Inland Aquatic Contaminant Research
Ecological Effects of Riparian Development

Objectives

1. To quantify changes in habitat (riparian and littoral) associated with shoreline development and basin landuse.
2. To assess relations between aquatic biota and habitat attributes changed by shoreline development and shifts in basin landuse.
3. To determine the scale at which important ecological processes associated with development respond.
4. To validate and refine biological assessment methods based on lake fish assemblages.
5. To refine predictive models of biological community types based on lakes classification.

Background

Lakeshore development in Northern Wisconsin is occurring at a rapid pace. To better understand the biological consequences of these changes, we are evaluating relations between development and habitat. This project comes in response to information needs communicated by regional managers and echoed by public concerns voiced in the department's Northern Initiatives Outreach Program. The project began during 1996, and builds on information gained during previous investigation of shoreline habitat and erosion control structures.

The current project focuses on northern Wisconsin, and includes lakes that differ in riparian development and basin land use. By grouping lakes with similar hydrology, soils, and morphometry into defined classes, a framework for managing lakes can be built. Although each lake is unique, generalizations can be made within a lake classification to set realistic management goals.

This project is a collaborative effort between the DNR, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, the National Biological Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Forest Service North Central Experiment Station, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We are using aerial photography and a geographic information system (GIS) to quantify development and landuse. Field crews will conduct local habitat measurements, water chemistry sampling, fish collection, and macrophyte species assemblages.

With improved understanding of ecological processes and the effects of development and landuse changes, sensitive areas can be protected and more effective tools, such as zoning ordinances, can be developed. Increased awareness may also lead to voluntary conservation by property owners.

For more information on this topic please contact:
Martin Jennings (715) 635-4160