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Perceptions of Large Wood in River Corridors: Visual Cues, Risk, and Management Expectations in Brazil

Author

Listed:
  • Bruno Henrique Abatti

    (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Hydraulic Research Institute)

  • Marina Refatti Fagundes

    (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Hydraulic Research Institute)

  • Gean Paulo Michel

    (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Hydraulic Research Institute)

  • Ronald E. Poeppl

    (BOKU University, Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management)

  • Franciele M. Vanelli

    (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Hydraulic Research Institute)

  • Franciele Zanandrea

    (Fluminense Federal University, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering)

  • Karla Campagnolo

    (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Hydraulic Research Institute)

  • Leonardo Rodolfo Paul

    (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Hydraulic Research Institute)

  • Masato Kobiyama

    (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Hydraulic Research Institute)

Abstract

Public perceptions of river corridors often diverge from scientific understanding, particularly regarding the ecological and geomorphological role of large wood (LW). This study examines how different societal and professional groups perceive large wood in Brazilian rivers using a structured photo-questionnaire. A total of 437 respondents evaluated images of river scenes with and without large wood across four perceptual dimensions (naturalness, aesthetics, hazard, and need for improvement). Large wood was frequently associated with flow obstruction, flood hazard, and the need for channel intervention, while relatively few respondents explicitly recognized its ecological functions. Comparisons between conditions showed statistically significant but modest effects, indicating that evaluations were strongly influenced by landscape context and image characteristics rather than by wood presence alone. Disciplinary background also affected responses, with participants from environmental and natural resource sciences showing greater acceptance of large wood. Overall, the results provide empirical evidence on how large wood is socially interpreted in river corridors and may inform discussions related to river management and restoration.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruno Henrique Abatti & Marina Refatti Fagundes & Gean Paulo Michel & Ronald E. Poeppl & Franciele M. Vanelli & Franciele Zanandrea & Karla Campagnolo & Leonardo Rodolfo Paul & Masato Kobiyama, 2026. "Perceptions of Large Wood in River Corridors: Visual Cues, Risk, and Management Expectations in Brazil," Environmental Management, Springer, vol. 76(6), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envman:v:76:y:2026:i:6:d:10.1007_s00267-026-02489-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s00267-026-02489-y
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