Riparian Service Team

Riparian areas and wetlands are some of the most diverse and productive portions of the land base. Benefits produced from these areas are essential, and invoke in us a sense of responsibility to ensure their health and continued ability to provide necessary and desired values. Often they are among the first landscape features to show impact from management activities and reflect overall watershed condition.

More and more, people are coming together through recognition of the importance of watershed function for long-term water supplies and maintenance of water quality. Our environmental and economic well-being is dependent on the sustainability of these systems, and as the demands on our natural resources increase, we are compelled to restore and protect them.

The following strategy was born of a growing awareness and concern about the condition of these areas. There is general agreement that much more can be done to return these areas to their former productivity and that the only effective way is through strong, lasting, public and private partnerships. The enclosed document outlines one approach the USDA Forest Service, USDI Bureau of Land Management, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service are employing to achieve collaborative stewardship of these resources.

It is intended to complement and blend with ongoing efforts. Incorporated are specific ways to increase understanding and foster agreement as we work with people on the land. Included is a framework for community based training designed to build relationships and enhance conservation education. It offers increased opportunities for integrating knowledge and sharing expertise. We are committed to keeping water on the land as a foundation of our shared conservation legacy. We encourage and welcome your participation.

Establishment of the Riparian Service Team

The Riparian Service Team acts as a catalyst, focusing resources on providing training and technology transfer, consulting and advisory services, and program review. more>>