Effects of Land Use on the Biological Integrity of Streams

Michael A. Miller

Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesMadison, WI

Watershed ConceptThere is an intimate relationship

between the land and water resources. How we manage land within a watershed strongly influences the quality of its aquatic resources.

“The streams of the Midwest have undoubtedly changed much in character since the country has become so thickly settled. I have been informed that many streams, formerly deep and narrow, and abounding in pickerel, bass and catfishes, have grown wide and shallow, while the water in them varies greatly in different seasons, and they are inhabited by bullheads, suckers and a few minnows.”

Seth Meek, 1892

Determinants of the Biological Integrity of Streams

Biological Integrity

Energy Relationships

Flow Regime

Habitat Structure

Water Quality

Flow Regime Water Volume Temporal Distribution of Flow

Water Quality Temperature Dissolved Oxygen

Concentration Turbidity Organic and Inorganic

Chemicals Heavy Metals

Habitat Structure Streambed Form Substrate Composition Water Depth / Velocity Habitat Diversity

Energy RelationshipsType - Solar, OrganicAmountOrganic Source

Clean Water is Not Enough! Water Flow

Water Quality Aquatic and Riparian Habitat Food Chain