The Effect of Large Woody Debris on Macroinvertebrate Communities and Epilithon Detritus Composition in a Channelized Headwater Stream

ABSTRACT

Large woody debris (LWD) was placed in a channelized second order reach of Cedar Creek, Michigan, to determine if its presence would alter substrate composition and macroinvertebrate community. Pre- and pos-treatment cores were analyzed for macroinvertebrate composition, substrate particle sue, epilithon, and detritus development. The addition of LWD in experimental sections increased the number of macroinvertebrates by 19% and total biomass by 10%. Species richness and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index increased. Inorganic substrate composition and epilithon development were not altered; however, course particulate organic matter retention was significantly increased in larger particle size classes (> 4 mm).