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FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA: THE STATE OF MARYLAND'S FRESHWATER STREAMS
Citation:
Boward, D., P. Kazyak, S. Stranko, M. Hurd, AND A. Prochaska. FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA: THE STATE OF MARYLAND'S FRESHWATER STREAMS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/903/R-99/023, 2000.
Description:
The Maryland Biological Stream Survey, conducted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, sampled about 1,000 randomly-selected sites on first through third order freshwater streams throughout Maryland from 1995 to 1997. Biota (fish, benthic macroinvertebrates, herpetofauna) and water chemistry were sampled and physical habitat quality was assessed at each site. Land use/land cover in the watershed upstream of each site was also determined. This report is intended to present the results of the survey to a broad array of audiences, including the general public, about the condition of wadeable freshwater streams in Maryland. The report is also intended to serve as a tool for resource managers and planners for developing policy and targeting areas for restoration and preservation. For example, the report describes the impact of urbanization on fish and benthic macroinvertebrate communities (using indices of biotic integrity), herpetofauna, and stream temperatures. These findings should be useful for land use planning in areas of the state slated for development. The report also describes the extent of physical habitat degradation, including riparian buffer conditions. Other topics include acidification; nutrient enrichment; biodiversity; introduced fish; and rare, threatened, and endangered fish species. The reader is provided with a historical context in which to view the current health of Maryland's streams. Suggestions are included on how individuals can work with organizations to protect and restore their local streams.