Ecological surveys of four river corridors in Georgia

Abstract

Georgia’s rivers are essential elements of its landscape that have undergone historical alteration and continue to experience rapid anthropogenic change. In an effort to compile a statewide assessment of the status and character of Georgia’s higher-order streams and their floodplains, the Georgia River Survey undertook to examine a combination of qualitative and quantitative ecological attributes of the state’s major watercourses along their entire lengths. During 2003 and 2004 the group spent several weeks on each of the Satilla, Flint, Ocmulgee, and Altamaha Rivers, traveling by canoe from the upper part of each stream’s watershed to a point near the seacoast or state line. Advancing at a rate of ten river miles per day, these surveys were intended to provide a broad but detailed view of each stream during a short segment of its spring or summer season. We made detailed observations of the avian fauna and of bank and floodplain morphology and vegetation, made water quality measurements, and collected terrestrial insects. We kept records of land use, disturbance and successional stage, and other objects relevant to environmental characterization. All data and observations were georeferenced. The project is as yet in progress: analysis of the survey’s products is not complete, but holds potential for suggesting further research. The survey mode of inquiry was effective and provided a feasible and useful way to document a changing landscape.