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email to:  mailto:ehlinger@uwm.edu

Degradation and Recovery of Ecological Integrity in Urban Watersheds.  

This research project is funded by the Great Lakes Protection Fund.

Restoration Designs and Construction Funded by:

Abstract:

This project is examining two large-scale stream modification and floodplain/wetland complex creations in Lake Michigan tributaries in order to identify the critical factors required for the restoration of ecological function in urban watersheds.  Flow regime manipulations in two watersheds will significantly change the hydrological, sediment transport, water quality, temperature, habitat, and biotic characteristics of these streams. By conducting spatial and temporally stratified research on the inputs and outputs of these systems before and after their construction, we can test specific hypotheses regarding the ability and mechanisms by which ecological function can be restored. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin DNR, and USGS will work together to assess how changes in abiotic character states related to modifications in flow characteristics effect improvement of principal higher order biological variables (e.g. fish and invertebrate diversity and abundance). Information gathered from our project may ultimately assist in the reestablishment of native fish populations in tributary streams of the Great Lakes.