A Recreationist's Guide to Riparian Areas

Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, AA s a recreationist, you have a unique opportunity to help Idaho, and Alaska maintain or improve the health of streams and riparian areas. It’s all about plants A Recreationist’s Guide to Riparian Areas A riparian area is the land adjacent to a stream, lake, or Healthy riparian areas include a variety of types and wetland. Healthy riparian areas often have moist, fertile soils ages of plants, including trees, shrubs, grasses, and For more information that support many types of plants. These plants provide food groundcovers. Life on the Edge: Improving Riparian Function (D. Godwin, 2000, Oregon State University and shelter to numerous fish and wildlife. Extension Service, EM 8738). http://eesc.oregonstate.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat/EM8738.pdf Most native plants are well adapted to their region. In The Pacific Northwest’s growing population adds to the Principles of Leave No Trace (Leave No Trace, Inc.). http://www.LNT.org/ the Pacific Northwest, a few of the common native Taking Care of numbers of people accessing our waterways. Recreational riparian plants are: Stream Corridor Restoration—Principles, Processes, and Practices (The Federal Interagency uses include fishing, kayaking, bird watching, camping, Stream Restoration Working Group, 1998, revised August 2000). http://www.usda.gov/ biking, hunting, jet skiing, and more. Although designated stream_restoration • Alder • Red-osier dogwood access points are provided throughout the Northwest, many • Black cottonwood • Salmonberry people access the water from public or private properties that • Devils club • Sitka spruce EPA Region 10 State Fish and Wildlife offices Seattle, WA Alaska—907-465-4100 lack proper access facilities. In these places, proper care of the • Douglas-fir • Snowberry 206-553-1200 http://www.state.ak.us/adfg/adfghome.htm riparian area will ensure a more pleasant experience for all • Elderberry • Swamp rose 800-424-4372 (toll free in AK, ID, OR, WA) streams users, as well as better conditions for fish and wildlife. Idaho—208-334-3700 streams • Oceanspray • Western hemlock http://www.epa.gov/r10earth/ http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/fishgame.html • Oregon ash • Western redcedar Cooperative Extension Service Oregon—503-872-5268 in Washington, Oregon, Healthy riparian areas: • Pacific ninebark • Willow Alaska—907-786-6300 http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ Idaho, and Alaska http://www.uaf.edu/coop-ext/ • Reduce the chance of damaging floods Washington—360-902-2200 • Improve water quality Idaho—208-885-6639 http://www.wa.gov/wdfw/ http://www.uidaho.edu/ag/extension/ • Store and release water, moderating stream flow U.S. Forest Service Oregon—541-737-4021 http://www.fs.fed.us • Provide habitat for fish and wildlife Enjoy and respect http://oregonstate.edu/extension/ Bureau of Land Management our streams. Washington—509-335-2885 http://www.blm.gov/nhp/ Why do riparian areas matter? http://wawater.wsu.edu Plants in healthy riparian areas: • Provide wood to streams, creating fish habitat and Snowberry Lupine Oceanspray slowing the stream current after storms. • Shade streams in summer. Cool water is healthier for many native fish species. Funded in part by USEPA Region 10 and the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension • Help prevent erosion by holding soil in place with roots. System. Regional Water Quality Coordination Team: Marilyn Freeman, EPA liaison; Robert L. Mahler, University of Idaho; J. Ronald Miner, Oregon State University; Robert Simmons, Washington State • Filter sediment out of muddy runoff, keeping sediment University; Fred Sorensen, University of Alaska; and Sylvia Kantor, Washington State University (editor). from smothering fish habitat. Cover photo (bottom) courtesy of USDA NRCS. Canoe photo courtesy of John H. McShane. • Allow rain to soak into the soil instead of running © 2002 Oregon State University. This publication may be photocopied or reprinted in its entirety directly into the stream. This allows water to be released for noncommercial purposes. Published and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914, by the Pacific Northwest Extension publishing cooperative (Oregon State University slowly to the stream during the dry season. Extension Service, Washington State University Cooperative Extension, and the University of Idaho • Filter out pollutants, such as fertilizers, pesticides, Cooperative Extension System) in cooperation with the University of Alaska. The four participating Extension Services offer educational programs, activities, and materials—without regard to race, color, sediment, and animal wastes. religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, and disabled veteran or • Provide food sources, homes, shelter, and travel corridors Vietnam-era veteran status—as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Oregon State University for wildlife, fish, and other aquatic organisms. Extension Service, Washington State University Cooperative Extension, University of Idaho The bottom line is: Cooperative Extension System, and Alaska Cooperative Extension are Equal Opportunity Employers. • A more appealing natural setting Published October 2002. AA Recreationist’s Landowner’s Guide Guide to to Riparian Riparian Areas Areas • Cleaner water PNW 561 • October 2002 • A Pacific Northwest Extension publication • More water in the stream during summer Oregon State University • University of Idaho • Washington State University • Homes and food for fish and wildlife in cooperation with the University of Alaska Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, AA s a recreationist, you have a unique opportunity to help Idaho, and Alaska maintain or improve the health of streams and riparian areas. It’s all about plants A Recreationist’s Guide to Riparian Areas A riparian area is the land adjacent to a stream, lake, or Healthy riparian areas include a variety of types and wetland. Healthy riparian areas often have moist, fertile soils ages of plants, including trees, shrubs, grasses, and For more information that support many types of plants. These plants provide food groundcovers. Life on the Edge: Improving Riparian Function (D. Godwin, 2000, Oregon State University and shelter to numerous fish and wildlife. Extension Service, EM 8738). http://eesc.oregonstate.