Abstract Detail
Evolution, Ecology and Floristics in Northern California - Current Knowledge and Unexplored Realms Griggs, Tom [1]. Challenges of Restoring Riparian Communities in California. RIPARIAN –or streamside – vegetation provides habitat for more species of wildlife than any other in California. Human development on floodplains has reduced the acreage of riparian vegetation by over 95 percent. Consequently, riparian vegetation is a priority for restoration for most land management public agencies in an effort to recover many rare wildlife populations. Two major challenges confront the restoration effort: 1. Modified river processes, and 2. invasive non-native plants. Modified river processes include changes to sediment transport (bank erosion and deposition) and the hydroperiod. Most perennial plants growing in the riparian zone have life history traits that are closely linked to these physical river processes. Species of Populus and Salix are best known for requiring a specific flow regime at the time of seed dispersal and for seedling development during its first growing season. Because of flow regulation by dams on the major rivers of the Central Valley, seedling establishment by these two genera occurs less frequently and in very different patterns than before the dams. Invasive non-native weeds have come to dominate modern floodplains because of the decreased competitive abilities of native species, now that dams regulate the hydroperiod. Restoration implementation must establish native species of plants in densities and patterns that wildlife will view as habitat, even in the face of altered river processes and competition from invasive species. This presentation will describe some of the methods used to restore riparian vegetation along ecologically modified rivers in the Great Central Valley of California. Log in to add this item to your schedule
Related Links:
1 - River Partners, 580 Vallombrosa Ave, Chico, California, 95926, USA
Keywords: Great Central Valley restoration riparian.
Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation Session: 38-5 Location: 170/Holt Date: Tuesday, August 1st, 2006 Time: 10:45 AM Abstract ID:832 |