Variation in vegetation establishment, hydrologic regime, and sediment transport within the Minnesota River Basin

Abstract

This study investigates the relationships between hydrologic regime and riparian vegetation establishment; specifically the impact of changes in hydrologic regime on the establishment of riparian vegetation in addition to exploration of associated sediment transport patterns. Recent flow increases within the Minnesota River basin have been associated with reductions in woody riparian vegetation establishment as a result of decreased point bar exposure time and increased scour at high flow. Reductions in riparian vegetation establishment may contribute to reduced sediment deposition; further promoting river widening and sediment loading. Field, geo-spatial, and stream flow data collection were completed within the Elm Creek and lower Minnesota River watersheds to further demonstrate and characterize the eco-hydrologic relationships between stream flow, vegetation establishment, and sediment transport within the Minnesota River basin.