Width of Riparian Zones for Birds.
Abstract
Over the past several decades, more than 450 Corps of Engineers Civil Works reservoir projects have been constructed in 43 states encompassing nearly 12 million acres (at normal pool elevations, about one half is water and the remaining half is associated land). The majority of inland Civil Works projects are constructed along streams and rivers. There is increasing interest in managing the riparian buffer strips (i.e., vegetation adjacent to streams, rivers, and lakes) along these watercourses. Retaining riparian vegetation of proper width not only minimizes the impacts of erosion and nonpoint-source pollution; these areas also provide habitat and movement corridors for wildlife as well as benefits to fish populations (Fischer et al. 1999) (Figure 1). Unfortunately, when decisions are made to restore or manage buffer strips adjacent to streams and rivers, the basis for determining strip width has been almost completely dominated by water quality considerations. Few studies have addressed the compatibility of recommended buffer strip widths with other important ecological functions, especially their ability to sustain native faunal and floral species.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA375089
Entities
People
- Richard Fischer
- Russell F. Theriot