Problem Statement
There is a decline in hellbender populations in Little Stony Creek (near Pembroke, VA) due to a lack of habitat and poor water quality. The hellbender is a species of interest that is currently listed as a species of greatest conservation need. Hellbenders are a critical species that serve as an indicator organism due to their need for good habitat and water quality. Their decline is associated with a variety of threats that also have negative impacts on other aquatic species in the region. In order to protect current hellbender populations and promote the success of future hellbenders, design and implementation of effective hellbender rock nest configurations must be implemented.
Project Goal
Design and incorporate hellbender habitat structures into the existing Little Stony Creek stream restoration plans with a design that ensures the greatest likelihood of hellbender habitation.
Objectives
- Quantify physical stream site characteristics via surveying, flow regime from local monitoring stations, and state and federal resources (regional curves, USGS gages, StreamStats)
- Ensure structures will be able to withstand bankfull flow events through calculations and analysis
- Locate optimal habitat placement through an understanding of hellbenders and their habitat preferences by reviewing a minimum of 10 scientific resources