Forest Characteristics
Riparian Area:
A riparian area can be defined as: an area of land adjacent to a stream, river, lake, or wetland, containing vegetation that, due to the presence of water, is distinctly different from the vegetation of adjacent land areas.
The characteristics most needed for proper riparian function are large conifer trees, a complex stand structure, and long-lived tree species that provide stability to streambanks, channels, and floodplains.
Functioning riparian areas are as important to healthy fish stocks as the streams the fish live in. Riparian areas contribute to fish habitat, stream health, and stream stability. Watershed restoration is about much more than salmon. For example, of the 340 vertebrate (with a spinal column) species that live in BC's forests, up to 74 per cent use riparian areas. Birds, mammals (bats, squirrels, martin, ermine, fisher, bears, etc.), amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates need habitat for foraging, breeding, rearing their young, hiding, resting, and travelling. Over 300 plants, animals, and invertebrates (without a spinal column) are dependent on riparian ecosystems.
With watershed restoration, focus seems to fall on the in-stream component. But the forest ecosystem plays an important role. The riparian area extends as far back as 50 metres from each side of a stream. This riparian area links the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and is rich in biodiversity. Riparian restoration has not proceeded at the same rate as in-stream and up-slope restoration. With innovative projects, the Central Westcoast Forest Society is attempting to help the riparian areas catch up.