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A new USGS study documents widespread impacts to streams and rivers.
New study shows how many streams have been degraded by flow alterations and establishes a network of high quality ‘reference streams’
By Summit Voice
SUMMIT COUNTY — A nationwide study by the U.S. Geological Survey shows that flow regimes have been “pervasively altered” to the detriment of aquatic ecoystems in about 90 percent of the waters that were surveyed by the federal agency. Flow alterations are a primary contributor to degraded river ecosystems and loss of native species, according to the USGS.
“This … assessment provides the most geographically extensive analysis to date of stream flow alteration,” said Bill Werkheiser, USGS associate director for water. “Findings show the pervasiveness of stream flow alteration resulting from land and water management, the significant impact of altered stream flow on aquatic organisms, and the importance of considering this factor for sustaining and restoring the health of the nation’s streams and ecosystems.” (more…)
Filed under: rivers, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: Aquatic ecosystem, aquatic habitat, Colorado news, River, stream degradation, Streamflow, Summit County Colorado, Summit County News, US Geological Survey, Water management, water quality | 1 Comment »
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