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A Four-Level Hierarchy for Organizing Wildland Stream Resource Information

Informally Refereed

Abstract

An analysis of current USDA Forest Service methods of collecting and using wildland stream resource data indicates that required information can be organized into a four-level hierarchy. Information at each level is tiered with information at the preceding level. Level 1 is the ASSOCIATION, which is differentiated by stream size and flow regime. Level 2, STREAM TYPE, is differentiated by valley bottom materials and morphology, riparian ecosystem vegetation and channel gradient. Level 3 is the REACH, which is defined by hydraulic patterns, changes in flow volume, substrate and bank composition. Level 4 is the HYDRAULIC UNIT, which is differentiated by water surface slope, low-flow constrictions, flow pattern, velocity and depth relative to reach average and water turbulence. Differentia for each level are measurable stream characteristics on which stream capability is dependent. The proposed hierarchy can reduce data costs, permit more accurate and precise resource evaluations, and allow local flexibility in information management.

Keywords

wildland stream resource s information hierarchy, aquatic ecological classification, stream classification, riparian areas

Citation

Parrott, Harry; Marion, Daniel A.; Perkinson, R. Douglas. 1989. A Four-Level Hierarchy for Organizing Wildland Stream Resource Information. In: Headwaters Hydrology: Proceedings of the 1989 Symposium of the American Water Resources Association; 1989 June 27-30; Missoula, MT. Bethesda, MD: American Water Resources Association: 41-54
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/2825