Evaluation of the Stream Reach Inventory and Channel Stability Index for Instream Habitat Analysis

摘要

In 1975, the Northern Region of the U.S. Forest Service developed an ocular watershed evaluation methodology entitled 'Stream Reach Inventory and Channel Stability Index' (SRICSI). Designed to assess the physical aspects of channel and streambank stability, the SRICSI's value as an aquatic habitat evaluation technique was basically unknown. During the spring and summer of 1981, 17 representative study sites on two 2nd order montane streams were evaluated through application of the SRICSI procedure and three aquatic habitat assessment methodologies. Salmonid population estimates were also obtained for each site. Trout standing crop estimates were statistically compared to study site SRICSI scores, the results obtained from the habitat evaluation procedures, and to data collected on 63 habitat-related independent variables. Results indicate a significant relationship exists between SRICSI scores and both trout population estimates and to two of the three habitat evaluation procedures.