Rio Java “Physical Properties and Site Description”
A 40 meter study area of the riparian zone within the OTS forest was compared to at similar length of the river near the coffee processing plant in a the town of San Vito.
The stream appeared clear and meandered naturally with two 90-degree turns within a 60-meter distance. The V-shaped channel indicated continual downcutting. Bank slopes were 45-80 degrees and the riparian zone started at the water’s edge with lush mosses, grasses, shrubs, vines, and trees. The water passed over a mix of basalt and limestone gravel, rocks and small boulders. This probably produced a high pH reading. Stream flow averaged 4.1 cubic cm / sec. Our preliminary evaluation was that of a healthy watershed with companion plants, macroinvertebrates and small fish.
The general appearance of the river at this site was different than in the forest. The channel had become wider, and the slope less severe. Water flow had increased slightly, probably due to tributaries, to 4.44 cubic meters/second. Our 40-meter area had no canopy cover. The immediate riparian zone had grasses growing on the banks with trees starting 15 meters from the water’s edge.
The summary evaluation was that the city site was not as pristine as the forest area.