
Stream Health Assessment
SHMAK Physical Habitat Assessment
Assess the stability of stream banks
Percentage of stream banks with vegetation
Amount of shade over the stream
Degree of human modification to stream channel
Variety of water depths and flow patterns
Stable banks: Vegetated, minimal erosion
Riparian vegetation: Trees, shrubs, and grasses along stream banks
Pool/Riffle: Alternating deep (pool) and shallow (riffle) areas
Natural channel: Meandering, varied depth, natural substrate