Restored Riparian Buffers as Tools for Ecosystem Restoration in the MAIA;211 Processes, Endpoints, and Measures of Success for Water, Soil, Flora and Fauna

摘要

Riparian buffer restorations are used as management tools to produce favorable211u001ewater quality impacts, moreover the basis for riparian buffers as an instrument 211u001eof water quality restoration rests on a relatively firm foundation. Two broad 211u001eareas of research are indicated. First, data are needed to document the relative 211u001eeffectiveness of riparian buffers that differ according to width, length, and 211u001eplant species composition. These questions, of managing buffer dimension and 211u001especies composition for functionality, are of central importance even when 211u001eattenuation of nutrient and sediment loads alone are considered. Second, where 211u001eecosystem restoration is the goal, effects to in-stream and terrestrial riparian 211u001ebiota need to be considered. Relatedly, the effects of the restoration on the 211u001elandscape need to be considered. Particularly, at what rate do the effects of the 211u001eriparian buffer on in-stream water quality, biota, and habitat diminish 211u001edownstream from restored sites. USEPA-NRML has initiated a research project that 211u001ewil document the potential for buffers to restore riparian ecosystems; focusing 211u001eon water quality effects but also, importantly, documeting effects on biota.