Riparian and Wetland Ecosystems K.Launchbaugh Juley Hankins-Smith K.Launchbaugh Riparian and Wetland Ecosystems Rangeland principles, REM 151

Uplands vs. Riparian vs. Wetlands http://water.epa.gov

Uplands K.Launchbaugh Uplands: drier areas on a landscape that are only wet for short periods after precipitation events.

Riparian Riparian: vegetation adjacent to surface waters, such as stream banks and shorelines. K.Launchbaugh Greener vegetation because of water sources. Of all the rangeland regions, riparian areas are the most ecologically important and the most sensitive to degradation. Riparian areas require special consideration in management strategies.

Riparian Riparian Categorization: Lotic Lotic Lentic K.Launchbaugh Lotic Riparian Categorization: Lotic Lentic Lotic: associated with flowing water. Lentic: associated with standing water. In the absence of proper management, ungulates (livestock and wild horses) can do great deal of damage to riparian areas. Livestock, especially cattle, tend to congregate and mill about riparian areas, seldom venturing out onto the uplands. This heavy use pattern leads to extensive trampling of riparian vegetation, creating a wider, shallower, and warmer stream channel, damage to wildlife habitat, and damage to fisheries. K.Launchbaugh

Wetlands K. Launchbaugh Wetlands: Areas with “hydric” soils that are permanently or seasonally saturated by water. K.Launchbaugh

What are Healthy Riparian Area? Vegetation and roots protect and stabilize banks Elevated saturated zone -- increased subsurface storage of water Increased summer streamflow Cooler water in summer, warmer & less icy in winter Improved habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms High forage production and quality High diversity of wildlife habitat

Healthy? Mammoth Creek, Utah – PFC Presentation 2011

What are Degraded Riparian Area? Little vegetation to protect & stabilize banks Lowered saturated zone Little or no summer stream flow Warm water in summer & icy water in winter Poor habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms Low forage production & quality Low diversity of wildlife habitat

Healthy? N. Fork Humboldt River – PFC Presentation 2011

Riparian Plants – Are Important Underestimated for potential to “control” stream systems Large Woody Debris or Rocks/Boulders usually considered first Plants mold the stream to fit the power of the water.

Root Length is Significant

Channel Stability Rating

For Example – Baltic Rush Roots

Beavers! https://youtu.be/1cyPyEQ4OHI

Beavers Herbivore Native Columbia spotted frog Omnivore Bull trout Name Feeding habit Origin Beavers Herbivore Native Columbia spotted frog Omnivore Bull trout Carnivore

Coyote or Sandbar Willow Type Name Longevity Origin Grass-like Baltic Rush Perennial Native Nebraska Sedge Woody Coyote or Sandbar Willow

Baltic Rush Perennial Native Seedhead located on the side of stems; below the tip. Round stems; no joints Few leaves at the base, not the stem Also called wiregrass. Flowers below the tip of the plant. Few leaves = poor forage value. Strongly rhizomatous, forms solid stands. As it starts to dry, it twists which is why its called wiregrass. Creeping rhizomes USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA NRCS. Wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. University of Idaho Stillinger Herbarium (http://www.pnwherbaria.org)

Important wetland plant Baltic Rush Important wetland plant K. Launchbaugh Robert H. Mohlenbrock

Nebraska Sedge Perennial Native Triangular stems Male Plant Female Plant Named in Nebraska, but more common in the West. Monecious (both flowers on one plant) male flower on top, female flower below. Strongly rhizomatous. Nutritious plant. Tough, thick rhizomes Leaves arise on 3 sides of stem University of Idaho Stillinger Herbarium (http://www.pnwherbaria.org) USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 1: 423.

Nebraska Sedge Important riparian plant Distinctive blue leaves Monecious = both flowers on one plant Male Flower Female Flower

Coyote (Sandbar) Willow Perennial Native Long, slender leaves, tapered at both ends. Inflorescences are caterpillar-like catkins. Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 1: 594. University of Idaho Stillinger Herbarium (http://www.pnwherbaria.org

Coyote (Sandbar) Willow Important Riparian Plant K. Launchbaugh K. Launchbaugh Rhizomatous. K. Launchbaugh

Riparian and Wetland Ecosystems K.Launchbaugh Juley Hankins-Smith K.Launchbaugh Riparian and Wetland Ecosystems Rangeland principles, REM 151