Certain types of channel shapes and vegetation communities typically occur together. Our work is based on the premise that geomorphic processes generally determine how the stream channel functions and what kind of fish habitat the stream provides. Aquatic organisms are found where the geomorphic processes provide habitats that are ideal for various species' needs. The GIS-based classification is used to identify groups of channel segments that have similar fish habitat, fish distribution, and sensitivity to land management activities. These geomorphic groups are called guilds .
Guilds are the building-block group of our ecoclassification approach.
Principal riparian vegetative community type GIS is used to identify particular guilds and locate the guilds on a map. The map then becomes a tool for resource management in a particular watershed. Guilds as a Template for Other Watersheds As described above, guilds can be effectively used to predict the presence of fish and identify sensitive habitat areas. Therefore, one guild type may be appropriate for one type of timber harvest, while another guild type is not. By using the guild classifications we identified, landowners can better manage an entire watershed based on the needs of the individual guild types found within it.