Introduction: The ecology of a river floodplain and the Emiquon preserve

• Published in: Hydrobiologia Vol. 804; no. 1; pp. 1 - 17
• Main Authors: Lemke, Michael J., Walk, Jeffery W., Lemke, A. Maria, Sparks, Richard E., Blodgett, K. Douglas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.12.2017; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Agricultural management; Anthropogenic changes; Anthropogenic factors; Aquatic birds; Biodiversity; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Carbon sequestration; Community composition; Computer simulation; Dryland farming; Ecological monitoring; Ecology; Fish; Flooding; Floodplains; Floods; Freshwater & Marine Ecology; Human influences; Hydrologic models; Hydrology; Introduced species; Invasive species; Lakes; Life Sciences; Microorganisms; Mineral nutrients; Natural history; Natural resources; Restoration; River ecology; River Floodplain Restoration; Rivers; Sediment load; Simulation; Species diversity; Water levels; Waterfowl; Watersheds; Zoology; Illinois River; River; Flood pulse; Ecological attributes; Restoration ecology; Shallow lake
• ISSN: 0018-8158; 1573-5117
• DOI: 10.1007/s10750-017-3335-8

Scientific study of the Illinois River began before a century of anthropogenic change, thus providing a unique perspective for describing river ecology restoration. In this issue, we explain how systematic monitoring revealed patterns in the restoration of the 2723-ha Emiquon Preserve on the Illinois River. The papers describe (1) how planktonic microorganisms, vegetation, fish, and waterbird communities responded rapidly to flooding of former shallow lakes and wetlands that had been drained and used for dryland agriculture for 83 years; (2) how variation of hydrologic conditions favors biotic community diversity and conditions for carbon sequestration; (3) how fish populations imposed a trophic cascade and affected diversity, yet may not help control some undesirable fish species; and (4) how simulation models are useful in planning, but that restoration practice and management decisions must adapt to present conditions, involve trade-offs, and are influenced by competing stakeholder interests. Unsurprisingly, water level management remains the most important factor in the restoration ecology of floodplains; however, the establishment of a river–floodplain connection should be managed to achieve a balance between establishing hydrology that mimics natural flood pulses while minimizing contemporary threats, including excessive nutrient and sediment loads and invasive species.