Watersheds What is a watershed? 93 watersheds in Ohio.

Riparian Zone Riparian Zone- type of wetland between the stream and upland habitat, 90 meters on each side of the river. Bad Riparian Zone Good Riparian Zone

Important Terms Nutrient Enrichment: The presence of too many nutrients (primarily nitrogen and phosphorus) in the water. Usually causes eutrophication. Eutrophication: Addition of excessive nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) to a body of water, leading to overgrowth of aquatic plants (such as algae).The overgrowth usually kills the animal life in the water.

Water Quality Evaluation Terms IBI- The diversity of fish species ICI- The diversity of macroinvertebrates QHEI- The quality of the habitat

Description of Our Watershed Counties: Hardin, Logan, Union, Marion.

Watershed Land Use Mostly row crops, some pasture/hay and deciduous forests Three main urban areas Kenton Bucyrus Marion

Causes of Impairment

Hypothesis 1 Best management practices leads to increased biodiversity.

Hypothesis 2 Increased eutrophication leads to decreased biodiversity.

Hypothesis 3 As the amount of forested riparian zone is decreased, the quality of the habitat is decreased. As the amount of urban riparian zone is increased, the quality of the habitat is decreased.

Conclusions All hypotheses were supported by the data Area needs better land use management –Stop cutting down forest riparian zones –Farmers need to be educated about runoff and how to prevent fertilizer from entering waterways –Urbanization needs regulation to control water quality problems