Poster Details
LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF IN-STREAM RESTORATION ON MACROINVERTEBRATES IN SANDY BOTTOM STREAMS AT FORT BENNING MILITARY INSTALLATION, GA
Habitat augmentation is a common in-stream restoration method; however, little research has examined long-term (>10y) effects of such restorations. In Coastal Plains streams of the southeastern US, increased sediment deposition can reduce coarse woody debris (CWD) abundance and overall benthic habitat. In 2003, CWD was experimentally added to 4 streams at Fort Benning Military Installation and macroinvertebrate assemblages and several habitat variables were compared to 3 unrestored streams. Effects 3y post-restoration were seasonal and variable among streams but generally indicative of increased ecological integrity. In 2017, we seasonally sampled (summer, fall, winter) macroinvertebrates and associated habitat in the 7 streams to determine the long-term effects of restoration on stream condition. Preliminary analysis of benthic organic matter (BOM) reveal similar seasonal patterns across streams as found 3y post restoration, however standing stocks were higher in 2017 as compared to initial evaluations. Community analysis is ongoing and will be presented; however, preliminary analysis of BOM in the streams showed considerably higher levels than 3y post-restoration. The increase in BOM could indicate increases in macroinvertebrate densities suggesting long-term beneficial effects of in-stream restoration.
Daniel Isenberg (Primary Presenter/Author), Troy University, djisenberg94@gmail.com;
Sam Bickley (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Auburn University, slb0035@auburn.edu;
Jack Feminella (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Auburn University, feminjw@auburn.edu;
Natalie Griffiths (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, griffithsna@ornl.gov;
Brian Helms (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Troy University, helmsb@troy.edu;