Sand and Gravel Pits as Fish and Wildlife Habitat in the Southwest,
Abstract
The mining of sand and gravel deposits in the floodplains of rivers can disturb valuable riparian habitat in the arid Southwest. Disturbed land can be reclaimed to provide fish and wildlife habitat if water is present. The depth, shoreline shape and slope, area, location and number of sand and gravel pits, and the plant species that revegetate disturbed areas can be managed to influence subsequent colonization by animals. Native species of plants generally are preferable to exotics when revegetating disturbed areas, even if native species require special treatments to become established. Stream side pits can be made into backwater habitats, but they must be protected from flooding and sedimentation. Monitoring of critical habitat features and plant and animal species is necessary to document the effectiveness of reclamation efforts, and to ensure that habitat, once established, is not lost.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA322798
Entities
People
- R. W. Mannan
- William J. Matter
Organizations
- University of Arizona