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Riparian Ecology and Conservation
Riparian habitat (sometimes called riverine) refers to the environment found on banks of streams and rivers (and sometimes lakeshores). Riparian systems feature a "hydroperiod pulse"-a seasonal spreading of water laterally from the channel and increase in speed and volume in an upstream/downstream direction. Riparian zones which connect the channel to the hillslope in most watersheds support patchy, diverse mixes of plants and animals. Riparian zones act as buffers and filters between urban areas and agricultural zones. They supply nutrients and shade to migratory fish. They support unique and large numbers of species. Many riparian areas have been subject to heavy use by subdivisions, agriculture, livestock, recreation, fishing, in-channel transport, road development, and invasive plants. Riparian restoration may require land purchase, artificial flooding, removal of exotic species, watershed management, and revegetation.
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Keywords seasonal flood, 100 year floodplain, dikes, levees, channelization, ectone, edge effects, riverine mangroves, river swamps, bottomland hardwoods, bosques, watershed management, Bureau of Reclamation, Federal Water Pollution Control Act, National Environmental Policy Act, flood plain protection, grazing, fire, invasive species, National Flood Insurance Act, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, riparian zones, setbacks, stream banks, flooding, flood meadows, watercourses, buffer zones, stream restoration |
