Determining the Health of the Kipawa River

Fundamental characteristics of a healthy rivers include:

A natural flow

that varies in magnitude, frequency, duration, timing, and rate of change. A natural flow regime is a critical component for a healthy river because the flow of water provides the base on which all other river functions are built. The plants, fish, and wildlife in any given river have evolved to adapt to that river's unique rhythms.


Transportation of sediment and nutrients.

Rocks, gravel, sand, silt, and organic debris are important components of a healthy river, creating floodplains, sandbars, riparian areas, and nourishing a river's bed and channels. A healthy river in equilibrium does not allow too much erosion or excessive scouring of the riverbank and riverbed.


Strong and varied plant communities.

Native plant species provide critical habitat for fish and other riverine animals, regulate water temperatures, prevent excessive erosion of riverbanks, and can remove pollutants from river water. Vegetation as it decomposes is also an important source of nutrients and habitat.


Productive and diverse habitat

that can support numerous animal species. The natural movement of sediment throughout a river creates riffles, pools, side channels, and backwater areas providing both spawning and rearing habitat for many species of fish.


Good water quality.

A healthy river has temperature levels, dissolved oxygen content, salinity, turbidity, hardness, acidity, and alkalinity (water pH) that are all within a natural range for that river and its species. A healthy river will also have minimal amounts of pollution and toxics, such as pesticides, nitrogen, phosphate, fecal coliform, and heavy metals.


Many macro invertebrates (bugs!).

Aquatic insects are the primary food for many riverine species. Abundance and diversity of insect species can be a strong indicator of river health.


Diversity of fish and wildlife species.

While the number of fish and wildlife species will vary with each river, a diverse number of species is often an indicator of river health.


A community that protects it through wise management and community planning. For example community groups work to ensure that new development is as river-friendly as possible or organize river clean up days and engage other community members in issues related to river health. A healthy, caring community is an essential facet of a healthy river.


From http://www.elkhartriverrestorationassociation.org/river-education/how-healthy-rivers-work/


River friendly things

clean-ups,
plantings,
reminders,
recreation activities etc

These show the "authorities" we care about OUR river.

Build up a body of knowledge about the river,
Form a network of individual experts and demonstrated public support that make us the "river experts"

With this "expertise" and recognition from various decision makers - begin encouraging a partnership with the appropriate authorities to help maximize the use of the PUBLIC SPACES associated with the river.

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