Code
F10
Sector
Forest
Other sector(s)
Agriculture
Urban
Hydro Morphology
The complete description of the NWRM
Summary

Coarse woody debris in stream channels has multiple ecological and hydrologic benefits. Coarse woody debris consists of large sections of deadfall: tree stems or stumps that either fall into or are deliberately placed in streams. Coarse woody debris can be deployed with varying degrees of naturalness. At one extreme, coarse woody debris can be used to form coffer or placer dams which effectively limit water flow. At the other extreme, natural deadfall coarse woody debris is found when riparian trees are allowed to fall naturally into streams. Coarse woody debris will generally slow water flow velocity and can reduce the peak of flood hydrographs. In addition to its role in slowing streamflow and facilitating sediment accumulation, coarse woody debris can improve aquatic biodiversity by retaining food and providing additional habitat, such as refuges and spawning sites.

Illustration(s)
Possible benefits with level
Benefits Level
BP3 - Store river water
Low
BP4 - Slow river water
High
BP10 - Reduce erosion and/or sediment delivery
Low
BP12 - Create aquatic habitat
High
BP13 - Create riparian habitat
Medium
ES2 - Fish stocks and recruiting
High
ES4 - Biodiversity preservation
High
ES7 - Flood risk reduction
Medium
ES8 - Erosion/sediment control
Low
ES10 - Recreational opportunities
Medium
PO1 - Improving status of biology quality elements
Medium
PO9 - Take adequate and co-ordinated measures to reduce flood risks
Medium
PO10 - Protection of important habitats
Medium
PO11 - Better protection for ecosystems and more use of Green Infrastructure
Medium
PO13 - Better management of fish stocks
Medium
PO14 - Prevention of biodiversity loss
Medium

Case studies per NWRM