Effects of Riprap Bank Reinforcement on Stream Salmonids in the Western United States

Schmetterling, David A.; Clancy, Christopher G.; Brandt, Troy M.

doi:10.1577/1548-8446(2001)026<0006:eorbro>2.0.co;2

Cited by 36 publications

(64 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…These effects must be considered during construction of such structures, so that environmental damage is minimized, and ecological benefits maximized, while still enabling the structure to function as intended. Future designs for grade control and bank stabilization in western Iowa should consider use of soft-engineering techniques, including trees and large woody debris, as an alternative to the placement of rip-rap and metal dams in streams (Schmetterling et al, 2001.) In addition, in-channel movement of rip-rap and structural failure of GCS is widespread in western Iowa (Voegele, 1997).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Use of rock rip-rap for bank stabilization is a common practice of river engineers (Schmetterling et al, 2001;Linhart et al, 2002), and many studies have suggested both beneficial and deleterious ecological effects of rip-rap Figure 1. Walnut Creek, Iowa is characterized by an actively incising channel and severe bank erosion.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For scale, note the researcher standing below the cut bank (A). Grade control structures (GCS), consisting of a metal dam and a downstream apron of rock rip-rap, have been constructed downstream of bridges to stabilize banks and reduce erosion (B) and GCS in aquatic ecosystems (Shields and Hoover, 1991;Schmetterling et al, 2001;Linhart et al, 2002). Steeply sloped structures in western Iowa may restrict fish movement, and efforts are currently underway to design GCS that will facilitate easier fish passage (Larson et al, 2004).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Steeply sloped structures in western Iowa may restrict fish movement, and efforts are currently underway to design GCS that will facilitate easier fish passage (Larson et al, 2004). Rip-rap used in bank stabilization projects may be deleterious to stream ecosystems by restricting natural fluvial processes such as lateral channel migration, thereby causing riparian vegetation loss, bank undercutting and homogenization of near-bank habitat (Schmetterling et al, 2001). In addition, Knudsen and Dilley (1987) found that rip-rapped banks negatively impacted juvenile salmonid biomass and Peters et al (1998) found lower salmonid abundance near rip-rapped banks than at natural banks.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of grade control structures on the macroinvertebrate assemblage of an agriculturally impacted stream

Litvan

Stewart

Pierce

et al. 2007

River Research & Apps

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Nearly 400 rock rip-rap grade control structures (hereafter GCS) were recently placed in streams of western Iowa, USA to reduce streambank erosion and protect bridge infrastructure and farmland. In this region, streams are characterized by channelized reaches, highly incised banks and silt and sand substrates that normally support low macroinvertebrate abundance and diversity. Therefore, GCS composed of rip-rap provide the majority of coarse substrate habitat for benthic macroinvertebrates in these streams. We sampled 20 sites on Walnut Creek, Montgomery County, Iowa to quantify macroinvertebrate assemblage characteristics (1) on GCS rip-rap and at sites located (2) 5-50 m upstream of GCS, (3) 5-50 m downstream of GCS and (4) at least 1 km from any GCS (five sites each). Macroinvertebrate biomass, numerical densities and diversity were greatest at sites with coarse substrates, including GCS sites and one natural riffle site and relatively low at remaining sites with soft substrates. Densities of macroinvertebrates in the orders Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera and Acariformes were abundant on GCS rip-rap. Increases in macroinvertebrate biomass, density and diversity at GCS may improve local efficiency of breakdown of organic matter and nutrient and energy flow, and provide enhanced food resources for aquatic vertebrates. However, lack of positive macroinvertebrate responses immediately upstream and downstream of GCS suggest that positive effects might be restricted to the small areas of streambed covered by GCS. Improved understanding of GCS effects at both local and ecosystem scales is essential for stream management when these structures are present. RightsWorks produced by employees of the U.S. Government as part of their official duties are not copyrighted within the U.S. The content of this document is not copyrighted. ABSTRACTNearly 400 rock rip-rap grade control structures (hereafter GCS) were recently placed in streams of western Iowa, USA to reduce streambank erosion and protect bridge infrastructure and farmland. In this region, streams are characterized by channelized reaches, highly incised banks and silt and sand substrates that normally support low macroinvertebrate abundance and diversity. Therefore, GCS composed of rip-rap provide the majority of coarse substrate habitat for benthic macroinvertebrates in these streams. We sampled 20 sites on Walnut Creek, Montgomery County, Iowa to quantify macroinvertebrate assemblage characteristics (1) on GCS rip-rap and at sites located (2) 5-50 m upstream of GCS, (3) 5-50 m downstream of GCS and (4) at least 1 km from any GCS (five sites each). Macroinvertebrate biomass, numerical densities and diversity were greatest at sites with coarse substrates, including GCS sites and one natural riffle site and relatively low at remaining sites with soft substrates. Densities of macroinvertebrates in the orders Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera and Acariformes were abundant on GCS rip-rap. Increases in macroinvertebrate biomass, ...

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Effects of grade control structures on the macroinvertebrate assemblage of an agriculturally impacted stream

Litvan

Stewart

Pierce

et al. 2007

River Research & Apps

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Swales et al (1986) and Garland et al (2002) reported decreased fish use at riprap sites while Jennings et al (1999) indicated a possible minor increase in fish diversity at riprap sites. Schmetterling et al (2001) discussed the potential disadvantages of riprap for fish habitat. Although not studied, most hydrophytic vegetation presumably does not benefit significantly from traditional riprap due to lack of habitat protected from wave energy.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%