Tulles, D.D., Penrose, D.L., Jennings, G.D., Cope, W.G. 2009. Analysis of functional traits in reconfigured channels: implications for the bioassessment and disturbance of river restoration. Freshwater Science. North American Benthological Society and Society for Freshwater Science, Waco, Texas. Volume 28, Number 1. Pages 80-92

Assessment, biological, restoration, stream

This paper compares physical-habitat variables, taxonomic and functional-trait diversities, taxonomic composition, and functional-trait abundances between 24 pairs of upstream (control) and downstream reconfigured (restored) reaches in 3 catchment land uses (urban, agricultural, rural) across the North Carolina Piedmont. Our results highlight 2 important aspects of channel reconfiguration as a restoration practice: 1) responses differ between restored agricultural/rural and urban catchments and 2) channel reconfiguration disturbs food and habitat resources in stream ecosystems.