Peninsular Florida Stream Systems: Guidance for their Classification and Restoration

Authors

John H. Kiefer, AMEC Environment and Infrastructure, Inc.
Joann Mossa, University of Florida
Kristen B. Nowak, AMEC Environment and Infrastructure, Inc.
William R. Wise, University of Florida
Kenneth M. Portier, University of Florida
Thomas Crisman, University of South FloridaFollow

Document Type

Technical Report

Publication Date

6-2015

Abstract

This project was performed to improve understanding of key physical and ecological attributes of natural streams in peninsular Florida in order to derive a practical process-based classification system; and also to provide design aids to assist with stream restoration in rural settings. Fifty-six of the best remaining stream systems in the peninsula were selected for monitoring of more than 120 quantitative variables known to associate with key stream system processes. The sites covered a wide range of physical gradients including soil drainage condition, drainage area, and valley slope, and were observed at watershed, valley, channel and patch scales. Hierarchical cluster analyses were conducted on the full dataset and various subsets to derive the classification groups. Variables were winnowed to a small group explaining the vast majority of stream variability using principal components analysis. The classification system defines streams based on their hydrobiogeomorphology (HBG) and is hierarchical in scale; first categorizing an area within three watershed soil drainage conditions, then based on valley slope, and finally on channel and floodplain surfaces and their dimensions. Regional curve regressions were developed for use in natural channel design. Practical applications of the system for restoration design and construction are presented.

Comments

FIPR publication number 03-154-253

Rights Information

Terms of use for work posted in Scholar Commons.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

Yes

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Peninsular Florida Stream Systems: Guidance for their Classification and Restoration, Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute, 696 p.

This report is available online at Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute's website.

Scholar Commons Citation

Kiefer, John H.; Mossa, Joann; Nowak, Kristen B.; Wise, William R.; Portier, Kenneth M.; and Crisman, Thomas, "Peninsular Florida Stream Systems: Guidance for their Classification and Restoration" (2015). School of Geosciences Faculty and Staff Publications. 1601.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/geo_facpub/1601