Effects of Restoration on Small Headwater Stream Quality

Abstract

Stream restoration is widely used as a tool to remediate degraded channels in an area of ecological interest. Small headwater streams are frequently targeted for these restoration activities due to their impact on downstream aquatic health. To determine the extent to which restoration of small headwater streams improves quality, we recorded habitat structure and sampled macroinvertebrates in 10 restored streams that were geographically paired with nearby control, or unrestored, streams in an Extensive Post-Treatment (EPT) design. Restored streams had significantly better water quality and biotic measures than non-restored nearby streams. The diversity of macroinvertebrates was positively correlated with habitat heterogeneity, and physical habitat structure explained over one third of the variation in biotic communities among sites. These results highlight the importance and value of restoring these small, degraded waterways.