Influences of watershed, riparian corridor, and reach scale characteristics on aquatic biota in agricultural watersheds.

Conclusions:Higher percentages of forest cover within the watershed and within a 30m buffer were related to healthy fish communities and water quality, while near stream grasslands and urban land cover in the watershed contributed negatively to the health of fish communities and water quality.Thresholds/Learnings:High percentages of forest cover within a 30m riparian buffer were related to healthy fish communities and water quality. Fish density increased with increase in the average length of riparian vegetation without gaps (>30m).