Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Recreation and tourism— The amount of impacts caused by the recreation and tourism industry
depends on stream hydrology, soil type, vegetation cover, topography, and intensity of use. Various forms
of foot and vehicular traffic associated with recreational activities can damage riparian vegetation and
soil structure. All-terrain vehicles, for example, can cause increased erosion and habitat reduction. At
locations, reduced infiltration due to soil compaction and subsequent surface runoff can result in increased
sediment loading to the stream (Cole and Marion 1988). In areas where the stream can support recreational
boating, the system is vulnerable to additional impacts. Propeller wash and water displacement can
disrupt and resuspend bottom sediment, increase bank erosion, and disorient or injure sensitive aquatic
species, as shown in Fig. 10.35.
(a) (b)
Fig. 10.34 (a) Grazing pressure has been increased due to development of husbandry in the Tibet-Qinghai Plateau;
(b) Livestock swimming in a stream can result in extensive physical disturbance and bacteriological contamination
(See color figure at the end of this topic)
Fig. 10.35 Recreational boating, cruise tours, propeller wash, and accidental spills can degrade stream habitat (See color
figure at the end of this topic)
Forestry —In addition to the changes in water, sediment, and nutrients loads to streams because of
logging practices (i.e. land-use change), forestry may have other impacts of river ecosystems. Forest
roads are constructed to move loaded logs to higher quality roads and then to a manufacturing facility.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search