The data will also help determine if additional abundance and distribution data are needed for specific species or guilds, depending on the type of restoration proposed. The researchers are also assessing the potential effects of forest removal on amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates in woodlands and riparian areas. They will make management recommendations for ecological monitoring and additional surveys. An evaluation of the effectiveness of different limestone sand application models in the treatment of acidic waters Susan Le Fevre and John Smith evaluate fish populations using electrofishing, which temporarily stuns the fish in a stream reach so they can be identified and measured. R.K. Mellon Foundation Surface water acidity is a continuing problem that adversely impacts the water quality of more than 30 percent of the headwater streams on Pennsylvania's Laurel Hill.
Acidic water can reduce fish and aquatic invertebrate populations.
In extreme cases, all fish are absent from affected streams. A great deal of work has been directed at finding a solution to surface water acidification problems. Among the simplest solutions is the addition of finely ground limestone sand directly to small stream channels. The chief advantage of this technique is its low cost. However, assessments of its effectiveness have revealed mixed results.