Abstract:Hydromorphological and landscape valorization of the Poprad river valley. The paper presents the results of hydromorphological and landscape valorization. The research was carried out in the Valley of the Poprad River, in the section from Piwniczna-Zdrój to Rytro (Małopolska voivodship). The hydromorphological valorization was made using the method of the evaluation of hydromorphological quality of the river. ECOVAST method was used for landscape valorization. On the basis of the research, Authors concluded that the research area is characterized by considerable hydromorphological variability, in particular in relation to the fl oodplains terraces and their connectivity with the main channel of the river. At the same time the valley of the Poprad river is characterized by the landscape of regional signifi cance, with a very large tourist potential.

This paper presents a hydromorphological and landscape assessment of the Białka river valley. The study follows the Landscape and Hydromorphological Assessment of River Valleys Method (LSHM Method), which is intended for assessing and identifying areas in river valleys and there to determine their development potential. The LSHM Method distinguishes three main groups of factors: hydromorphological (H), landscape (L), and integrated (I). All these factors are assessed using a 10-point scale. In past practice, hydromorphological and landscape elements have been assessed separately. Hydromorphological methods have focused solely on the channel; while landscape methods have only assessed the area up to the watercourse boundary. Application of the LSHM Method offers more "holistic", integrated knowledge of the river valley showing what should be improved and where. The Białka river is a mountain river and, as an effect, changes in its whole valley occur very quickly. Based on the results of the present study, the Białka river valley is characterized by a landscape of regional importance, with a very high tourism potential. It is moreover a braided river, which should be protected.