Data was collected over 5, non-continuous years, at two locations in Nevada. Streams were classified according to their pool/riffle ratio, percent soil stability, percent vegetation stability and vegetation type. The objective was to relate the 6 parameters (pool/riffle ratio, percent pool structure, percent stream bottom,vegetation stability, vegetation type) of habitat condition index (HCI) to stream type, and level of bank damage. It was found that the percent of the pool/riffle ratio was a function of the stream type and the level of ungulate bank damage. Percent pool structure improves with decreasing gradient of the streams. Percent stream bottom depended on the gradient of the stream; a low gradient stream is prone to sedimentation and typically has the least amount of suitable bottom materials. The percent soil stability showed, that with increased bank damage, the instability also increased; vegetation stability increases with decreased levels of bank damage, and the vegetation type depends on the stream type. The riparian area width was not significantly correlated to the stream type, level of bank damage, or interactions. Overall, these results show that management must be specific to each stream type.
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.