HR: 14:05h
AN: H32D-02    [PDF]
TI: Matching Form to Function in Forestry Riparian Buffer Zones
AU: Schoenholtz, S H
EM: Stephen.Schoenholtz@oregonstate.edu
AF: Oregon State University Department of Forest Engineering, 215 Peavy Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331 United States
AU: Skaugset, A E
EM: Arne.Skaugset@oregonstate.edu
AF: Oregon State University Department of Forest Engineering, 215 Peavy Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331 United States
AU: * Keim, R F
EM: Richard.Keim@oregonstate.edu
AF: Oregon State University Department of Forest Engineering, 215 Peavy Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331 United States
AB: Riparian buffer zones are common tools for preventing negative effects of forest management on streams. Following experience in agricultural settings, buffers have been expected to mitigate temperature increases, decrease inputs of sediment and nutrients, prevent disturbance to stream channels, and provide organic debris. Our research in several forested watersheds of the Pacific Northwest and southeastern USA has revealed these functions are not universally important, and that directed management in riparian zones can enhance some functions without unduly compromising others, as demonstrated by three examples. First, riparian zones in forested watersheds rarely function as "filter strips" to remove sediment from overland flow. Instead, buffers usually prevent sediment inputs to streams mainly by reducing disturbance in and near channels. Second, although shade from riparian vegetation prevents stream temperature increases, temperature effects of removing vegetation may be only localized in gaining streams. Third, active management of riparian vegetation can potentially provide more large woody debris than undisturbed buffers. We suggest that science must inform efforts to design effective BMPs such as buffer strips because of substantial variability in dominant processes and desired values. We further suggest that applying scientifically based BMPs tailored to specific landscapes can improve BMP effectiveness.
DE: 1803 Anthropogenic effects
DE: 1815 Erosion and sedimentation
DE: 1871 Surface water quality
SC: Hydrology [H]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting