vulnerability of stream biota and the physical variables that would further degrade the communities.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Plotnikoff, Robert
- Date of Issue
- 1998-10
- Publisher
- Washington State Department of Ecology
- Units
- OLYM
- Keywords
- biological condition, Macroinvertebrates, Sol Duc Watershed, Watershed Analysis