Summary

Hurricane Creek continues to suffer from human impact and the vicissitiudes of nature, but many of these threats to the creek are slowly being addressed. It will take considerable time for the creek to return to the state it was in prior to the damage it has suffered at human hands and after the tornadoes of April 27th. However, if the creek continues to display signs of renewal then future generations will be able to enjoy its beneifts for decades to come.

The research conducted by this class has helped demonstrate the scientific process for understanding the creek's environment. From this research at Hurricane Creek, which was conducted by comparing newly gathered data to the work of previous semesters, we have discovered changes and differences in the creek's abiotic and biotic characteristics. At the point of discharge for an abandoned strip mine there was a conspicuous shift in Alkalinity, specifically a general upswing in the water's acid content, which has the potential to affect water downstream. The photosynthesis of algae in the creek was similar across the habitat types we surveyed, suggesting that photosynthetic algae are greatly contributing to the aquatic food web. Additionally, there has been a considerable impact on riparian canopy cover because of the tornadoes of April 27th. This is greatly promoting algal growth, and as such correspondingly raising the oxygen level in the creek. This could be damaging to lifeforms that depend on steady oxygen levels in order to survive, but so far data indicates that the ecosystem is holding up in the face of these changes. It often takes years for creeks and watersheds to recover from severe impact. However, Hurricane Creek has shown resilience in the past and hopefully will continue to do so.
 * Findings**

Anyone who wishes can help to maintain the creek. One of the easiest things one can do is simply pick up after oneself and not allow trash to wash into the water. Another way of getting involved is to contact Friends of Hurricane Creek to volunteer to help in their efforts. It is not only a way to protect this creek, but also a way to learn its history, and have hands-on experience with the environment. After the tornado, there are now many opportunities in place to help Hurricane Creek. Since Hurricane Creek was in the direct line of impact, there are many tree limbs and debris laying around and inside of the creek, along with other random debris/objects that the tornado carried. It is important to the ecosystem for us to remove all of the rubbish from the creek and the watershed surrounding it. One can also help by taking initiative to plant new trees and greenery that the tornado demolished. It is vital for us to help this ecosystem get back to where it was before the damaging affects of April 27th, 2011.
 * What can be done to help Hurricane Creek**

With new laws and protections in place, as well as watchers and keepers making sure the creek suffers minimal further damage, Hurricane Creek is on the road to recovery from its past difficulties. Mines along the creek now employ precautions to make sure the water in the creek remains at a safe Alkilinity threshold and does not suffer from other mine related chemical disturbances. Better use of Best Management Practices (BMP) is underway in places where runoff spills into the creek, clouding the water and preventing smaller wildlife that is essential to the creek's food chain from surviving. As the smaller inhabitants of the water become more abundant, other animal populations will begin to return and eventually flourish. Citizens of areas in the Black Warrior Watershed, such as Cottondale and Tuscaloosa, keep an eye on the creek to make sure regulations are being properly applied, pollution is cleaned up, and that the water in the creek maintains its natural chemical state. Hurricane Creek continues to improve and given time and proper maintenance it will recover.
 * Conclusion**

It is also important that the effect of the tornado on Hurricane Creek is documented. This is so important because the information collected can help evaluate and understand other devastating natural catastrophic events in the world allowing a greater knowledge and better understanding of what might happen in the future.