Comparing the biological diversity of urban restored streams to non-urban streams

Extensive work has been done to ameliorate the influence of urban run-off to streams in Maryland.  Streams where such efforts have been employed are typically referred to as “restored”.  We compared the fish, benthic macroinvertebrate, and stream salamander diversity (richness, abundance, index of biotic integrity, and species composition) of restored urban streams to non-urban streams.  Restored streams had largely similar biological diversity compared to unrestored urbanized streams.  Mayflies, stoneflies, sculpins, and two salamander species were common in non-urban streams, but were conspicuously absent from all urban streams, regardless of whether or not they had been restored.  Potential differences in physical, chemical, and continuous temperature data were investigated to determine if these factors may be limiting the re-establishment of these intolerant taxa.