Marshall University Marshall Digital Scholar Theses, Dissertations and Capstones 1-1-2005 Habitat Analysis by Hierarchical Scheme and Stream Geomorphology James B. Spence [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://mds.marshall.edu/etd Part of the Aquaculture and Fisheries Commons, and the Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons Recommended Citation Spence, James B., "Habitat Analysis by Hierarchical Scheme and Stream Geomorphology" (2005). Theses, Dissertations and Capstones. Paper 151. This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by Marshall Digital Scholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses, Dissertations and Capstones by an authorized administrator of Marshall Digital Scholar. For more information, please contact [email protected]. HABITAT ANALYSIS BY HIERARCHICAL SCHEME AND STREAM GEOMORPHOLOGY Thesis submitted to The Graduate College of Marshall University In partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree of Master of Science Physical Science By James B. Spence Dr. Thomas Jones, Committee Chairperson Dr. Michael Little Dr. Pam Edwards Marshall University May 5, 2005 ABSTRACT “Habitat Analysis by Hierarchical Scheme and Stream Geomorphology” By James B. Spence A study was undertaken to classify eight stream reaches in the North Branch of the Potomac River watershed and determine if geomorphologic differences influenced the availability of fish habitat structure and fish density. Stream reaches were classified using Rosgen Level II (1996) methods, and fish habitat was determined using Hydraulic Channel Unit (HCU) classification based on a method modified from Bisson et al. (1982). Other habitat variables were also studied such as stream shading and physical habitat based on the Rapid Bioassessment Protocol (Barbour et al. 1999). Despite the differences in HCU density between sites, HCU density did not influence fish density in the study streams. HCU density appeared to be mainly controlled by slope. Fish densities were highest in the relatively unimpacted streams, as expected. However, the impacted streams also appeared to have sufficient physical fish habitat structure to support fishes historically found in these streams. Other confounding variables, such as acid mine drainage, may be controlling factors in inhibiting fish populations in the impacted streams. DEDICATION The author wishes to dedicate this thesis to my wife Julie and my daughters Hannah and Olivia. I restarted my college career 7 days after we got married and have worked full-time and gone to school since. Her patience and support cannot be expressed in words. iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The author wishes to acknowledge Dr. Tom Jones for all of his help in preparing this thesis and during the field work, especially during the initial stages. Also invaluable was the support provided by Dr. Mike Little throughout the study. I also would like to especially thank Noah Kennedy for all of his help in completing the field work. I would like to thank Keith Donahue, Adam Cottrell, Joe Hughes and Doug for providing additional help during the field work. Thanks also to Dr. Edwards for her review and for participating on my committee. I would also like to thank Dr. Ralph Taylor and Mr. Barry Passmore for serving as adjunct committee members. Especially appreciated is the funding and support by Dominion Power through the dedication of Mr. Bill Bolin, Mr. Frank Massie and Ms. Kristin Edwards. Finally, much thanks is due to Wanda Dyke for making sure everything ran smoothly.. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS DEDICATION ..............................................................................................................................iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.............................................................................................................. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................................v LIST OF FIGURES..................................................................................................................... vii LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................................... x Chapter I. Introduction.................................................................................................................. 1 Project Background................................................................................................................................1 Study Area...............................................................................................................................................3 Rosgen......................................................................................................................................................5 Stream Habitat........................................................................................................................................6 Fish Surveys ............................................................................................................................................7 Purpose of Project ..................................................................................................................................8 Chapter II. Literature Review........................................................................................................ 9 Stream Geomorphic and Habitat Classification..................................................................................9 Fish Habitat Studies .............................................................................................................................17 Studies Combining Fish Habitat with Stream Classification ...........................................................24 Chapter III. Methods ................................................................................................................... 32 Reach Locations....................................................................................................................................32 Discharge ...............................................................................................................................................34 Pebble Counts .......................................................................................................................................36 Cross Sections .......................................................................................................................................38 Slope.......................................................................................................................................................39 Fish Surveys ..........................................................................................................................................39 General Habitat Assessments ..............................................................................................................40 Riparian Cover .....................................................................................................................................41 Habitat Mapping—Hydraulic Channel Units....................................................................................41 Rosgen Data ..........................................................................................................................................43 Upper Stony River Reach ....................................................................................................................44 Statistics.................................................................................................................................................44 Chapter IV. Results...................................................................................................................... 46 Fish Surveys ..........................................................................................................................................46 Habitat Mapping...................................................................................................................................48 Rosgen Data ..........................................................................................................................................50 Other Habitat Results ..........................................................................................................................56 HSI Values.............................................................................................................................................59 Comparison of Sites..............................................................................................................................60 Chapter V. Discussion.................................................................................................................. 78 Hierarchical Setting of Channels ........................................................................................................78 Fish Study..............................................................................................................................................79 Available Physical Habitat...................................................................................................................80 Hydraulic Unit Classification ..............................................................................................................80 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................................81
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