Humans have severely altered the natural rates of
sediment and organic matter supply to aquatic systems
in ways that both increase and decrease inputs (e.g.,
Waters 1995). Poor agricultural, logging, or housingdevelopment
practices promote high rates of soil erosion.
Sediment capture behind dams truncates normal
sediment supply to downstream reaches, erodes streambeds,
degrades habitat, and prohibits flood events from
rejuvenating wetland and riparian areas (Patten et al.
2001). Stallard (1998) estimates that 1.2 3 109 m3 of
sediment accrues yearly into reservoirs of the United
States (Table 1). Siltation from agricultural, urban, construction,
and unspecified non-point sources is the
cause of impairment for fully one quarter of all lakes
that do not meet their water quality standards (EPA
1998). Channel straightening, overgrazing of riparian
areas, and clearing of streamside vegetation reduce organic
matter inputs, but also often increase erosion.