Effects of land use practices on western riparian ecosystems

Abstract

Riparian ecosystems are among the rarest and most sensitive habitat types in the western United States. Riparian habitat is critical for up to 80% of terrestrial vertebrate species, and is especially important in the arid West. Estimates have placed riparian habitat loss at greater than 95% in most western states. Impacts to riparian ecosystems are reviewed along with mitigation and conservation recommendations for resource managers.