Potential Effects of Willow (Salix spp.) Removal on Freshwater Ecosystem Dynamics. A Literature Review

"June 2006".

Project Number: Development of a Willow Removal monitoring program - M/BUS/115 (Related to Monitoring the effects of Willow removal - M/BUS/274).

MDFRC item.

70 pages. 1 of 2 reports associated with project see (Potential Effects of Willow (Salix spp.) Removal on Freshwater Ecosystem Dynamics. Key Issue Assessment and Long Term Monitoring Program).

In March 2006, the Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre was commissioned and funded by the North East Catchment Management Authority to develop a literature review detailing the effects of willow removal on freshwater aquatic systems. Anecdotal evidence suggests an overall increase in ‘stream health’ in the long term following willow removal. However, the lack of literature describing the effects of willow removal coupled with large knowledge gaps and opposing views in current literature specific to the effects of willows on Australian aquatic environments makes accurate predictions difficult. This literature review summarises previous literature on willow effects and attempts to predict the potential short and long term effects of willow removal on aquatic ecosystems. It is part of a larger project that will develop a protocol for monitoring the effects of willow removal on stream ecology. The project will then apply the monitoring design to several willow removal sites to ascertain the effects of willow removal on aquatic systems.