Ozark Stream community

Cheyenne Adams

The Ozark National Forest in Arkansas boasts picturesque streams flowing through forested mountains and valleys, characterized by clear waters and rich biodiversity (Jacobson et al., 2004; Combat Fishing, n.d.). The streambeds, composed of gravel, sand, and rocky substrates, are adorned with riffles, pools, and runs, while riparian zones stabilize banks and provide habitat for diverse flora and fauna (USDA Forest Service, n.d.). However, poorly managed land poses threats like sedimentation, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts (The Nature Conservancy, n.d.).

Climate across three key locations varies, reflecting diverse topography and microclimates. Marshall, AR, adjacent to East Fork Wilderness, experiences moderate precipitation and mild temperatures, indicative of a temperate climate. Deer, AR, nearest to Hurricane Creek Wilderness, sees higher spring and late summer rainfall, with temperatures gradually rising from winter to summer. Ozark, AR, close to Mill Creek, receives ample precipitation, especially in spring and early summer, with temperatures slightly warmer overall. The forest exhibits a temperate climate with significant seasonal variations in precipitation and temperature.

Influenced by diverse terrain, soil composition varies. In the Ozark area, Allen soil dominates, offering a loamy upland terrain ideal for diverse vegetation, with a substantial plant available water storage (PAWS) of 21 cm. Marshall, AR, features Enders soil, characterized by clayey upland composition, suitable for vegetation on mountain slopes, with a slightly lower PAWS of 16 cm. The Deer area hosts the Linker-Mountainburg complex, with soils ranging from loamy to shallow upland types, supporting rare aquatic wildlife. These distinct soil profiles contribute to the forest’s biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Figure 1. Climograph of the marshall, AR area to represent the closest weather station to East Fork Wilderness. The Climograph shows the relationship between temperature and precipitation in the Marshall AR area of the Ozark national forest in Arkansas. (National Centers for Environmental Information, n.d.) 

Figure 2. Climograph of the Ozark, AR area to represent the closest weather station to Mill Creek. The Climograph shows the relationship between temperature and precipitation in the Ozark, AR area.(National Centers for Environmental Information, n.d.)

Figure 3. Climograph of the Deer, AR area to represent the closest weather station to Hurricane Creek wilderness. The Climograph shows the relationship between temperature and precipitation in the Deer, AR area. (National Centers for Environmental Information, n.d.) 

Figure 4. Soil column diagram for the Marshall, AR area. This soil in this area mostly contains Enders but it does have a little of Nella and Mountainburg too.  (University of California, Davis, n.d.) 

Figure 5. Soil column diagram for the Ozark, AR area. This soil mostly contains Allen and Enders but it does have a small amount of Mountainburg, too.(University of California, Davis, n.d.) 

Figure 6. Soil column diagram for the Deer, AR area. The soil content mostly contains linker and mountainburg. This soil in Deer, AR also has a small amount of Rock Outcrop. (University of California, Davis, n.d.) 

Figure 7. Arcgis online image The purple marker representing East Fork Wilderness, Jackson, AR. The orange marker represents Hurricane Creek Wilderness, Pleasant Hill, AR. The blue marker indicates Mill Creek, Ozark, AR. All three of the is locations are found in the Ozark National forest in Arkansas. (Esri, n.d.)

Citations:

Jacobson, R. B., Johnson, H. E., Reuter, J. M., & Wright, M. P. (2004). Physical habitat characteristics in streams of the Ozark Plateaus Physiographic Province, Missouri and Arkansas: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series DS-94. Retrieved from https://www.cerc.usgs.gov/pubs/ozarks/DSR-2004-0094.htm

Combat Fishing. (n.d.). Ozark Stream Community Ecology. Retrieved from https://www.combat-fishing.com/OzarkStreamCommunityEcology.html

The Nature Conservancy. (n.d.). Ozark Rivers Program. Retrieved from https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/ozark-rivers-program/

USDA Forest Service. (n.d.). Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. Retrieved from https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/osfnf/about-forest/about-area

Montana State University. (n.d.). Soil and water management. Retrieved from https://landresources.montana.edu/swm/documents/Final_proof_SW1.pdf

Esri. (n.d.). ArcGIS. Retrieved from https://www.arcgis.com/index.html

University of California, Davis. (n.d.). California Soil Resource Lab: SoilWeb. Retrieved from https://casoilresource.lawr.ucdavis.edu/gmap/

National Centers for Environmental Information. (n.d.). U.S. Climate Normals. Retrieved from https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/us-climate-normals/

Biotic Communities and Disturbance Regimes

Biotic Organisms in Ozark Stream Communities

In the Ozark stream communities, the biotic organisms exhibit specialized adaptations to thrive in the unique conditions of flowing water ecosystems. These communities are characterized by their dynamic nature, influenced by factors such as water flow, temperature, and substrate composition (National Park Service, n.d.).

Vegetation in Ozark stream communities often includes aquatic plants like water willow, watercress, and various species of algae. Riparian vegetation, such as sycamore, maple, and willow trees, line the banks, providing shade and stabilizing the stream banks (National Park Service, n.d.). It’s important to note that most of the vegetation discussed in this context are mesophytes—plants adapted to moderate moisture levels. These mesophytes thrive in environments with consistent water availability, such as along stream banks and in riparian zones.

