University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The relationship between long-term monitoring and short-term problem assessment techniques in management of large river-floodplain ecosystems

Sparks, Richard E.; Blodgett, K. Douglas; Lerczak, Thomas V.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/77732

Description

Title
The relationship between long-term monitoring and short-term problem assessment techniques in management of large river-floodplain ecosystems
Author(s)
  • Sparks, Richard E.
  • Blodgett, K. Douglas
  • Lerczak, Thomas V.
Issue Date
1992
Keyword(s)
  • ecological monitoring
  •  big rivers
  •  floodplain management
Abstract
"Large river-floodplain ecosystems have been defined as those where the flood is sufficiently predictable and long lasting that organisms have adapted to utilize the flooded land and expanded floodplain pools and lakes for feeding, spawning, and nurseries (Junk et al . 1989). The habitat complexity and dynamic nature of large floodplain rivers boost biological productivity through a variety of biotic and abiotic processes (the ""floodpulse advantage"" described by Bayley 1991), but also challenge biologists who design sampling programs to detect trends and sort out natural from human-induced changes in fish and wildlife populations. The Illinois River is a good test for survey design and for problem identification and assessment techniques because it is a large, complex floodplain river and has experienced virtually every impact associated with human development of rivers and their basins, with the exception of acid mine drainage and high dams (Sparks 1992). This paper describes a long-term fish population survey on the Illinois River and how the results provided preliminary insights into problems that subsequently were investigated using ancillary sampling and toxicity evaluations."
Publisher
Illinois Natural History Survey
Type of Resource
text
Language
en
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/77732
Copyright and License Information
This document is a product of the Illinois Natural History Survey, and has been selected and made available by the Illinois Natural History Survey and the University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It is intended solely for noncommercial research and educational use, and proper attribution is requested.

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Technical Reports - Illinois Natural History Survey PRIMARY
Reports produced by INHS staff, usually as deliverables for assessment projects funded by federal or state agencies or non-governmental organizations.