Riparian Area Management

Soil, water, and vegetation are the operating capital in the business of land management. Sustainable production of goods, values, and services from renewable resources is possible without depreciation of initial operating capital under proper management - an enviable situation in most businesses. As in any business, however, an inventory of resources is essential. Changing social and economic values require the capability to evaluate potential resource availability as well as the present situation. Resource inventories establish a baseline to evaluate levels of use that do not depreciate or degrade the operating capital.