Habitat Characterization for the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA)
Program,
Lower Illinois River Basin
Debbie L. Adolphson, David J. Fazio, and Mitchell A. Harris
As part of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA)
program, physical habitat is characterized at eight stream reaches in the
Lower Illinois River Basin. Habitat data supports related ecological studies
of algae, invertebrate, and fish communities at these reaches. Habitat
data is measured at two levels. Level I measurements describe geomorphic
stream characteristics, instream characteristics, and riparian vegetation.
Level II measurements provide data designed to evaluate temporal changes
in environmental setting and stream habitat. Level II measurements include
surveys to obtain channel cross sections, quantitative analysis of the
streambed and bank materials, and permanent vegetation plots.
U.S. Geological Survey
221 N. Broadway
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 344-0037
dladolph@usgs.gov, djfazio@usgs.gov,
maharris@usgs.gov