Conservation of Riparian Ecosystems in the United States

Riparian vegetation occurs on < 1% of the western North American landscape, yet it provides habitats for more species of birds than all other vegetation types combined. Riparian ecosystems tend to be subjected to extensive disturbance. Besides diversion of water from streams and the subsequent stress placed upon the vegetative community, these ecosystems are subjected to agricultural conversions, grazing, channelization, recreational development, and colonization by exotic plants. Given the high value of riparian ecosystems relative to surrounding uplands as wildlife habitats throughout the West, recommendations are offered.