| The structure and function of streams and rivers worldwide continue to be degraded by human activities including land-use change. To reverse this trend, basic ecological research is needed to evaluate environmental factors influencing streams at multiple spatial scales and to restore streams that are impaired by these factors. Three integrated studies were conducted—a landscape assessment, statewide restoration survey, and restoration case study—to strengthen the scientific framework of stream restoration.; A comparative study of 22 Michigan streams elucidated relationships among multiple environmental factors, spatial scales, and stream response variables in a mixed land-use river basin. Water quality was influenced primarily by regional factors, whereas stream habitat and fishes were influenced by both local and regional factors. Overall, anthropogenic factors (e.g., land use) explained the most variation in stream conditions. Forested streams had the least degraded water quality, habitat, and fish communities whereas agricultural streams lacking buffers were the most degraded. Urban streams and agricultural streams with buffers generally were intermediate in response.; A statewide survey of reach-scale stream restorations assessed the nature and extent of restoration in Indiana. The survey identified commonalities across all restorations assessed, including the type of restoration, project goals, and structures installed. In general, stream relocation was the most common type of restoration. However, project evaluation was uncommon and most monitoring was not appropriate for evaluating the goals of the restoration.; A long-term assessment of an Indiana stream restoration (Juday Creek) provided additional insights into improvements for future restoration and monitoring designs. Biological responses to the restoration varied with time, taxon, and endpoint measured, which emphasizes that monitoring efforts should incorporate long-term assessments of a suite of biological and physical parameters. Additionally, continued sedimentation from upstream threatened the long-term persistence of habitat and biological integrity, which suggests that restorations should target the scale (e.g., watershed) at which the degradation occurs.; This integrated approach identified factors and spatial scales controlling midwestern streams, common restoration approaches used, and the effectiveness of those approaches. This information will help resource managers determine the most appropriate scales and approaches to manage and restore midwestern streams. |
