Natural riparian areas provide extremely valuable wildlife habitat, as well as important water quality benefits such as nutrient uptake, bank stabilization, and erosion control (Karr and Schlosser 1978, Gregory et al. 1991, Osborne and Kovacic 1993). Natural riparian areas help protect fish spawning beds and instream habitat, protect water quality, and moderate temperature changes, all of which helps maintain productive, self-sustaining aquatic communities (Gregory et al. 1991). Riparian areas also provide critical habitat for many wildlife species and are important corridors for wildlife movement (Goforth et al. 2002).

Land-use adjacent to streams and lakes has accelerated in recent decades, particularly in association with residential development, including construction of docks and boat wells. Many areas are subject to indiscriminant removal of riparian vegetation, construction of seawalls, and installation of riprap or sand in place of native vegetation. In many cases, vegetative growth is subsequently prevented and, where it does occur, is often limited in species diversity. Historically, many streams were cleared of large woody structure to facilitate recreational and commercial navigation and enhance flow. These changes have significantly degraded riparian ecosystems (TNC 1999).

Conservation Needs to Address Riparian Modification Threats:

Land, Water & Species Management

• Review permit applications that include modification of riparian zones and include recommendations to preserve and enhance riparian areas
  
  
• Exclude stream crossings and riparian corridors when practical during planning of road, trail, and pipeline systems
  
  
• Use the best available science, including best management practices, to protect riparian resources

Law & Policy

• Implement zoning regulation and develop information that encourages retention and enhancement of natural riparian vegetation

Education & Awareness

• Develop information and educational materials that identify the importance of riparian zones to the proper functioning of aquatic systems
  
  
• Promote riverine recreation to create economic incentives for riparian protection and awareness of riverine/riparian values
  
  
• Promote participation in watershed groups

Capacity Building

• Provide financial incentives to private landowners to restore, create and conserve riparian areas

Research, Surveys & Monitoring

• Develop and test best management practices to protect riparian resources
  
  
• Assess effects of storm water influx on riparian systems
  
  
• Continue research to clarify the importance of riparian zones to the proper functioning of aquatic systems
  
  
• Conduct research to determine the long-term success of efforts to provide financial incentives to private landowners for restoration, creation and conservation of riparian areas
  
  
• Develop restoration techniques for areas that are disconnected from rivers