river pathways an introduction to riparian areas
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River PathwaysRiver PathwaysAn Introduction to An Introduction to
Riparian AreasRiparian Areas
What is a Riparian Area?What is a Riparian Area?
“Riparian - Relating to or living or located on the bank of a natural watercourse (such as a river) or sometimes of a lake or tidewater.”
(Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary)
Why Protect Riparian Why Protect Riparian Areas?Areas?
In Arizona, some estimate that riparian areas are only 0.4% of the total land area
Why Protect Riparian Why Protect Riparian Areas?Areas?
70% of 70% of Arizona’s Arizona’s threatened threatened and and endangered endangered vertebrates vertebrates depend on depend on these areasthese areas
Why Protect Riparian Why Protect Riparian Areas?Areas?
Their important role is disproportionate to the small area they cover
Value vs. FunctionValue vs. Function
Functions:Functions: are the ecological, hydrological, or other processes that maintain the ecosystem
Value: is the worth, desirability, or usefulness of a resource. Value can change with time while
functions are constant
Functions of Riparian Functions of Riparian AreasAreas
Provide fish and wildlife habitat
Functions of Riparian Functions of Riparian AreasAreas
Filter and retains upland sediment
Functions of Riparian Functions of Riparian AreasAreas
Stabilize streambanks and allows for the build up of new streambanks
Functions of Riparian Functions of Riparian AreasAreas
Increase water storage in subsurface aquifers
Values of Riparian AreasValues of Riparian Areas They provide habitat for
seventy percent of the threatened and endangered vertebrates in Arizona.
Values of Riparian AreasValues of Riparian AreasThey
increase drinkable water quality and quantity by reducing nonpoint source pollutants
Values of Riparian AreasValues of Riparian AreasThey provide
valuable resources needed for livestock production
Water Forage Shade
Values of Riparian AreasValues of Riparian Areas They provide areas for recreational
activities such as hiking horse-back riding cycling fishing Hunting Swimming raft floating Boating Canoeing bird & wildlife watching Picnicking Camping off-road vehicle use.
Values of Riparian Areas Values of Riparian Areas cont.cont.
They reduce the impacts of seasonal flooding
Managing for Multiple-Managing for Multiple-UseUse
There are a great number of people who find value in riparian areas and even more who benefit from their functions.
Managing for Multiple-Managing for Multiple-UseUse
People disagree on which values and functions are most important. These disagreements have the potential to create conflict.
Managing for Multiple-Managing for Multiple-UseUse
Many uses may conflict with one another.
Land managers must manage these areas so that everyone can benefit from its values and functions and so no one value or function infringes on another.
The future of Riparian The future of Riparian AreasAreas
Many estimate that 70-90% of riparian areas in the United States have been altered by human activities including construction of dams, agriculture, and urbanization.
The future of Riparian The future of Riparian AreasAreas
The significant increase in urban population compared to rural population is a very important trend when thinking about Arizona’s riparian areas.
The future of Riparian The future of Riparian AreasAreas
A higher urban population of the state will lead to a significant increase in environmental and recreation oriented values for riparian areas.
The future of Riparian The future of Riparian AreasAreas
Rural communities often see these areas as a resource for community economic development.
For example, many communities depend on raising livestock as the main source of income.
The future of Riparian The future of Riparian AreasAreas
Restoration of riparian areas should be a national goal.
The future of Riparian The future of Riparian AreasAreas
To have successful and effective conservation in riparian areas in arid and semi-arid regions, monitoring is essential.
The future of Riparian The future of Riparian AreasAreas
Without data that shows the quality and quantity of remaining riparian habitat, conservation is impossible.