Some pages are still under construction and will be changing rapidly as we gather new information. Aquatic insects, snails and crayfish can use the energy stored in detritus only if leaves and twigs are not swept away by the current. Fallen logs, boulders and the natural curves of an undisturbed stream all help trap dead leaves and twigs. With an adequate supply of detritus, aquatic insects become abundant attracting large numbers of fish. This aquatic food web is greatly disturbed when man channelizes a stream.
Channelization is the process of straightening and deepening a stream channel.
Fallen logs and boulders are removed as well as nearby trees and shrubs. Without natural retention, detritus is carried downstream. Stream organisms suffer from a lack of food and soon disappear. Today there is great interest in improving the health of stream ecosystems. Channelized streams may be restored through human intervention including the careful introduction of logs, boulders and current deflectors.