Riparian Area Management

In ecosystem-oriented management, the basis for riparian treatments lies with the relationships between biotic and abiotic components. Ideally, the basic unit for management is a watershed. Using the watershed as a management unit provides a focus toward the entire stream system, as well as its individual streams, as opposed to isolated, site-specific treatments. Key components for consideration are overall watershed geomorphology; hydrology; existing, historic, and potential vegetation; and animal community dynamics. Human activities can also significantly influence riparian ecosystems and should be considered as well. They are usually the most impacting, and yet the most readily controllable factors.