RECOVERY ASSESSMENT OF BULLSKIN RUN (JEFFERSON COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA) FOLLOWING STREAMBANK FENCING: A BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE

Abstract

There is great concern that sediments and organic pollutants are being introduced into the Chesapeake Bay through its tributaries. Cattle access to streams causes streambank destruction, resulting in losses of riparian vegetation that binds sediments and organic material. Bullskin Run, a spring-fed headwater stream in Jefferson County, West Virginia, was partially fenced in 1992 to prevent further damage by cattle access. A biological and chemical survey was undertaken to determine whether habitat quality and water quality has improved as a result of the fencing project. A reference site was selected upstream, and three study sites were monitored using macroinvertebrates as indicators of habitat and water quality. One study site was within the fenced area, the second site was below an artificial cattle crossing designed to protect the streambed from damage by cattle access, and the third was located at a point where cattle have had uninterrupted access. Results indicated the site within the fenced area was indistinguishable from the reference site in terms of habitat assessment and assemblage of macroinvertebrates. The study site below the cattle crossing appeared significantly impaired compared to the reference site and the fenced site. The site constantly exposed to cattle was severely impaired; no invertebrate taxa were recovered from this area after June 4 sampling. Results of EPT Index and Biotic Index metrics indicated that Bullskin Run is impaired at all study sites, but impairment is significantly worse below the fenced region of the stream. Results support the use of streambank fencing as a tool for riparian recovery from cattle damage.