Each of the three species we have selected represents a resident of a specific ecological niche. Thus, by managing for these three indicator species, a series of sub-species will be indirectly managed as well. Subsequently, by managing for the three indicator species, our secondary objective will be fulfilled. This objective is to rectify the environmentally detrimental factors that are currently endangering the South Fork area of the Kinnikinnick River. The Heron has been chosen as a target species due to decreasing numbers as a result of habitat loss.
Herons are an indicator species for wetland communities.
The stormwater runoff is an issue of considerable concern, as it instigates a series of problems for the South Fork area. Stormwater runoff contains dissolved and suspended materials such as heavy metals, salts, and sand from city streets which threaten the health of any ecosystem. Thermal pollution from stormwater runoff into the Kinnikinnick has forced sensitive trout populations out of the area. Finally, rapid runoff into the Kinnikinnick South Fork area leads to erosion and pollution by sediment. The sharp decline of this species over the past decades has led us to select this species as a target species.