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Preface Natural resource agencies are frequently confronted by applications for permits and licenses for developments and actions that affect the aquatic resources of warm water streams and rivers. At this time, there are no generally accepted methods for assessing impacts and developing mitigation measures for warmwater streams. To begin correcting these deficiencies, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists and their State agency colleagues need state-of-the-art knowledge on (1) warm water stream ecology, em- phasizing fish and habitat; and (2) existing methods for assessing stream quality and impact. The need for current information on the ecology and assessment of warmwater streams emerged from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service field offices in the Southeast and their State agency colleagues. In response to this need, Warren T. Olds (Assistant Regional Director for Fish and Wildlife Enhancement) and William K. Seitz (Office of Information Transfer) decided in late 1987 that a workshop would be held for biologists involved in managing stream resources and assessing impacts of developments on streams and rivers. The scope and format of the workshop were determined in January 1988 by a steering com- mittee composed of the following persons: Mark B. Bain, Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; John W. Baumeister and James D. Brown, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4 Office; Reis Collier, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Field Office-Raleigh, North Carolina; Larry E. Goldman, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Field Office-Daphne, Alabama; Sam Hamilton, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Federal Activities; James Kirkwood, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4 Office; and James Layzer, Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit. The workshop was held at Lakepoint State Park Resort, Eufaula, Alabama, on 26-27 October 1988. The agenda of the workshop was composed of presentations by two groups of biologists: stream ecologists with extensive basic research experience, and applied research biologists experienced in assessing effects on warmwater streams. There was no intent to merge the basic and applied research; rather the aim was to contrast ecological knowledge with existing impact assessment methods. Biologists and ecologists were invited from Service offices in the Southeast, State natural resource agencies in 11 southeastern States, and Service research and regional offices nationwide. Workshop attendees were about equally divided among these three groups. This synopsis, which follows the format of the workshop, provides an overview of the topics covered with a list of detailed information sources and expert contacts. Speakers summarized their main points and assembled a list of key papers and books that complement the material they covered or that contain information used in their presentation. Together, the summaries and information sources provide a begin- ning point for biologists who need current and detailed information on warmwater stream ecology and assessment methodologies. IV