• Journal of Environmental Science International
• /
• v.14 no.8
• /
• pp.739-748
• /
• 2005

The purpose of this study is to analyze seasonal changes in structure and landscape of Gongji stream corridor in Chuncheon, and to suggest some guidelines to contribute to creating a desirable close-to- nature stream. The study seasonally surveyed floodplain and revetment conditions, channel micro-topography, streamflow level and velocity, and vegetational cover. Flooding, water level, and vegetation were major factors of affecting seasonal changes in streambed structure and stream landscape. Small sand bars and islands were considerably disturbed by flooding and water level change. However, large islands and sand bars in the upper and middle section of the study stream remained or reappeared even after flooding. Flooding also tended to repeat channel sedimentation at the same spot. Controlling water volume of the Euiam Lake, which is adjacent to the study stream, caused higher water level downstream in the dry seasons. The majority of vegetation in sand bars and islands was washed away by the floods. Vehicle passing, crop cultivation, and ball game were other elements which disturbed vegetation in the floodplain. Creating a close-to-nature stream should reflect micro-topographical changes of channel by flooding, prevent improper vehicle entry and human use, and remove concrete material in the revetment and floodplain.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.34 no.3 s.116
• /
• pp.1-11
• /
• 2006

This study analyzed characteristics of natural and human environments in Chuncheon's Gongji stream, and suggested nature-friendly planning strategies for self-purification of water quality, biodiversity improvement and conservative waterfront recreation. The environmental analysis included streambed structures, floodplain soils, water quality, vegetation, wildlife, and human facilities. Natural colonization of vegetation for the middle section of the study stream was obstructed by a straightened concrete revetment of baseflow channel, and vehicle movement and concrete parking lots across the floodplain. These human disturbances also deteriorated the naturalness of the stream landscape and limited habitation of bird species. However, natural sedimented wetlands in half of the channel width for the lower section of the stream contributed to a desirable vegetational landscape and greater bird occurrence. Based on BOD measurements, water quality of the stream fell under class $II{\sim}III$ of the stream water-quality standard, but it was worse around sewage outlets due to incomplete sewage collection especially during the dry season. Dominant fish species included typical inhabitants of good water-quality streams that are tolerant of adverse habitat changes. Nature-friendly planning strategies were established based on analysis of the environmental characteristics. They focused on not merely spatial zoning and layout divided into four zones - preservation, partial preservation, conservation and use -, but close-to-nature channel revetment techniques, natural water-purification facilities, biotope diversification, and water-friendly recreation and circulation. Strategies pursued both renewal of stream naturalness and hydraulic stability of streamflow by minimizing transformation of natural channel micro-topography and biotope, and by reflecting natural traces of streambed structures such as revetment scour and sedimentation.