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat/EM8738.pdf Most native plants are well adapted to their region. In The Pacific Northwest’s growing population adds to the Principles of Leave No Trace (Leave No Trace, Inc.). http://www.LNT.org/ the Pacific Northwest, a few of the common native Taking Care of numbers of people accessing our waterways. Recreational riparian plants are: Stream Corridor Restoration—Principles, Processes, and Practices (The Federal Interagency uses include fishing, kayaking, bird watching, camping, Stream Restoration Working Group, 1998, revised August 2000). http://www.usda.gov/ biking, hunting, jet skiing, and more. Although designated stream_restoration • Alder • Red-osier dogwood access points are provided throughout the Northwest, many • Black cottonwood • Salmonberry people access the water from public or private properties that • Devils club • Sitka spruce EPA Region 10 State Fish and Wildlife offices Seattle, WA Alaska—907-465-4100 lack proper access facilities. In these places, proper care of the • Douglas-fir • Snowberry 206-553-1200 http://www.state.ak.us/adfg/adfghome.htm riparian area will ensure a more pleasant experience for all • Elderberry • Swamp rose 800-424-4372 (toll free in AK, ID, OR, WA) streams users, as well as better conditions for fish and wildlife. Idaho—208-334-3700 streams • Oceanspray • Western hemlock http://www.epa.gov/r10earth/ http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/fishgame.html • Oregon ash • Western redcedar Cooperative Extension Service Oregon—503-872-5268 in Washington, Oregon, Healthy riparian areas: • Pacific ninebark • Willow Alaska—907-786-6300 http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ Idaho, and Alaska http://www.uaf.edu/coop-ext/ • Reduce the chance of damaging floods Washington—360-902-2200 • Improve water quality Idaho—208-885-6639 http://www.wa.gov/wdfw/ http://www.uidaho.edu/ag/extension/ • Store and release water, moderating stream flow U.S. Forest Service Oregon—541-737-4021 http://www.fs.fed.us • Provide habitat for fish and wildlife Enjoy and respect http://oregonstate.edu/extension/ Bureau of Land Management our streams. Washington—509-335-2885 http://www.blm.gov/nhp/ Why do riparian areas matter? http://wawater.wsu.edu Plants in healthy riparian areas: • Provide wood to streams, creating fish habitat and Snowberry Lupine Oceanspray slowing the stream current after storms. • Shade streams in summer. Cool water is healthier for many native fish species. Funded in part by USEPA Region 10 and the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension • Help prevent erosion by holding soil in place with roots. System. Regional Water Quality Coordination Team: Marilyn Freeman, EPA liaison; Robert L. Mahler, University of Idaho; J. Ronald Miner, Oregon State University; Robert Simmons, Washington State • Filter sediment out of muddy runoff, keeping sediment University; Fred Sorensen, University of Alaska; and Sylvia Kantor, Washington State University (editor). from smothering fish habitat. Cover photo (bottom) courtesy of USDA NRCS. Canoe photo courtesy of John H. McShane. • Allow rain to soak into the soil instead of running © 2002 Oregon State University. This publication may be photocopied or reprinted in its entirety directly into the stream. This allows water to be released for noncommercial purposes. Published and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914, by the Pacific Northwest Extension publishing cooperative (Oregon State University slowly to the stream during the dry season. Extension Service, Washington State University Cooperative Extension, and the University of Idaho • Filter out pollutants, such as fertilizers, pesticides, Cooperative Extension System) in cooperation with the University of Alaska. The four participating Extension Services offer educational programs, activities, and materials—without regard to race, color, sediment, and animal wastes. religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, and disabled veteran or • Provide food sources, homes, shelter, and travel corridors Vietnam-era veteran status—as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Oregon State University for wildlife, fish, and other aquatic organisms. Extension Service, Washington State University Cooperative Extension, University of Idaho The bottom line is: Cooperative Extension System, and Alaska Cooperative Extension are Equal Opportunity Employers. • A more appealing natural setting Published October 2002. AA Recreationist’s Landowner’s Guide Guide to to Riparian Riparian Areas Areas • Cleaner water PNW 561 • October 2002 • A Pacific Northwest Extension publication • More water in the stream during summer Oregon State University • University of Idaho • Washington State University • Homes and food for fish and wildlife in cooperation with the University of Alaska WhatWhat CanCan YouYou Do?Do?