Mammals in these communities may include river otters, beavers, and muskrats, which rely on the waterways for food and shelter. These mammals play important roles in shaping the landscape and maintaining the health of the aquatic ecosystems (Only in Arkansas, n.d.).

Bird diversity in Ozark stream communities is also notable, with species like kingfishers, herons, and wood ducks often seen along the water’s edge. These birds utilize the streams for foraging, nesting, and raising their young, contributing to the overall richness of the ecosystem (National Park Service, n.d.).

Insects are abundant and diverse in Ozark streams, with species such as mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies serving as important indicators of water quality (Wildlife Arkansas, 2017). Aquatic insects play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and providing food for fish and other stream-dwelling organisms.

The physical environment of Ozark stream communities provides favorable conditions for their inhabitants. The fast-flowing water, rocky substrate, and well-oxygenated conditions support a diverse array of aquatic life. Riparian vegetation helps stabilize stream banks, reduce erosion, and provide habitat and food sources for terrestrial animals (National Park Service, n.d.).

Keystone species in Ozark stream communities may include certain fish species like smallmouth bass or Ozark hellbenders, which have disproportionate effects on the structure and function of the ecosystem (National Park Service, n.d.). These species influence prey populations, nutrient cycling, and habitat availability for other organisms.

Mesophytic plants, adapted to moderate moisture levels, can be found along the stream banks and in the surrounding riparian zones (National Park Service, n.d.). Xerophytic species are less common in these communities due to the consistently moist conditions provided by the streams.

Indicator species in Ozark stream communities include sensitive aquatic insects like mayflies, whose presence or absence can indicate the overall health of the stream ecosystem (Wildlife Arkansas, 2017). Monitoring these species can help assess the impact of human activities on water quality and habitat integrity.

Charismatic species such as river otters and kingfishers draw attention to the beauty and importance of Ozark stream communities, highlighting the need for conservation and stewardship of these valuable ecosystems (Only in Arkansas, n.d.; National Park Service, n.d.).

In summary, Ozark stream communities are dynamic and biodiverse ecosystems shaped by the interplay of water, vegetation, and wildlife. Each component of these communities contributes to their resilience and ecological function, making them integral parts of the Ozark Highlands landscape.

References:

National Park Service. (n.d.). Birding. Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/ozar/learn/nature/birding.htm

National Park Service. (n.d.). Trees and Shrubs. Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/ozar/learn/nature/treesandshrubs.htm

Only in Arkansas. (n.d.). Arkansas River Otters. Retrieved from https://onlyinark.com/homegrown/arkansas-river-otters/

Wildlife Arkansas. (2017). 10 Most Common Insects of Arkansas. Retrieved from https://www.wildlifearkansas.com/materials/updates/10insect.pdf

Disturbance Regime in Ozark Stream Communities

In the Ozark stream communities, flooding stands out as a dominant natural disturbance process (National Park Service, n.d.). Flood events, influenced by heavy rainfall or snowmelt, play a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics of these ecosystems. The study by Watson (2012) sheds light on how flooding impacts the otter population and the overall stream ecosystem.

According to Watson’s findings, flooding directly affects otters by altering stream morphology and habitat structure. Floodwaters can reshape stream channels, erode banks, and displace vegetation, impacting the availability of suitable denning sites and resting areas for otters. Additionally, flooding can lead to temporary displacement of otters from their territories as they seek higher ground to avoid swift currents and rising water levels.

Indirectly, flooding influences otters by disrupting prey populations. Watson’s research indicates that flood events can alter the distribution and abundance of fish and crayfish, which are primary food sources for otters. While floods may initially reduce prey availability due to displacement and habitat disturbance, they can also create new habitats and increase prey diversity in the long term as stream ecosystems recover and evolve.

Moreover, with the onset of climate change, otters face additional challenges. Changes in precipitation patterns and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including floods, are anticipated consequences of climate change in the region (National Park Service, n.d.). These alterations may further exacerbate the impacts of flooding on otter habitats and prey populations. Additionally, rising temperatures and changes in water quality may directly affect otter health and reproductive success.

The adaptive behavior of otters in response to flooding and other environmental changes underscores their resilience in dynamic ecosystems. Otters exhibit flexible movement patterns and utilize multiple habitats within their territories, enabling them to navigate and exploit resources in the face of shifting conditions.

Understanding the interplay between natural disturbance processes, such as flooding, and anthropogenic factors like climate change is crucial for effective conservation and management of otter populations and their habitats in Ozark stream communities.

Figure 1. Flooding in the Ozark National Forest. Adapted from “Climate Change – Ozark National Scenic Riverways” by National Park Service (n.d.), retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/ozar/climate-change.htm.

References:

National Park Service. (n.d.). Climate Change. Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/ozar/climate-change.htm

Watson, K. (2012). A Study of River Otters (Lontra canadensis) in an Ozark Stream Community in Northwest Arkansas. University of Arkansas. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/1365/