  How much riparian area do we have?
Although determining how much riparian area we have seems like a
simple task, it’s not. The process is complicated by the crucial first
step of defining what areas actually are riparian. The first-ever
estimation of riparian lands in the Midwest region indicates that 8 to
13 percent of the land base in the region is riparian depending on the
buffer width selected. Of this total, 72 percent supports forest or
other relatively natural vegetation, 26 percent has been converted to
agriculture, and less than 2 percent is in urban development.
Alternate delineation methods can dramatically increase the amount of
riparian lands—by two times more in some places. Almost half of the
Midwest region’s riparian areas are associated with wetlands.
Who’s
using riparian areas and what’s happening to these areas?
People and wildlife depend on riparian areas. Many riparian areas
are special places for experiences that significantly enhance mental
well-being. Many urban rivers provide new recreation opportunities for
city dwellers who may have little access to rural riparian areas.
However, the intensity of recreation and development in riparian areas
threatens their long-term ecological health.
 We are developing a
variety of tools for managers to protect and restore the health of
riparian areas. One tool involves constructing riparian profiles to
help managers identify future development hotspots and to show how
forest buffers can mitigate competing land uses, provide habitat, and
protect riparian areas. Computer models and new silvicultural
techniques are other tools that can enhance timber production, improve
regeneration, and protect critical habitat. How do we rehabilitate
riparian areas?
Ecological classification maps we have developed will help identify
what restoration tools or approaches can be used on various sites. Our
research on industrial brownfields is showing us what it takes to
restore the ecological health of these areas. Guidelines we have
developed for accurately determining streambank elevation are
assisting in riparian and stream restoration, enhancement, and
stabilization efforts that depend on this type of information. We have
developed easy-to-use guides to design and install culverts of the
right size and in the right location. Using these guidelines not only
ensures culverts meet road crossing requirements but also increases
the likelihood that these streams will provide healthy habitat. |
