Managing Semi-Arid Watersheds: Watershed Basics - What is a Riparian Area?

Riparian communities consist of aquatic plants that grow adjacent to streams or lakes and have root systems that can reach the water table. They are often the only sites in an arid climate that have trees and shrubs. Healthy riparian plant communities are needed to stabilize stream banks and reduce soil erosion. Riparian systems, with standing or running water, are valuable components of the dryland environments throughout the world. These ecosystems are diverse and unique areas that attract people and a diversity of wildlife species. They frequently are corridors of migration for animals. Riparian areas, found in the transition between water and land, are important wildlife habitats because they provide the three things every organism needs—food, shelter, and water.

Because of their frequent high use by people and animals, riparian areas need to be protected. Cutting of trees and shrubs and grazing by livestock and wildlife species often needs to be controlled. Riparian sites can be fenced to control livestock grazing. Constructing water developments, such as stock tanks, and providing salt at locations away from riparian areas, can help protect riparian areas when fencing is not feasible. Activities such as road construction and intensive, recreational use should be minimized in riparian systems. Another way to protect riparian systems is to improve the conditions on upland areas of the watersheds.

The rate of water flow increased in many streams when beavers were eliminated. Removal of beavers lead to greater fluctuations in streamflow and decreased the potential for water storage upstream. Today, gully plugs, check dams, and restoration of riparian plant species along stream channels can be used to increase the duration of water flow and to stabilize the channel banks. These structures, as well as riparian plants, trap and store sediments and provide greater water retention stream systems. The stored sediments become saturated following storm events and, as drainage continues, the water is released more slowly and sustained for longer periods of time. These management practices help maintain the riparian vegetation.

Optimum management of riparian systems requires consideration of both the environmental factors and economic needs of the area. Seldom are riparian areas managed best for only a single use. A compromise form of management usually results in the greatest value to people. However, to maintain them, some riparian systems may have to be set aside as natural areas in specific instances.