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Stream Stewardship Basics Farm Science Review 2011. Anne Baird, Jessica D’Ambrosio, Joe Bonnell, Andy Ward, Robert McCall and Jerry Iles, David Dyke, James Hoorman The Ohio State University Streams and Watersheds Team. Outline. What do healthy streams look like?
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Stream Stewardship BasicsFarm Science Review 2011 Anne Baird, Jessica D’Ambrosio, Joe Bonnell, Andy Ward, Robert McCall and Jerry Iles, David Dyke, James Hoorman The Ohio State University Streams and Watersheds Team
Outline • What do healthy streams look like? • What services do our streams provide? • What are the major causes of impairment to our streams? • How can you promote healthy streams? • Where can you go for assistance?
What is a healthy stream? • Trees and plants along stream • Bugs & Fish • Nutrient balance • Room to move • Room to flood • Appropriate land use practices
Ohio’s Streams Support • Drinking water • Agriculture • Soils • Industry • Recreation • Wildlife • Flood control • Waste management
Nutrients Fertilizers Wastewater treatment plants Failing septic systems Result in Algal blooms Low dissolved oxygen High drinking water treatment costs
Sediment Soil erosion from… Farm fields Construction sites Streambanks Mining and forestry Results in Mucky river bottom Poor habitat Higher drinking water treatment costs
Hydromodification Dams Channelizing streams Subsurface drainage Results in Poor habitat Increased flooding Bank erosion
Expert Suggestions to Promote Stream Services • Establish streamside buffer • Refrain from dumping yard waste • Use fertilizers and pesticides minimally • Use bio-engineering to help stabilize stream banks when possible • Maintain home sewage treatment systems and wells
Questions to Consider Before Taking an Action • What is causing the impairments to stream or damage to my property? • What is the current state of my stream system? • What does nature wants to create? • What are the landscape issues (climate, soil, topography)? • Where do landscape processes change and why? • What is happening upstream/downstream? • How might this state change in the future?
Getting Help Managing Your Stream • Soil and Water Conservation District, • OSU Extension • Local watershed groups • County planning office • Information on best practices for stream and in around home, as well as information on incentive programs and permits/regulations.