stream Ecology of Leatherstocking Creek Immediately Following Planting of Riparian Vegetation ( Year - O )

In 1993 trees and shrubs were planted along a study area of Leatherstocking Creek (otsego C01mty, N. Y.) previously devoid of riparian vegetation. A baseline study was initiated to deteo~ne the effects of il~roved riparian vegetation ou waler quality, invertebrate and fish composition and biomass. INTRODUCTION Significant mortality of brook trout occurred in the upper reaches of Leather-stocking creek during the sumners of 1988 and 1991. Preliminary investigations by Hayes (1989, and 1990) and others (Foster et aI, 1991) indicated that high water temperature due to the absence of riparian vegetation was the likely cause. To test this hypothesis a field study was initial~J along Leatherstocking creek on the property of Louis Hager. Prior to 1993, the upper section of Leatherstocking creek was lacking sufficient riparian cover to l'raintain cool water temperatures for supporting trout. In 1993 stream corridor improvements wen~ unded.aken to increase the quantity and diversity of riparian vegetation (Figure 1). This study was the first year of a 5-year monitoring program to dOClznenl the impact of improved riparian vegetation on stream ecology. The impa<.~t of stream improve:nents on the biotic and abiotic environrnent were determined by s~~ling water quality, fish and invertebrate populations. MATERIALS AND METHOD On 24 .June and 28 July 1993 water quality w..:'asurements were taken at five sample sites utilized in the "Baseline Study of Leatherstocking Creek at Louis Hager I s Property" (Stanton 1992). Using a Hydrol ab, (model SVR2-SU) rneaSUl ements *Robert C. MacWatte:cs Intel.-nshipin the Aquatic Sciences, SWlTner of 1993. Departrnent of Fishedes and Wildl ife, SUNY Cobl eski I L CohI eski 11, N; Y.