. Critical trends in Illinois ecosystems. Ecological assessment (Biology); Environmental impact analysis; Nature; Pollution; Conservation of natural resources; Environmental quality. 48 Critical Trends in Illinois Ecosystems. Only of the Pecatonica River was rated as "full support "and the remainder was rated as "Partial Support/Minor Impairment". interactions, ecological processes, and species migrations, and reduces habitat heterogeneity. The outcome typically is loss of species diversity. Exotic species - Degraded natural communities are particularly vulnerable to
. Critical trends in Illinois ecosystems. Ecological assessment (Biology); Environmental impact analysis; Nature; Pollution; Conservation of natural resources; Environmental quality. 48 Critical Trends in Illinois Ecosystems. Only of the Pecatonica River was rated as "full support "and the remainder was rated as "Partial Support/Minor Impairment". interactions, ecological processes, and species migrations, and reduces habitat heterogeneity. The outcome typically is loss of species diversity. Exotic species - Degraded natural communities are particularly vulnerable to being invaded by exotic species, which can overnm native plant communities and reduce biodiversity. Garlic mustard and reed canary grass are two exotic species known in the area; many of the remaining marshes and sedge meadows are threatened by these non-native species. Impaired water quality - Only of the Pecatonica River was rated as "full support" (water quality meets the needs of all designated uses pro- tected by applicable water quality standards), and the remainder was rated as "Partial Support/Minor Impairment" (water quality has been impaired to a minor degree). Major water qualit)' problems include municipal wastewater discharges, and phos- phorous and siltation from agricultural runoff However, of the 40 tributaries to the Pecatonica, 34 were rated as "full support" along their entire length. Opportunities A large amoimt of wetland habitat in the area could be restored. Tliis is especially true alotig the major stream atid river corridors where restoring natural riparian vegetation and connecting existing wet- land communities would increase habitat, as well as provide additional wetland functions — store floodwater and reduce siltation and nutrient load- ing. Reducing silt atid chemical runoff will improve the water quality of the streams, thereby enliancing their ability to support fish, as well as minks and river otters. Resto
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