The various types of environmental variations which occur in sufficient quantity to provide habitat diversity to support a wide range of species in the stream.
(refers to the different kinds of in-stream cover)
Banks that show significant erosion occurring at the water level, so that the portion of the bank below water level is undercut, while leaving the portion of the stream bank above water level extending out over the stream and providing a refuge.
Includes all vegetation that overhangs the stream which protects that portion of the stream from the direct sun and thereby provides a shaded habitat for aquatic life.
These are areas of water that move more slowly than the rest of the current and which are typically, but not always, found at the stream's edge.
Low-lying roots that are somewhat tightly woven and extend from the streams bank into the water, thereby creating a habitat for aquatic life to find cover and reproduce.
Area of a stream where the current is slow because the depth is significantly greater than the surrounding waters. The stream bed is often concave, and the stream width is often greatest where deep pools are well developed.
Roots often found at the stream's bank and which enter the stream by various means (e.g. grass, trees, aquatic macrophytes, overturned trees, etc.), and are not limited to the lower portion of the stream bed.
Rounded stones over 256 mm (10 in.) in diameter or large slabs more than 256 mm in length.
Sections of a stream which have been cut off from the main stream as the stream has changed course. Oxbows can be reconnected briefly to the main stream during periods of flood, and some aquatic organisms may be able to move from the oxbow to the main stream and back.
Plants that are typically found in environments with high moisture levels ( cattail, lily pads, etc.), and may be found along stream banks.
Dead tree limbs and logs that may accumulate along the stream's slower areas and areas that have a restriction of flow due to some obstacle in the current.
