Riparian Habitats and Recreation

Riparian habitats are characterized by outstanding species richness and population densities of both plants andanimals. Increasing recreational pressures on these ecotones between water and surrounding uplands are forcing management agencies to re-analyze consumptive versus non-consumptive resource allocations. This report tackles issues such as grazing, irrigation, watershed and vegetation management, urbanization, flood control, and off-road vehicles, and discusses effects on soils, vegetation, wildlife, water and air quality.