Buried streams: Uncovering a potential threat to aquatic ecosystems

This paper provides an account of the extent of stream burial in southwestern Ontario and the landscape characteristics associated with the percentage of stream burial. GIS analyses revealed that 14% of the total stream length, primarily 1st and 2nd order streams, in a 16,000 km2 area of southwestern Ontario has been buried. Regression tree analysis determined that the highest percentages of stream burial occurred in catchments characterized by higher mean annual precipitation (>990 mm), coarser soil types and extensive agricultural land use (>79.7%). In contrast, the lowest percentages of stream burial occurred in catchments that received regionally low mean annual precipitation (<895 mm). These findings suggest that stream burial may, in part, be predicted by regional landscape features. The information gained from this study is an important starting point for understanding the landscape conditions under which burial is likely to occur, providing focus for further research and management projects.

► Spatial patterns of stream burial in southwestern Ontario were examined.
► Almost 15% of all streams in southwestern Ontario have been buried.
► Stream burial occurs mainly in localized agricultural regions of the study area.
► Degree of stream burial can be partially predicted by watershed characteristics.
► Research is needed to determine effects of stream burial on downstream ecosystems.