Wednesday, June 6, 2007 - 5:00 PM
312

An Analysis of Recent Restoration Efforts on Ecological Function in Piedmont NC Urban Streams

Robert Northington1, Erin C. Lynam2, Heather M. Rushforth1, and Anne E. Hershey1. (1) University of North Carolina - Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27403, (2) New Jersey Highlands Council, 100 North Rd., Chester, NJ 07930

Streams in the vicinity of Greensboro and Charlotte, NC, are heavily impacted by stormwater runoff, non-point source pollution, and other factors associated with urban sprawl (construction, sedimentation, etc.).  We examined abiotic (DO, NO3, PO4, NH4) and multiple biotic variables in several unrestored and recently restored reaches on North Buffalo Creek and South Buffalo Creek in Greensboro, and Little Sugar Creek in Charlotte.  Restored areas showed significantly higher fish species richness, significantly faster 15N-NH4 uptake, significantly higher DO, and significantly lower NO3 as compared to unrestored sites on the same streams. Stable isotope analysis also indicated usage of terrestrial subsidies by fish in addition to some terrestrial insect use of exotic C4 plants from urban riparian areas. Trends in macroinvertebrate communities suggested increased abundance and richness in restored sections, but these were not significant. Overall results indicate that restoration practices in the Piedmont of North Carolina vary in their ability to improve ecosystem function, although some significant improvements in ecological metrics were observed. However, unresolved stormwater and non-point source runoff problems may undermine further improvement in ecological function at restored sites.  

See more of Special Session - Stream Restoration: Tools for Prioritization, Design and Assessment II
See more of Special Sessions

See more of The NABS 55th Annual Meeting