The Role of Beaver in Shaping Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) Habitat Complexity in a Central Oregon Stream
Location
ECC 216
Event Website
http://water.usu.edu/
Start Date
4-3-2012 5:45 PM
End Date
4-3-2012 5:50 PM
Description
The incised and degraded habitat of Bridge Creek, tributary to the John Day River in central Oregon, is thought to be limiting the population of ESA-listed steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Restoration efforts for this watershed are aimed to improve their habitat through reconnecting the channel with portions of its former floodplain (now terraces) to increase stream habitat complexity and the extent of riparian vegetation. This is being done via the installation of 84 beaver dam support (BDS) structures that are designed to either mimic beaver dams or support existing beaver dams. The overall objective of this study is to determine if the BDS structures have had an effect on stream channel habitat complexity in selected sections of Bridge Creek. Using ArcGIS, analysis of aerial imagery will exhibit how the number and types of stream habitat units have changed after the construction of beaver dams. The results of this research are aimed to increase our understanding of how beaver dams impact fish habitat.
The Role of Beaver in Shaping Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) Habitat Complexity in a Central Oregon Stream
ECC 216
The incised and degraded habitat of Bridge Creek, tributary to the John Day River in central Oregon, is thought to be limiting the population of ESA-listed steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Restoration efforts for this watershed are aimed to improve their habitat through reconnecting the channel with portions of its former floodplain (now terraces) to increase stream habitat complexity and the extent of riparian vegetation. This is being done via the installation of 84 beaver dam support (BDS) structures that are designed to either mimic beaver dams or support existing beaver dams. The overall objective of this study is to determine if the BDS structures have had an effect on stream channel habitat complexity in selected sections of Bridge Creek. Using ArcGIS, analysis of aerial imagery will exhibit how the number and types of stream habitat units have changed after the construction of beaver dams. The results of this research are aimed to increase our understanding of how beaver dams impact fish habitat.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/runoff/2012/Posters/3