A five-year Natural Riparian Health Survey is underway in the headwaters of the South Fork of the Little Conemaugh River to determine the effects of invasive-species monocultures on non-point-source pollution caused by chemical and nutrient runoff and sedimentation.
Four survey sites have been established to observe different riparian conditions, including a:
| 1. |
Japanese knotweed monoculture. |
| 2. |
Healthy, biologically diverse site. |
| 3. |
Natural Biodiversity-managed knotweed control site. |
| 4. |
Bare soil site. |
These survey sites are being monitored and
measured for:
- Soil erosion and sedimentation.
- Wildlife habitat quality.
- Water chemistry and temperature.
|
The data gathered from the five-year survey will enable environmental-conservation groups to make more-informed decisions relative to invasive species in riparian areas.
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