Campers Fishers and floaters • Set your camp away from the water’s edge to prevent • Use officially established access points. trampling of riparian vegetation and to protect yourself • Avoid driving to the water’s edge, as this damages plants from varying stream flows. and habitat. • Avoid creating numerous trails through riparian areas. • Be careful not to damage habitat or litter. Horseback riding. Bicyclists. • Use biodegradable detergents for washing, and wash Fishermen. (Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS) • If you catch a hook in a tree, remove it and properly away from streams and lakes. dispose of any tangled line. • Reduce garbage by minimizing the amount of disposable • Do not release leftover live bait into streams. How do people items and prepackaged foods you use. Pack out and change riparian areas? properly dispose of all garbage. Motorized craft users • Bring in your own firewood. Forest woody debris are an • Maintain your boat in proper working condition. When we recreate in and along riparian areas, we may important part of the ecosystem, building soils when they • Do repairs and painting in dry dock, using tarps to damage the plants that are vital to the area. Riparian decay, holding soil during floods, and providing habitat contain spilled pollutants. plants can be damaged and eliminated through for wildlife, fish, and insects. • Be sure your equipment is not leaking fuel or oils. trampling, soil compaction, and other recreational • Discourage dogs and people from walking in rivers or • Add fuel in a parking lot to minimize the chance of spills. practices. Nonnative noxious weeds, which compete streams to protect salmon eggs and fry that may be Clean up any spills that do occur. with native plants, can be spread via the soles of boots, hiding in bottom gravels. tire treads, and boat propellers and trailers. • Fill fuel tanks only 90 percent full; gas expands when • Bury human and dog fecal matter at least 6 inches warm. Plants, particularly trees and shrubs, catch rainfall and deep and well away from riparian areas. Better yet, use a • Check propellers and jets for exotic plant or animal allow it to soak slowly into the ground instead of bucket for later disposal in a campground toilet. species before launching boats and immediately after Off-road fun. A summer float. running quickly into streams. When riparian plants are removing them from the water. absent or sparse, runoff from storms reaches streams Hikers and bikers • Empty bilge and bait buckets away from the waterway to too fast, causing erosion as well as downstream flood- • Stay out of streams as much as possible and use designated prevent introduction of nonnative species. ing. In areas without riparian plants to slow and filter stream crossings to prevent bank and stream degradation. • Empty sewage only in approved dumping stations to water, pesticides, animal waste, fertilizers, and sediment • Stay on designated trails to prevent off-trail damage to prevent pollution of waterways. can reach the stream more easily. natural vegetation. • Identify and avoid nesting and spawning habitats before When streams and riparian areas are not healthy, • Avoid hiking in restricted salmon areas to prevent stress using watercraft in nearshore areas. people feel the consequences. to spawning fish. • Watch your wake to prevent shoreline erosion. • We lose recreational areas. • Check shoe soles and tire treads for weed seeds before • Fish and wildlife decline, reducing opportunities and after using trails. All campground for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. • Be aware of and respect private property boundaries. and waterway users • Increased flooding may cause erosion and property • Pack out all cans, bottles, and garbage to protect humans damage. Pets and pack animals • Keep all animals out of streams. and wildlife. Trash endangers wildlife and jeopardizes • The region may lose economic opportunities water quality and safety. • Tether riding animals away from streams, wetlands, and because people avoid unattractive and unhealthy • Dispose of coolers or bait containers properly to prevent Whitewater kayakers. lakes to prevent fecal matter from entering the water and areas. breakdown and distribution of Styrofoam beads. to protect riparian plants from damage. • Keep pet wastes away from streams, riparian areas, and • Minimize the number of stock you use by packing less. paved areas. Taking Care of Streams in Washington, Oregon, AA s a recreationist, you have a unique opportunity to help Idaho, and Alaska maintain or improve the health of streams and riparian areas. It’s all about plants A Recreationist’s Guide to Riparian Areas A riparian area is the land adjacent to a stream, lake, or Healthy riparian areas include a variety of types and wetland. Healthy riparian areas often have moist, fertile soils ages of plants, including trees, shrubs, grasses, and For more information that support many types of plants. These plants provide food groundcovers. Life on the Edge: Improving Riparian Function (D. Godwin, 2000, Oregon State University and shelter to numerous fish and wildlife. Extension Service, EM 8738). http://eesc.oregonstate.