As man modifies watersheds by removal of natural vegetation and stream channelization, disequilibria in both the terrestrial and aquatic environments result. These disequilibria are the major problem in controlling sediments and nutrients from non-point sources and improving the quality of the stream biota. In this report the authors review the literature dealing with (1) the possible use of near stream vegetation to reduce the transport of sediment and nutrients from the terrestrial to the aquatic environment and decrease stream temperature fluctuations, (2) the effect of stream morphology on sediment transport, and (3) how near stream vegetation and stream morphology affect the biota of streams. The results of this review suggest proper management of near-stream vegetation and channel morphology can lead to significant improvements in both the water and biological quality of many streams.

Department of Ecology, Ethology and Evolution, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Prepared under contract no. 68-01-3584. "EPA 600-3-77-097." "August 1977." Cover title. Includes bibliographical references (pages 73-84).

Vegetation as a nutrient filter -- Vegetation as a sediment filter -- Effect of channel morphology on water quality -- Determinants of sediment loads in flowing waters -- Effect of streamside vegetation on water temperature -- Impact of nearstream vegetation and channel -- Morphology on stream biota -- Recreational benefits of greenbelts -- Other advantages of greenbelts.