Riparian Communities of the Sierra Nevada and their Environmental Relationships

Abstract

Data on riparian community composition and environmental conditions were collected on over 20 streams in the Sierra Nevada as part of hydropower licensing studies. Over 1,000 samples were analyzed using two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN), to determine riparian dominance types. Ordination techniques were applied to evaluate associations between environmental conditions and community characteristics. Results indicate that at least 15 communities are found in riparian settings at altitudes ranging from 300 to 3000 m on eastern and western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. These communities are arranged in the landscape in apparent response to climatic and geomorphic gradients.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the California riparian systems conference: protection, management, and restoration for the 1990s; 1988 September 22-24; Davis, CA.

Citation

Harris, Richard R. 1989. Riparian Communities of the Sierra Nevada and their Environmental Relationships. In: Abell, Dana L., Technical Coordinator. 1989. Proceedings of the California Riparian Systems Conference: protection, management, and restoration for the 1990s; 1988 September 22-24; Davis, CA. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-110. Berkeley, CA: Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; p. 393-398