Habitat-scale evaluation of stream restoration effects: case study at Knehyne Stream
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| Year of publication | 2015 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | Regulated channel of small mountain stream (Knehyne) was restored within 300 m long section. Straightened stream channel with fixed banks was changed to paired-channel pattern which has been evaluated as natural for this stream stretch. Short length of restored stretch and sedimentary unbalanced catchment required fixation of newly constructed channels by trunks anchored into river bed. Restoration aimed to change detrimental effects of vertical erosion in regulated channel into more natural channel forming processes. Furthermore coniferous forest in floodplain of restored stretch was replaced by more natural riparian vegetation. Restored river stretch differs from regulated one by occurrence of specific hydromorphological structures (side pools, lateral channels, habitat heterogeneity in bank zone). We observed specific conditions in terms of water chemistry and thermal regime in lateral habitats (pools and temporary channels). Macroinvertebrates, phytobenthos and particulate organic matter characteristics were analyzed for response to hydromorphological changes at microhabitat scale. Case study results were given into context of restoration effects in small streams obtained from 10 pairs of degraded-restored stretches (including Knehyne stream). Ecological consequences of altered hydromorphology were also compared between small and medium-sized streams studied at microhabitat scale. |
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