Decision Support Tools for River Restoration: The Implementation of the “River Habitat Survey” Methodology on the River Selho (Guimarães Municipality, Northwest Portugal)

The river habitat survey (RHS) system is a method used to assess the physical features and quality of rivers, which was developed to assist in the conservation and recovery of riverside habitats. The RHS takes into account the need to characterize areas of intervention from a hydromorphological point of view, in order to introduce corrective measures aimed at restoring degraded sections and habitats, and increasing local biodiversity. In this paper, we present the results obtained from the application of the RHS methodology to the River Selho, in the municipality of Guimarães (Portugal). The transects that we defined were strongly influenced by anthropic actions that have modified the riverside habitats, the artificialization of the river channel, and the urban occupation of the banks. Taking into account the results, we can point out the main problems that currently affect the hydromorphological quality of the transects analyzed in the River Selho, as well as identify the originating factors: the excessive silting of the watercourse; morphometric changes, with an emphasis on the narrowing and modification of the channel and the banks; as well as the massive destruction of the riparian zone. This study shows that the application of the RHS methodology is a useful tool for the management of degraded riverside areas.

Improvement in physical river habitat quality in response to river restoration measures

The main goal of this paper is to verify the hypothesis that application of appropriate restoration measures can lead to an improvement in river habitat quality and to achieve good hydromorphological conditions within the ecological status under the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/ES. The study includes an analysis of river network modifications founded on comparing historical and present-day maps, a determination of regional hydromorphological reference conditions based on a field survey and measurements, an assessment of hydromorphological quality of the studied water body and a proposal of appropriate restoration measures. The effects on improvement in hydromorphological status were predicted on the basis of a simulation of hydromorphological conditions after the application of proposed restoration measures. Overall, at least a good hydromorphological status would be achieved. The study proved that it is essential to carry out a hydromorphological survey including a determination of reference conditions as it provides some outputs necessary for a proposal and application of efficient restoration.

Hydromorphological and landscape valorization of the Poprad river valley

Hydromorphological and landscape valorization of the Poprad river valley. The paper presents the results of hydromorphological and landscape valorization. The research was carried out in the Valley of the Poprad River, in the section from Piwniczna-Zdrój to Rytro (Małopolska voivodship). The hydromorphological valorization was made using the method of the evaluation of hydromorphological quality of the river. ECOVAST method was used for landscape valorization. On the basis of the research, Authors concluded that the research area is characterized by considerable hydromorphological variability, in particular in relation to the floodplains terraces and their connectivity with the main channel of the river. At the same time the valley of the Poprad river is characterized by the landscape of regional significance, with a very large tourist potential.