Join us for a webinar where Mariah Sampson will present the findings of PhD project Evaluating riparian buffer zones in temperate streams, that explored the short- to long-term effects of riparian revegetation following the removal of invasive willows on stream ecosystems. It examined impacts on macroinvertebrates, water quality, aquatic macrophytes, stream flow, channel morphology, erosion rates, and riparian vegetation. This presentation will outline the methods and findings from the three complementary approaches:

1. Large-scale historical data analysis – This study assessed the feasibility of using and integrating existing datasets across an area of southwestern Victoria to investigate medium-term effects (1–9 years post-revegetation) on macroinvertebrates at a broad spatial scale.
2. Short-term BACI study – A Before-After-Control-Impact design was used to assess the immediate effects of a 3-km willow removal and revegetation project in the Upper Barwon Catchment (2020–2023). Responses in water quality, aquatic macrophytes, stream flow, channel shape, and erosion were measured across three streams, covering two years before and after willow removal.
3. Medium- to long-term space-for-time study – This investigation compared sites aged 3–18 years post-revegetation with willow-lined sites, and sites with thin-native vegetation across six streams in the Upper Barwon Catchment. Data was collected in 2021–2022 and included assessments of water quality, aquatic macrophytes, stream flow, channel shape, erosion rates, and riparian vegetation.

The findings of these studies highlight the value of incorporating multiple spatial and temporal scales, the importance of standardising historical records for ongoing use, and provide insight into the short- to long-term evolution of willow removal and revegetation projects – particularly for the conditions within streams during periods of high rainfall and flooding.

This event, FREE and exclusively for WaterRA members, will provide an opportunity to learn more about the project outcomes, and recommendations to advance this research.