The percent of the stream bank with riparian vegetation. Generally you'll
find a positive relationship between healthy riparian zones and species
abundance and diversities.
> Is there a standard value we want to use for abundance? i.e. rare, low,
> moderate, high, VH or some other nomenclature?
That's probably not a good idea unless these values mean something specific
to you. I recommend using actual numbers. Even better, use numbers, gear
type, and effort (time, area covered, etc) to make the form of greatest
value to you and others.
> What is meant by midreaches?
It's relative to the stream or river system, or your collecting records, and
used as you see fit. It's best determined by looking at a map of your
stream system. In general, the midreaches of a stream or river system
contain the greatest species diversities in that system. Headwater streams
join and the resulting stream takes on a more "stable" appearance (wider,
permanent flow), and has increased potential for niches.
> Is a small trickle of a stream entering a river at mid length (say
> around St. Louis on the Mississippi) a head water
Technically, yes, if it displays the characteristics of headwater streams
(such as a spring fed). If it's a drainage ditch located at river level,
then probably not. Use your best judgement.
> Finally, who wants our forms? or are they for our own personal
> consumption.
Peter Unmack created those for his field trips. You can use it or modify it
for your needs. It would be great if people could use somehting similar to
them with their collecting stories because of the additional information
they include. Saying "I went to this stream and found these species" is fun
to read but leaves out much useful information. Maybe that fellow working
on the collecting database could come up with a useful way to include them.
-- Jay DeLong Olympia, WA /----------------------------------------------------------------------------- /"Unless stated otherwise, comments made on this list do not necessarily / reflect the beliefs or goals of the North American Native Fishes / Association" / This is the discussion list of the North American Native Fishes Association / nanfa_at_aquaria.net. To subscribe, unsubscribe, or get help, send the word / subscribe, unsubscribe, or help in the body (not subject) of an email to / nanfa-request_at_aquaria.net. For a digest version, send the command to / nanfa-digest-request_at_aquaria.net instead. / For more information about NANFA, visit our web page, http://www.nanfa.org