This paper addresses the utility and feasibility of using one physical feature of stream habitat and two aquatic biological variables to identify the effects of forest land uses on stream habitat and biota. The evaluation is based on an examination of the literature available and the results of Rinne's recent research on several southwestern montane streams. Physical and biological entities have been used as barometers of ecosystem quality. Aquatic macroinvertebrates, because of their immediate and differential responses to changes in stream and watershed condition, and fishes as the apex of aquatic food webs, may serve as indicators of disturbance to aquatic systems. Physical features, such as substrate fines, affect these two biotic entities and complement data on these more variable biological components. The utility of such features in detecting and defining changes into montane riparian-stream areas, caused by land -use practices, is greatly dependent upon proper study design and adequate consideration of variability and interactions of variables in time and space. The more variables that are used in studies of riparian-stream systems, the greater will be the validity and viability of recommendations for management of these areas. Accordingly, riparian-stream areas on National Forest and other lands in the West and Southwest must be studied as ecological communities, on an ecosystem or watershed basis, and over an extended period of time to develop effective, conservatory long-term management strategies for this valuable wetland forest resource.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.