Riparian Forest Health

Riparian (or river- & stream-bank) areas are vital to healthy surface and groundwater systems. They can influence nutrient and carbon processing and surface water quality, thus providing clean water for human populations as well as habitat for aquatic animals and plants. Riparian woodlands and forests are particularly effective buffers that help to remove water pollutants, especially from agricultural run off.

Selected Research Studies

Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest
The White Mountain and Green Mountain National Forests rely on research findings from Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest to develop forest plans, comply with the National Forest Management and Clean Air Acts, and address public challenges to management activities. NRS scientists who work at the HBEF synthesize research findings and data to help these national forests meet these needs.

Riparian lands in the midwest
The Midwest, particularly in its far northern reaches, is a land full of glacial pothole lakes and wetlands. NRS scientists have made the first-ever estimations of riparian lands and found that 8 to 13% of the land base in the region is riparian, depending on the buffer width selected. Of this total, 72% supports forest or other relatively natural vegetation, 26% has been converted to agriculture, and less than 2% is in urban development. Alternate delineation methods can dramatically increase the amount of riparian lands by two times more in some places. Almost half of the Midwest region's riparian areas are associated with wetlands.

Hotspots for lake development
Many riparian areas are used for recreation. Urban rivers provide new recreation opportunities for city dwellers who may have little access to rural riparian areas. However, the intensity of recreation and development in riparian areas threatens their long-term ecological health. NRS scientists are developing a variety of tools for managers to protect and restore the health of riparian areas. One tool involves constructing riparian profiles to help managers identify future development hotspots and to show how forest buffers can mitigate competing land uses, provide habitat, and protect riparian areas. Computer models and new silvicultural techniques are other tools that can enhance timber production, improve regeneration, and protect critical habitat.

Restoration of streambank ecosystems
Many urban riparian areas have been blocked by storm water drainage projects. Culverts may block flow and not allow fish migration, and stream straightening has precluded natural ecosystems. NRS scientists are studying the restoration of streambank ecosystems. We have developed easy-to-use guides to design and install culverts of the right size at the right locations.