Event Title
The Importance of Headwater Streams in Preserving Water Quality: A Case Study for the Kennebec Highlands and Long Pond (Belgrade Lakes, ME)
Location
Parker-Reed, SSWAC
Start Date
1-5-2014 9:00 AM
End Date
1-5-2014 10:00 AM
Project Type
Poster
Description
Three protected, forested headwater streams flowing into Long Pond in Belgrade watershed were assessed using a combination of structural and functional metrics. Stream metabolism, macroinvertebrate community indices, organic matter decomposition rates, nutrient uptake lengths, and fine particulate organic matter retention were measured to quantify the role of these streams in preserving downstream water quality. The streams were all found to have high water quality and should be considered models for headwater stream conservation. Whittier Stream, the only stream with a road crossing, exhibited the lowest water quality of the three streams across many of the measurements made, including macroinvertebrate indices and increased nutrient uptake lengths indicating a strong link between proximity to human activity and stream health. The findings of this research showcase the strength of conservation efforts along headwater streams, highlighting specific characteristics of these ecosystems that contribute to stream health that can be applied to other stream ecosystems, such as the implementation of a riparian buffer zone and inclusion of retention structures. These characteristics should be incorporated into watershed conservation strategies for impacted streams throughout the Belgrade watershed.
Sponsoring Department
Colby College. Environmental Studies Program
CLAS Field of Study
Interdisciplinary Studies
Event Website
http://www.colby.edu/clas
ID
484
The Importance of Headwater Streams in Preserving Water Quality: A Case Study for the Kennebec Highlands and Long Pond (Belgrade Lakes, ME)
Parker-Reed, SSWAC
Three protected, forested headwater streams flowing into Long Pond in Belgrade watershed were assessed using a combination of structural and functional metrics. Stream metabolism, macroinvertebrate community indices, organic matter decomposition rates, nutrient uptake lengths, and fine particulate organic matter retention were measured to quantify the role of these streams in preserving downstream water quality. The streams were all found to have high water quality and should be considered models for headwater stream conservation. Whittier Stream, the only stream with a road crossing, exhibited the lowest water quality of the three streams across many of the measurements made, including macroinvertebrate indices and increased nutrient uptake lengths indicating a strong link between proximity to human activity and stream health. The findings of this research showcase the strength of conservation efforts along headwater streams, highlighting specific characteristics of these ecosystems that contribute to stream health that can be applied to other stream ecosystems, such as the implementation of a riparian buffer zone and inclusion of retention structures. These characteristics should be incorporated into watershed conservation strategies for impacted streams throughout the Belgrade watershed.
https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/clas/2014/program/158