Cool water holds a higher level of dissolved oxygen than warm. Certain areas need restoration of plant communities due to grazing. The Audubon has 50-100 ft buffers along stream banks within the town. Agriculture is exempt from maintaining a 100-foot buffer zone along streams and river, but should be required to use the minimal width of buffer. In the past the grants have been issued for stream bank stabilization projects.
Trees play an essential role in the health of streams and rivers.
Tree roots stabilize the soil on the streambanks, and filer damaging pollutants and nutrients from overland runoff. In order to prevent contamination of streams from bacteria produced by live stock, it has been suggested that animals should be fenced in. A healthy river is one that has clean, clear water, and supports a diversity of species. The Audonbon Nature Center owns 255 acres of land in Huntington and about 1 mile along the Huntington River. This is the only land along the river owned by a conservation organization, while the rest is owned by residential and farmers.