The article explores the influence of catchment land use on stream integrity across multiple spatial scales, focusing on the River Raisin basin in southeastern Michigan. The authors highlight the emerging importance of joint land and water management to ensure river health, driven by the recognition of the threats to river ecosystems. They discuss the challenges of reconciling catchment topography with jurisdictional authority and the need for a holistic approach to watershed management. The study examines changes in land use and land cover over time, the impact of soil erosion, and the relationship between habitat quality and biological integrity. The results suggest that intensive agricultural land use degrades stream habitat, affecting fish fauna. The authors also analyze the spatial scales at which land use affects stream conditions, finding that catchment-wide land use is more influential than local or riparian conditions. Finally, they discuss the complexities of river basin planning and management, emphasizing the need for regional authority and accountability to protect river systems and their associated landscapes.The article explores the influence of catchment land use on stream integrity across multiple spatial scales, focusing on the River Raisin basin in southeastern Michigan. The authors highlight the emerging importance of joint land and water management to ensure river health, driven by the recognition of the threats to river ecosystems. They discuss the challenges of reconciling catchment topography with jurisdictional authority and the need for a holistic approach to watershed management. The study examines changes in land use and land cover over time, the impact of soil erosion, and the relationship between habitat quality and biological integrity. The results suggest that intensive agricultural land use degrades stream habitat, affecting fish fauna. The authors also analyze the spatial scales at which land use affects stream conditions, finding that catchment-wide land use is more influential than local or riparian conditions. Finally, they discuss the complexities of river basin planning and management, emphasizing the need for regional authority and accountability to protect river systems and their associated landscapes.