Misclassification opens the riparian buffer along a stream to logging or development, which can substantially and permanently alter the potential habitat value of the stream. Many other streams have been misclassified based on structure and topography on maps, rather than actual on-site surveys of the stream. In addition, some streams are completely unidentified on maps, and therefore not protected against development and damage. Table 1 contains preliminary data collected by Washington Trout which shows that the number of streams classified as fish bearing increases by 1.3 to 3 times when on-site surveys are conducted. Table 1 Table 1 New survey of three watersheds shows more streams capable of supporting fish.
Numbers show the percent of old stream types classified in each category.
Increases in type 3, or fish bearing streams, occurred due to reclassification of type 4 and 5 streams and identification of previously unidentified or unknown streams. Next The Loss of Habitat in Puget Sound was published in April 1997. All rights reserved.