Time-lapse photography to monitor riparian meadow use

Abstract

Riparian zones are key areas of most western landscapes. The kinds and amounts of natural and human activity occurring on these sites are often in dispute as many riparian areas in the mountain West are remote or have limited seasonal access. Impacts by wild ungulates, domestic livestock, or recreationists can result in relatively similar damages to streamside environments. Competing interests often blame other uses for perceived resource damage. These questions of use can become serious management issues.Time-lapse photography is proposed as a use documentation method to help guide management decisions. An example of the time-lapse method is presented to illustrate one of many potential uses. Examples of equipment and equipment costs are also provided. Servicing of the monitoring equipment may be needed at only infrequent intervals, depending on the kind of imaging sequence required and the equipment used.

Citation

Kinney, John W.; Clary, Warren P. 1998. Time-lapse photography to monitor riparian meadow use. Res. Note. RMRS-RN-5. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 5 p.