In partial completion of the requirements of Geo 565, Geographic
Information Systems and Science at Oregon State University

 

GIS and Riparian Zones
by: Kelly M Clayton, Winter 2007

 

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Annotated Bibliography:

Carver, A. D., S. D. Danskin, J. J. Zaczek, J. C. Mangun, and K. W. J. Willard. 2004. A GIS Methodology for Generating Riparian Tree Planting Recommendations. Northern Journal of Applied Forestry 21:100-106.

The study was developed to determine optimal planting recommendations for bottomlands and buffer strips using a geographic information system (GIS) framework. The objective was to develop a decision support model to generate riparian tree-planting recommendations based on site characteristics. Research was conducted in the Cypress Creek Quadrangle, southern Illinois, and plantings were generated for eight bottomland hardwood species. This approach will allow for more productive forest cover establishment and will also reduce costs associated with on-site evaluations. Also, this will allow for more vigorous growth by planting species in site conditions suited for the species, minimizing costs from unsuccessful plantings, and maintaining continual forest coverage from rotation.

Fransen, B. R., S. D. Duke, L. G. McWethy, J. K. Walter, and R. E. Bilby. 2006. A Logistic Regression Model for Predicting the Upstream Extent of Fish Occurrence Based on Geographical Information Systems Data. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 26:960-975.

A geographical information system (GIS)-based predictive model was developed to predict the upstream extent of fish distribution using a logistic regression coupled with a heuristic stopping rule. Field data on fish distribution from 517 streams in western Washington State was used to create a 10-m digital elevation model. Variables included were: stream gradient, upstream basin area, elevation, and mean annual precipitation. Compared to independent survey data, 91.9% of occupied fish habitat was correctly classified by the model. Channel characteristics or species presence in a particular basin may influence species occurring at the upstream limit of fish distribution. This type of model with targeted field survey in areas most likely associated with model error, would improve efficiency and accuracy of current classification schemes.

Gage, M. S., A. Spivak, and C. J. Paradise. 2004. Effects of Land Use and Disturbance on Benthic Insects in Headwater Streams Draining Small Watersheds North of Charlotte, NC. Southeastern Naturalist 3:345-358.

This study was conducted north of Charlotte, NC. The area is highly affected by disturbance due to human activity. Reducing riparian zones and increasing runoff threaten aquatic life due to increasing development. Principle sources of pollution are sedimentation, runoff, and poor construction practices. The objectives of this study were to determine how land use and disturbance affect benthic insects. Data collected was based on insect diversity, chemistry, and physical habitat. Land use patterns and watersheds were delineated using a geographic information system (GIS). Variables used were land use, abiotic characteristics, and disturbance. The results of this study indicated that insect communities were more diverse in streams draining low disturbance watersheds than streams draining highly developed watersheds. Taxa that were sensitive were found in forested areas. Land use practices heavily influence diversity in streams due to increased levels of disturbance.

Higgins, J. V., M. T. Bryer, M.L. Khoury, and T. W. Fitzhugh. 2005. A Freshwater Classification Approach for Biodiversity Conservation Planning. Conservation Biology 19:432-445.

In an effort to define patterns of freshwater biodiversity, a classification system was developed for a wide range of ecological settings that could be implemented with geographic information system (GIS) data. This allows for a spatially comprehensive inventory of mapped and classified units. The objectives of the paper were to describe the classification framework and present two case studies of classifications for ecoregional assessment. Freshwater biodiversity is a large component of ecological biodiversity and highly endangered. Spatial levels used to represent classification framework were aquatic zoogeographic unit, ecological drainage unit within one aquatic zoogeographic unit, and macrohabitats within one ecological system. A spatially comprehensive inventory of mapped and classified units was used to identify and differentiate spatial units to characterize regional patterns of aquatic ecosystems in data-rich and data-poor regions from the Columbia River Basin of North America and the upper Pa aquay River in central South America.

Hyatt, T. L., T. Z. Waldo, and T. J. Beechie. 2004. A Watershed Scale Assessment of Riparian Forests with Implications for Restoration. Restoration Ecology 12:175-183.

Riparian areas that potentially provide wood and shade to small- and medium-sized streams and where restoration may be beneficial were mapped using air photo interpretation, field data, and Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis. The study was conducted in the Nooksack River basin and small tributaries that were thought to contribute wood or effective shading for salmon. Size and composition of each riparian stand was examined to determine whether trees were large enough to contribute logs that would form pools in adjacent stream channels. Stands were classified on the basis of whether they passed this pool-forming test. Sizes of trees in the riparian zones were compared to the minimum pool-forming diameter of large wood in adjacent streams. Agricultural areas had the largest proportion (74%) of failed tests in reaches of anadromous fish. Riparian polygons using GIS was coded for its likely effect on channel morphology (i.e., pool forming potential and recruitment). Areas that passed or failed were mapped. This data, combined with information on land use, land ownership, and threatened species distribution, can be used to identify habitats in need of restoration.

