PARENT SESSION
Symposium #18: Understanding and Restoring Riparian Ecosystems at Risk: The Great Basin Ecosystem Management Project.
Organized by: JC Chambers and JR Miller
Wednesday, August 7. 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Turquoise Ballroom, TCC.
Restoration approaches for riparian ecosystems in the central Great Basin.
Chambers, Jeanne*,1, Miller, Jerry2, 1 USDA Forest Service Research, Reno, NV2 Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
ABSTRACT- Riparian ecosystems in the central Great Basin are subject to the separate and interacting effects of natural and anthropogenic disturbance at multiple scales. Many of the stream systems are in an incisional phase due to Holocene climate changes and the effects of these changes on hillslope and fluvial processes. The streams are functioning as nonequilibrium systems and restoration to conditions that existed prior to incision is unrealistic. A major focus of management should be on maintaining stable riparian ecosystems by minimizing the rate of stream incision. This will require a holistic approach based on an understanding of watershed sensitivity to disturbance and of incisional processes occurring at the stream segment/reach level. The restoration potential of individual riparian ecosystems depends on geomorphic position, the characteristics of the hydrologic regime, and nature of the disturbance. Riparian ecosystems with intact stream systems or hydrologic regimes that have not crossed an abiotic threshold due to stream incision and lowered water tables often can be restored. Those with incised stream systems or altered hydrologic regimes frequently have crossed an abiotic threshold and represent a new state with a different site potential. State and transition approaches can be used for defining thresholds, determining site potentials and deciding on restoration techniques. Proactive management of both riparian ecosystems and their linked watersheds is necessary to prevent the widespread degradation of these ecosystems.
KEY WORDS: Great Basin, restoration, riparian ecosystems, stream incision