The Detrimental Effects "Stream Cleaning" Has On Local Stream Ecosystems: An Examination of Benthic Organic Matter Retention in Unchannelized and Channelized Stream Reaches

To alleviate the potential of possible flooding, a popular solution has been to "clean" stream channels. "Stream cleaning" involves straightening streams by demolishing and realigning channels, creating dikes made out of bed materials, and removing large organic debris. This experiment investigates the devastating consequences this process has on stream ecosystems.