Implications of changes in riparian buffer protection for Georgia's trout streams.
J.L. Meyer, K.L. Jones, G.C. Poole, C.R. Jackson, J.E. Kundell, B.L.
Rivenbark, E.L. Kramer, W. Bumback. The University of Georgia, Athens.
2005.
- Changes in riparian buffer regulations could greatly impact
Georgia’s trout populations because approximately 60% of Georgia’s
trout streams, including "primary" (streams likely to support
reproducing trout populations) and large trout streams, are on private
lands.
- In stream segments where upstream riparian buffer widths are
narrowed from 30 m to 15 m, analyses suggest: 1) Stream temperatures
warm by over 2.9 deg F; 2) Fine sediment in riffle habitats increases
by approximately 25% of the observed range in fine sediment; and 3) The
biomass of trout indicative of reproductive success is reduced by over
81%.
 Distribution of stream in northeast Georgia with high, marginal, and low thermal habitat with 100 ft versus 50 ft wide buffers.
- Because of existing deforestation, thermal alteration of the
trout stream network has occurred and 33% of trout streams are
estimated to be 2 - 5 deg F warmer than expected with a 100-ft
buffer. This pattern of thermal alteration is of concern because
only 4 deg F seperates high and low quality trout habitat.
- Headwater trout streams with drainage areas of 16 acres or
less are exempt from current 50-ft riparian buffer regulations and can
be piped 200 ft by individual landowners.
- 41% of private lands in North
Georgia drain into such streams.
- Piping these streams will reduce
habitat for aquatic organisms and drifting organisms supplied to
downstream trout populations. The impact of this piping on downstream
trout populations will be a function of its extent.
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