The Effect of Forest Clearcutting in New England on Stream-Water Chemistry and Biology

摘要

Changes in stream chemistry following clearcutting were sought in 56 streams at 15 locations throughout New England. Streams draining clearcut areas were compared with nearby streams in uncut watersheds over periods of up to 2 years. In general, concentrations of all elements studies (inorganic N, SO4 - S, Cl, Ca, Mg, K, Na), as well as pH and specific conductivity, varied as much among uncut streams at a location as between uncut and cutover streams. The greatest differences occurred with nitrogen in northern hardwood forests in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Both algal and invertebrate densities were greatest in cutover streams.