| Macroinvertebrates were collected from fifty-six stream segments (study sites). In addition, collections were gathered from nine streams yearly and from five streams repeatedly throughout one season. All stream segments or study sites were classified according to catchment size and to disturbance adjacent to the stream (forested, harvested or burnt). The study had two components. The first component determined the effectiveness of macroinvertebrate based indices for monitoring the effects of timber harvesting on stream habitat in Ontario's boreal forest.; The second component of this study used more detailed multivariate and taxonomic analyses to investigate harvesting impacts. Several specific questions were addressed. Firstly, do stream size and disturbance (timber harvesting or burning) influence macroinvertebrate community structure and physical habitat (discharge, temperature, closed cover and substrate profile)? Secondly, do the aforementioned physical variables influence macroinvertebrate community structure? Finally, is the magnitude of a disturbance impact dependent upon the size of the stream and type of disturbance? (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
