Riparian management in forests of the continental eastern United States

Abstract

As we meditate on the management of stream riparian areas, it is clear that the input of "debris" from terrestrial plants falling into streams is one of the most significant processes occurring at the interface of terrestrial and stream ecosystems. Organic matter - leaves. twigs, branches, and whole trees - provides energy, nutrients, and structure to streams flowing through forests. A host of vertebrate and invertebrate animals has adapted to life in flowing waters and depends on leaves and wood for food and habitat. Accumulations of leaves and wood also create refuges from the extremes of drought and flood and modify the downstream movement of sediment

Citation

Verry, Elon S.; Hornbeck, James W.; Dolloff, C. Andrew. 2000. Riparian management in forests of the continental eastern United States. Dolloff, C.A., and J.R. Webster. 2000. Particulate organic contributions from forests to streams: debris isn''t so bad. Pages 125-138 in Riparian management in forests of the continental eastern United States, E.S. Verry, J.W. Hornbeck, and C.A. Dolloff (editors). Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton, Florida.