Treesearch

Forest Practice Rules under the Oregon Forest Practices Act were modified in 1987 to increase protection of riparian areas adjacent to timber harvest operations. These modifications addressed concerns about water quality protection and retaining trees as sources of large woody debris for future stream channel structure. The rule changes triggered debate about the quantity and quality of trees that should be left in riparian zones. Issues still under discussion include the silvicultural consequences of these rule modifications, and the need to better predict the costs and benefits of the...

One of the most fundamental hydrologic determinations to be made in assessing the probable impacts of flow diversions on riparian vegetation is whether flows are gaining or losing water to groundwater in the reach of interest. Flow measurements on eight streams in the Owens River and Mono Lake basins show that stream- groundwater interactions can produce substantial changes in flow; these changes can vary among streams, along one stream, and in different seasons. Over one stream reach, autumn baseflow increased nearly three-fold from groundwater contributions; in another, summer flow...

Little data concerning autecological needs of desert riparian plant species is available, but the need for revegetation is great. This need results in projects being initiated without knowledge of on site conditions or needs of species planted. Research, superimposed on revegetation projects, can yield data necessary to intelligently implement revegetation projects. Our approach involves: (1) selecting sites on the basis of appropriate preliminary sampling, (2) preparing a planting design after determining distribution of soil/salts on site, (3) planting experimental/control trees at soil...

This paper describes water management and land use practices in the Rush and Lee Vining Creek watersheds and evaluates the effect they have had on the stream environment. The management practices will continue to have effects on the flow regime and consequently habitat conditions on lower Lee Vining and Rush Creeks. The implications of existing and potential management practices for the restoration of the stream habitat are discussed.

Thirty-six hectares (90 acres) of riparian forest, high terrace oak woodland-savanna, and upland vernal pools were preserved along Arcade Creek in Sacramento, California as a result of citizen involvement in a city-sponsored master plan process for Del Paso Regional Park. Citizens formed an organization and called for a comprehensive Environmental Impact Report to evaluate project impacts, and to develop commensurate measures to avoid and mitigate environmental damage. The organization used the CEQA process to provide city staff, consultants, and City Council members with detailed proposals...

The increasing responses to symposia devoted to riparian resources in the past decade have created a need to channel this enthusiasm into a permanent organization. The Arizona Riparian Council was formally organized in October 1986 to provide an annual forum for local coordination of management and research activities. In addition, the Council draws support from individuals representing management agencies, conservation groups, research institutions, and user groups. The importance of forming such local or regional groups is facilitating better communication on the local level, which may...

Five power generation plants along an eleven kilometer stretch divert Bishop Creek water for hydro-electric power. Stream diversion may be adversely affecting the riparian vegetation. Stable isotopic analysis is employed to determine surface water/ground-water interactions along the creek. surface water originates primarily from three headwater lakes. Discharge into Bishop Creek below the headwaters is primarily derived from ground water. The average δD and δ18O values are significantly different for surface water and ground water that an isotopic analysis can delineate between these two...

Rush Creek, which feeds Mono Lake, has been diverted below Grant Lake, totally or in part, for over 40 years. In the early 1980's, because of above normal snow packs, runoff was released into the creek. Minimum flow releases have also been established. The riparian vegetation has responded to these releases. In a few areas, riparian trees and shrubs (e.g., black cottonwood and willow) survived the diversion period but with high stem mortality. These plants are resprouting in response to the 1980's floods. In other areas, new plants are establishing within the floodplain; however, on areas...