Riparian Wetlands & Water Quality Management

Riparian areas are the green borders found along streams, lakes and wetlands. They are made up of unique plant communities comprised of alder, willow, cottonwood and sedges. They comprise only 5% of the landscape yet are critical areas of plant and animal diversity.

A Healthy System

A healthy riparian area has lush and diverse veg etation along the water’s edge. Vegetation reduces water pollution by filtering out sediments, chemicals and extra nutrients from runoff. Water is retained in the soil for longer periods of time and is slowly released. This process enhances longer stream flows and groundwater recharge.

Water running through the area is slow in order to reduce erosion and property loss. Habitat secures food and breeding areas for fish, birds and wildlife as well as keeping water cool in the summer time.

Practices to Enhance Riparian Areas

• Increase buffer width around open water. Studies show that widths of 50 feet trap eroded soils, 100 feet filter pollutants and 200-300 feet provide wildlife corridors.
• Fence livestock away from riparian areas or develop riparian pastures.
• Remove noxious weeds with mechanical rather than chemical means. Replace them with native plants.
• Delay mowing grassy areas until late July when birds are done nesting.

Floodplains

Flooding is a natural stream process. A floodplain is the land that is inundated with water during floods. These areas spread out and slow flood waters, reducing their erosive force. This process encourages aquifer recharge as water seeps into the soil. These areas are nutrient rich from accumulated sediment deposits which build fertile soils.

Riparian Enhancement Programs

Check with local agencies for local, state, and federal riparian enhancement programs that may help you with your particular project. See the Resource Directory for contact information.

Vernal Pools

Vernal pools are part of a unique topographic feature in the Agate Desert area of Jackson County, just north of Medford, Oregon. The pools have an underlying hardpan layer that allows them to hold fall and winter rainwater before they drain and eventually dry out in mid spring. These seasonal wetlands are home to several species that have adapted to the extremes of this intense Mediterranean climate. Similar to other wetland areas, vernal pools provide flood control by acting a sponge to hold runoff, contribute to good water quality and provide habitat for a wide range of local and migratory wildlife. During the spring these areas contribute to the beauty of the area by having dazzling displays of wild flowers. The assemblage of plants and animals on the Agate Desert are so unique many of them can only be seen here.

Vernal pools have three distinct phases. This wet/dry cycle adds to the complexity of these wetland systems. For more information regarding vernal pools, check with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Jackson County or Rogue Valley Council of Governments. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can provide technical and funding assistance that may help with you particular project. See the Resource Directory on the inside front cover for contact information.