>
> How about a computer generated animation of life in N. American streams and
> rivers 500 years ago. What would we find???... How clear would our rivers
> have looked in contrast to today??? These are thoughts worth exploring, and
> just like we see those dinosaur shows on the Dis. Ch. that are computer
> animated.... wouldn't it be neat to see the rivers and streams condition
> before european settlement???!!!!...
>
Contrary to popular belief...some of them would not look any different and
a few would look worse. (not that that is a good thing) A perfect example
is the Kansas River right here in my home state. 500 years ago it would
have generally been a brown, muddy mess containing specific species
groups. Now, thanks to Federal resevoirs controlling the flow, it is
generally a "reasonably" clear stream, with a totally different group of
species inhabiting it. Of course, it's also polluted due to agricultural
run-off now. But, my point is that not every stream in N.A. was at one
point "clean and clear" running. Many streams where always dirty in some
way and the water not fit for drinking. It's a myth that they were...
Luke
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