Characterizing and protecting the physical template of headwater streams for maintenance of biological communities and water resources management.

P.P. Brussock, K. Aller, and R. Dingle.Environmental Planning Consultants, 4920 York Road, P.O. Box 306, Holicong, PA 18928

Physical interaction between land uses and stream systems is most intensive in headwater streams. Regulatory protection of stream corridors from floodplain and wetland rules is often typically lacking along headwater streams, due to the absence of expansive floodplains or wetlands. The lack of regulatory protection is amplified in intermittent or ephemeral stream channels. This paper reports on studies in four adjacent small watersheds, which are directed at identification of the relative impacts of land use activities on the stream geomorphology and the macroinvertebrate/fish communities. The physical differences between perennial and intermittent stream reaches have been documented throughout the four watersheds utilizing a multi-parameter approach. Changes in Rosgen stream classification, runoff patterns, riparian zone management, and concentration of storm water flows through narrow culverts and bridges have led to destabilization of large segments of these headwater streams. Long term studies to evaluate the aquatic communities have been scoped as part of a township’s water-based planning approach to sustainable land use management. In particular, application of the new USEPA Watershed Assessment of River Stability and Sediment Supply (WARSSS) Version 1.0 approach has been initiated. Regulatory and engineering management priorities to increase stream stability will be presented also.