Hierarchical Framework for Wadeable Stream Management and Conservation: Final Report

Hinz, Leon C., Jr.; Metzke, Brian A.; Vandermyde, Jodi M.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/95823 Copy

Description

Title

Hierarchical Framework for Wadeable Stream Management and Conservation: Final Report

Author(s)

• Hinz, Leon C., Jr.
• Metzke, Brian A.
• Vandermyde, Jodi M.

Issue Date

2017-03-16

Keyword(s)

• Stream Classification
• Illinois Natural Areas Inventory
• Fish
• Mussels
• Macroinvertebrates
• Threatened and Endangered Species

Abstract

This project produced a series of attributed GIS feature classes that describe nested classification units consisting of Ecological Drainage Units and Aquatic Ecological Systems that can be used for conservation and management planning for stream systems at a variety of landscape scales. Valley Segment Types were also developed for the 1:100,000 scale GIS that was available when the project was started but have not yet been redeveloped for the finer scale system (1:24,000). We also examined existing Illinois Natural Areas Inventory (INAI) Natural Community Types (NCT), and Subtypes, associated with streams and identified areas that meet the physical descriptions of these NCTs based on stream size and gradient. We discuss the identification of natural features in terrestrial and stream systems within the initial development of the INAI and how this lead to differences in their evaluation and separation into different Categories (Category I: High Quality Natural Communities; Category VII: Outstanding Aquatic Features). An approach for defining and evaluating natural features for stream systems that is more similar to that used for terrestrial NCTs is presented. Information from recent and historical surveys of fish, mussels, and other invertebrate taxa was assembled for use in identifying potential Illinois Natural Areas Inventory (INAI) sites using existing criteria for streams. We identified stream reaches that contained current element of occurrence records for Illinois Endangered and Threatened fish and mussels including those that were not currently listed on the INAI that may qualify as Category II sites (Specific Suitable Habitat of Endangered and Threatened Species) and give recommendations for their further evaluation. These data were also used to identify stream reaches that may qualify for the INAI as Category VI (Unusual Concentration of Flora and Fauna). Additional guidance is provided for implementation of existing criteria that use mussel species richness, the mussel classification index, and the fish index of biotic integrity as criteria for qualifying as Category VI INAI sites.

Publisher

Illinois Natural History Survey

Series/Report Name or Number

Technical Report INHS 2017 (14)

Type of Resource

text

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/95823

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

• Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Heritage
• Illinois Department of Natural Resources, State Wildlife Initiative Grants Program T-75-R-001

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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