Riparian Restoration

Figure 51 Long Description

Figure 51 is a drawing of a riparian site with text describing a site inventory and analysis of a riparian ecosystem. The text accompanying the drawing reads as follows:

When workers survey a site, they should begin with a topographical map that identifies all natural features and how they work in the landscape. They should observe the following:

Topography

Note contours of slopes and valleys, flat areas, and rock outcrops.

Drainage

Note drainage patterns from upslope to downslope and across flat areas and their connections to the stream/lake/wetlands.

Vegetations

Note upland species, species that make up transition [ecotone] areas, aquatic species, keystone species, and threatened and endangered species.

Note the placement and relationships of trees to shrubs and grass, and their relationships to topography and soil types.

Observe the tree canopy, how the light penetrates it, and where shadows (shade) are cast throughout the day. Note which areas are dense with vegetation, and which are dense with vegetation, and which are open (microclimates).

Observe the way in which plant species function to hold the soil in place; replenish soil with nutrients; and supply food, shelter, and travel ways for wildlife.

Note offsite influences, such as land-use and man-made features that affect the health of the riparian and aquatic ecosystems.

Weather

Note the prevailing weather patterns, annual rainfall and/or snowfall amounts, number of sunny days, prevailing wind patterns, and solar orientation/sun angles.

Observe where snow drifts from and to.

Hydrology

Check historical records for flood regime. Find the channel bankfull level. Record the water temperature and analyze macroinvertebrate health.

Find out if there is a dam upstream and/or downstream of the site. Note reservoir high- and low-level readings over the life of the installation.

Do a Proper Functioning Condition survey. Note whether banks appear stable or are eroding or aggrading.

Down-and-Dead Material

Note whether the ground is bare of debris or has layers of woody debris, leaf litter, and duff layer. Note any woody debris in the channel or lake.

Soils

Note soil types and whether they are types that compact easily. If soils are disturbed, find the cause. Note erosion due to disturbances. Note wet soils.

Wildlife

Note keystone and threatened and endangered species. Observe habitat characteristics that attract wildlife to the site. Name the resident and migratory animal species, including birds and fish that use the site.

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