Stream and Watershed Ecology and Protection. Jay Kilian Maryland Department of Natural Resources Annapolis, Maryland

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1 Stream and Watershed Ecology and Protection Jay Kilian Maryland Department of Natural Resources Annapolis, Maryland

2 Some Maryland streams are easily recognizable

3 But, the vast majority of Maryland streams look like this Headwater streams can be ephemeral, intermittent, or perennial. comprise approximately 90% of all miles of flowing waters in MD are the life and blood of the Chesapeake Bay.

4 The importance of headwater streams can not be overstated Headwater streams: Supply food and nutrients to downstream regions

5 The importance of headwater streams can not be overstated Headwater streams: Supply food and nutrients to downstream regions Improve water quality in downstream areas Retain nutrients and other pollutants Reduce water treatment costs Reduce human health risks

6 The importance of headwater streams can not be overstated Headwater streams: Supply food and nutrients to downstream regions Improve water quality in downstream areas Support rich and varied communities of plants and animals

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8 Despite the importance of streams to the health of forests, wildlife, and humans, freshwater ecosystems are some of the most abused and damaged ecosystems on the planet. we ve loved (and neglected) them to death.

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13 The health of a stream is determined by its watershed A Watershed is a region or area bounded peripherally by a divide and draining ultimately to a particular watercourse or body of water Can you name the watershed you live in?

14 Poor land use practices (both past and present) in our watersheds have had dramatic effects on the health of Maryland streams

15 A healthy stream will have: Low Woody Debris Organic Matter Habitat Complexity Dissolved Oxygen Species Richness High Temperature Sedimentation Bank Erosion Pollutants Storm flow Invasive species

16 In general, poor land use practices in a watershed: Decrease Temperature Woody debris Organic Matter Habitat Complexity Dissolved Oxygen Base flow Species Richness Sedimentation Bank Erosion Pollutants Storm flow Invasive species Increase

17 Poor land use practices in Maryland watersheds have caused: approximately half of Maryland streams to be listed as Impaired ( Statewide Condition of Maryland Streams 22% Good 18% Very Poor 35% Fair 25% Poor * Based on Combined Biotic Index values (MBSS ) Restoration of these streams will cost us hundreds of MILLIONS!

18 Poor land use practices in Maryland watersheds have caused: approximately half of Maryland streams to be listed as impaired the loss of stream species

19 Maryland fish species that are presumed extirpated/extinct Maryland darter Bridle shiner Maryland Darter Longnose sucker Redside dace Cheat minnow Trout perch Bridle Shiner (Once in 24 (18%) MD Watersheds)

20 Poor land use practices in Maryland watersheds have caused: approximately half of Maryland streams to be listed as impaired the loss of stream species the decline of Chesapeake Bay

21 To save the Chesapeake Bay, we must save our headwater streams!

22 And to save our headwater streams, we must save our forests!

23 So, as a landowner, how can you protect Maryland streams? 1. Trees, Trees, Trees! Maintain and enhance streamside buffers

24 Trees, Trees, Trees! Maintain and enhance streamside buffers Trees: provide the food base to streams

25 Trees, Trees, Trees! Maintain and enhance streamside buffers Trees: provide the food base to streams maintain cool stream temperatures

26 Trees, Trees, Trees! Maintain and enhance streamside buffers Trees: provide the food base to streams maintain cool stream temperatures create stream habitat

27 Trees, Trees, Trees! Maintain and enhance streamside buffers Trees: provide the food base to streams maintain cool stream temperatures create instream habitat stabilize stream banks

28 This should be avoided! We spend tens of MILLIONS on stream bank stabilization!

29 Trees, Trees, Trees! Maintain and enhance streamside buffers Trees: provide the food base to streams maintain cool stream temperatures create instream habitat stabilize stream banks reduce run-off Streamside buffers are nutrient and sediment filters!

30 Trees, Trees, Trees! Maintain and enhance streamside buffers Golden Rule: just let it be!

31 So, as a landowner, how can you protect Maryland streams? 1. Trees, Trees, Trees! Maintain and enhance streamside buffers 2. Prevent sedimentation

32 Prevent sedimentation Sediment is the greatest single water pollutant in the nation s waters. (USEPA) Sediment results from... Terrestrial sources Instream sources

33 Prevent sedimentation Sediment can lead to... Sensitive Species Species Richness Nutrient Retention

34 So, as a landowner, how can you protect Maryland streams? 1. Trees, Trees, Trees! Maintain and enhance streamside buffers 2. Prevent sedimentation 3. Avoid spraying pesticides/herbicides over open water A pesticide aimed to control one target species may also affect non-target species

35 Avoid spraying pesticides over open water Even small amounts of chemicals can cause BIG problems Endocrine Disruption Intersex fishes have been found in the Potomac River and in many millponds on Delmarva Peninsula

36 So, as a landowner, how can you protect Maryland streams? 1. Trees, Trees, Trees! Maintain and enhance streamside buffers 2. Prevent sedimentation 3. Avoid spraying pesticides/herbicides over open water 4. Prevent the introduction/proliferation of non-native plant species

37 Prevent introduction/proliferation of invasive plants Reduce tree growth/ regeneration Alter stream food base

38 So, as a landowner, how can you protect Maryland streams? 1. Trees, Trees, Trees! Maintain and enhance streamside buffers 2. Prevent sedimentation 3. Avoid spraying pesticides/herbicides over open water 4. Prevent the introduction/proliferation of non-native plant species 5. Always think big picture at the watershed scale

39 Healthy Forests = Healthy Streams This is not a one way street! Streams are important for terrestrial biodiversity!

40 Healthy Forests = Healthy Streams Recent research has demonstrated the link between forest and stream ecosystems by breaking the connection

41 Healthy Forests = Healthy Streams Once the connection was severed, both forest and stream ecosystems declined Both ecosystems functioning together were healthier than each ecosystem functioning alone

42 Healthy Forests = Healthy Streams

43 Online Stream Resources Maryland stream health website: Maryland Biological Stream Survey website: