Newly created riparian ponds during stream restoration: resilience of macroinvertebrates, zooplankton, and vegetation to flooding

Authors: Douglas Fairbanks, Russell R. Rader, D. Riley Rackliffe

Year: 2012 (xliv)

Abstract

For years, riparian wetlands have been largely neglected when studying stream ecosystems. They have only recently been included in stream restoration efforts even though they increase overall biodiversity and may play a critical role in determining rates of ecosystem function. Despite our best efforts to research a particular subject, nature can easily change our plans without warning. Restored riparian wetlands around the edges of Utah Lake experience constant fluctuation as wet or dry years contribute to rising and falling water levels. In 2011, high water flooded the wetland ponds and eliminated the zooplankton population. One year after the flooding, zooplankton populations have rebounded and recolonized the ponds. Further statistical analysis of the data that has been collected is necessary to draw precise conclusions, however, three years of observations imply that the riparian wetland is highly resilient to flood events as macroinvertebrates, zooplankton, and vegetation have all rebounded within a year of the disturbance. However, resetting the community composition does allow invasive plants like Phragmites australis an opportunity to edge out less vigorous native species. Invertebrates are heavily impacted by mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis). Wetlands should be carefully watched after disturbances to prevent dominance of invasive species.