Implementing Rapid Bioassessment Protocols (RBP's) for Watershed Monitoring
Abstract
Rapid Bioassessment Protocols (RBP's) were used in combination with geospatial techniques to elucidate spatial variability in ecological quality among streams at Fort Benning Military Installation, Georgia. The installation includes portions of several physiographic landforms, which results in substantial differences in geomorphology, water chemistry, and instream cover among streams. In an effort to characterize this variability, 23 streams were sampled during fall each year from 2002-2005. Data describing biological, water quality, and physical habitat conditions were collected and analyzed following general RBP methods. Geospatial mapping techniques were used to demonstrate spatial trends in habitat variability. Specific variables that best demonstrated variability in stream conditions included pH, physical habitat score (HI), Hilsenhoff Index of Biotic Integrity (HIBI), and percent Ephemeroptera, Plecotera, and Tricopte-ra (%EPT). In general, upland streams were shallow and contained unstable substratum of mostly sand with very little cover and normal pH. Coastal plain streams in the eastern and southeastern portion of the base had suitable stable substratum and cover, although water chemistry results indicated very acidic conditions (pH often < 5.0). Coastal plain streams in the southern portion of the base contained more instream stable habitat and organic debris but demonstrated a more moderate pH than in the eastern portion of the base. The use of RBP's allows standard evaluation, characterization, and monitoring of stream quality at military bases. Growing need for environmental inventories, management plans, and impact analyses on military lands could make the proactive incorporation of RBP's into basewide stream monitoring advantageous as the preferred approach for natural resource managers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA527531
Entities
People
- Barry S. Payne
- Mark D. Antwine
- Mark D. Farr
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center