Channelization

The Nature Conservancy has created an innovative method for identifying channelized streams and estimating the rate of channelization within watersheds.

The straightening, widening, deepening of stream and river channels can drastically alter the flow regime and function of hydrologic systems. For the first time, you will be able to view channelized bayous, rivers, and streams across the states of Louisiana and Mississippi and view an index of the relative amount of these alterations. This information is critical for ranking and prioritizing watersheds based on their degree of alteration. This method leverages the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) by calculating the sinuosity and angularity of stream features and comparing with aerial imagery to determine if channelization is present.

View our channelization dataset here.