Black Creek Rapid Geomorphic Assessment, Allen County, Indiana

The Maumee River network contributes a significant amount of total phosphorus (P), including both sediment-bound P (sed-P) and dissolved reactive P (DRP, also known as orthophosphate). Most headwater streams of the Maumee River are predominantly agricultural in land use, interspersed with rural communities. Implementation of best management practices on agricultural operations has worked to limit the amount of material that is carried to the stream from cropland. However, several studies have shown streambank erosion to be another source of suspended sediment in these streams. The objective of this work was to map streambank erosion and soft, streambed sediment abundance along stream reaches in a basin that is currently monitored for streamflow and stream-water chemistry as a part of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative research.