Lemoine, D., J. P. Evans, and C. K. Smith. 2006. A Landscape-Level Geographic Information System (GIS) Analysis of Streamside Management Zones on the Cumberland Plateau. Journal or Forestry 125-131.

Riparian zones (or buffers) play important roles in mitigating the effects of forestry operation on water quality and ecosystems. Stream efficacy is partially linked to their width. Measuring widths of Streamside Management Zones across an entire landscape may provide an important indicator of sustainable forestry, water quality, and ecological integrity. A geographic information system (GIS) methodology was developed and tested to measure width and slope of streamside management zones. Also, they assessed compliance on the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee using quantitative portions of state best management practices and the sustainable forestry standards used by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The results of the study indicated that using different standards greatly affected streamside management zone compliance.

Richards, C. and G. Host. 1994. Examining Land Use Influences on Stream Habitats and Macroinvertebrates: A GIS Approach. Water Resources Bulletin, American Water Resources Association 30: 729-738.

This study was conducted along Lake Superior’s North Shore. Sites were selected based on stream order (2 or 3), urban use, or whether or not they are heavily forested. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to assess relationships between land use patterns and physical habitat characteristics for macroinvertebrate fauna in streams with similar sized watersheds. Land use patterns were quantified using digital land use/land cover data with a minimum 16ha resolution. The relationships found suggested that the use of relatively coarse landscape data has some usefulness for predicting patterns of macroinvertebrate assemblage composition among streams.

Simcox, A. C. and R. C. Whittemore. 2004. Environmental Index for Assessing Spatial Bias in Watershed Sampling Networks. Journal of Environmental Engineering 622-630.

The study was conducted in a watershed in southern New Hampshire in the Contoocook River watershed. The paper focuses on “design bias,” especially spatial bias, in stream monitoring. Bias in stream sampling can create inaccurate characterizations of ambient water quality. In order to analyze spatial design bias and prioritize areas for sampling, a geographic information system (GIS) method is used to develop an environmental index to help assess these areas. The index helps differentiate between components of a watershed. There are two sets of watershed features, the natural landscape feature or anthropogenic feature or stressor. Properties of the index make it useful are 1) identifying the possible presence of spatial bias in existing watershed sampling networks, 2) making sampling design decisions, and 3) aggregating data from subwatersheds into basin wide measures of water quality. The environmental indices were successful in recognizing and reducing spatial bias in a monitoring network in the Contoocook River watershed.

Townsend, C. R., S. Doledec, R. Norris, K. Peacock, and C. Arbuckle. 2003. The Influence of Scale and Geography on Relationships between Stream Community Composition and Landscape Variables: Description and Prediction. Freshwater Biology 48:768-785.

The study was conducted in the Taieri River in New Zealand using newly developed geographic information system (GIS). An existing database composed of macroinvertebrates and fish data was analyzed using the GIS to determine relationships between stream community composition and physical factors measured at three landscape scales (catchment, reach and bedform). Patterns will be explored between the biota and geographical location. The objectives of the study were to determine: 1) landscape variables that encompassed the most macroinvertebrate and fish assemblage composition within a location, catchment, reach or bedform, 2) whether natural or human-induced physical settings are influential, 3) when geographical location overrides local environmental conditions in explaining assemblage distribution, and 4) if exploratory and predictive analytical approaches differ in their outcomes and if insights can be gained by using them simultaneously. Relationships I landscape variables were explored at the four scales (geographical location, catchment, reach and bedform) and assemblage composition. Landscape variables at all scales explained significant amounts of variation in invertebrate assemblages. However, the catchment-scale variable was most successful in accounting for assemblage composition.

Willson, J. D. and M. E. Dorcas. 2003. Effects of Habitat Disturbance on Stream Salamanders: Implications for Buffer Zones and Watershed Management. Conservation Biology 17:763-771.

In western piedmont of North Carolina, the effectiveness of current buffer-zone systems for management of small watersheds in conserving stream-dwelling salamander populations in 10 small streams was examined. Habitat destruction and degradation has become a great threat facing wildlife due to human populations increasing worldwide. Riparian buffer zones along streams and rivers are being used to minimize impacts of development on aquatic habitat. Funnel traps and dipnetting techniques were used to capture salamanders and a geographic information system (GIS) was used to calculate the percentage of disturbed habitat within the watershed of each stream within 10.7-, 30.5-, and 61.0-m buffer zones around each stream, upstream from sampling locations. The results of the study found that there was little to no correlation between relative abundance of salamanders and percentage of disturbed habitat present within buffer zones. This indicates that conservation efforts must be aimed at salamander populations throughout the entire watershed in order to effectively preserve populations.