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Introduction
Streams & Watersheds
Functions and Conditions
Grazing the Landscape
Grazing Riparian Areas
Grazing Management
Management Plan
Supplemental Material
 

 

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Functions & Conditions - Functions of Riparian Areas

Healthy riparian areas provide several important functions which not only enhance ecological health but have economic and social benefits as well. These functions include water storage, flow energy dissipation, water quality, sediment trapping, bank building and maintenance, and primary biotic production.

Figure 2-3
Floodplains slow water, trap nutrient sediments, and reduce peak flows.

 

Store and release water over longer period of time

The soil in the streambanks, floodplain, and substrate under the channel acts as a sponge to retain water. Water retention reduces peak flow after storms and during snow melt (Figure 2-3). This can significantly reduce downstream flooding. As stored water slowly seeps out of the "sponge," it either percolates downward to recharge underground aquifers or moves back into the stream channel, thus extending the availability of surface water in the watershed later into the year.