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat/EM8738.pdf Most native plants are well adapted to their region. In The Pacific Northwest’s growing population adds to the Principles of Leave No Trace (Leave No Trace, Inc.). http://www.LNT.org/ the Pacific Northwest, a few of the common native Taking Care of numbers of people accessing our waterways. Recreational riparian plants are: Stream Corridor Restoration—Principles, Processes, and Practices (The Federal Interagency uses include fishing, kayaking, bird watching, camping, Stream Restoration Working Group, 1998, revised August 2000). http://www.usda.gov/ biking, hunting, jet skiing, and more. Although designated stream_restoration • Alder • Red-osier dogwood access points are provided throughout the Northwest, many • Black cottonwood • Salmonberry people access the water from public or private properties that • Devils club • Sitka spruce EPA Region 10 State Fish and Wildlife offices Seattle, WA Alaska—907-465-4100 lack proper access facilities. In these places, proper care of the • Douglas-fir • Snowberry 206-553-1200 http://www.state.ak.us/adfg/adfghome.htm riparian area will ensure a more pleasant experience for all • Elderberry • Swamp rose 800-424-4372 (toll free in AK, ID, OR, WA) streams users, as well as better conditions for fish and wildlife. Idaho—208-334-3700 streams • Oceanspray • Western hemlock http://www.epa.gov/r10earth/ http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/fishgame.html • Oregon ash • Western redcedar Cooperative Extension Service Oregon—503-872-5268 in Washington, Oregon, Healthy riparian areas: • Pacific ninebark • Willow Alaska—907-786-6300 http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ Idaho, and Alaska http://www.uaf.edu/coop-ext/ • Reduce the chance of damaging floods Washington—360-902-2200 • Improve water quality Idaho—208-885-6639 http://www.wa.gov/wdfw/ http://www.uidaho.edu/ag/extension/ • Store and release water, moderating stream flow U.S. Forest Service Oregon—541-737-4021 http://www.fs.fed.us • Provide habitat for fish and wildlife Enjoy and respect http://oregonstate.edu/extension/ Bureau of Land Management our streams. Washington—509-335-2885 http://www.blm.gov/nhp/ Why do riparian areas matter? http://wawater.wsu.edu Plants in healthy riparian areas: • Provide wood to streams, creating fish habitat and Snowberry Lupine Oceanspray slowing the stream current after storms. • Shade streams in summer. Cool water is healthier for many native fish species. Funded in part by USEPA Region 10 and the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension • Help prevent erosion by holding soil in place with roots. System. Regional Water Quality Coordination Team: Marilyn Freeman, EPA liaison; Robert L. Mahler, University of Idaho; J. Ronald Miner, Oregon State University; Robert Simmons, Washington State • Filter sediment out of muddy runoff, keeping sediment University; Fred Sorensen, University of Alaska; and Sylvia Kantor, Washington State University (editor). from smothering fish habitat. Cover photo (bottom) courtesy of USDA NRCS. Canoe photo courtesy of John H. McShane. • Allow rain to soak into the soil instead of running © 2002 Oregon State University. This publication may be photocopied or reprinted in its entirety directly into the stream. This allows water to be released for noncommercial purposes. Published and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914, by the Pacific Northwest Extension publishing cooperative (Oregon State University slowly to the stream during the dry season. Extension Service, Washington State University Cooperative Extension, and the University of Idaho • Filter out pollutants, such as fertilizers, pesticides, Cooperative Extension System) in cooperation with the University of Alaska. The four participating Extension Services offer educational programs, activities, and materials—without regard to race, color, sediment, and animal wastes. religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, and disabled veteran or • Provide food sources, homes, shelter, and travel corridors Vietnam-era veteran status—as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Oregon State University for wildlife, fish, and other aquatic organisms. Extension Service, Washington State University Cooperative Extension, University of Idaho The bottom line is: Cooperative Extension System, and Alaska Cooperative Extension are Equal Opportunity Employers. • A more appealing natural setting Published October 2002. AA Recreationist’s Landowner’s Guide Guide to to Riparian Riparian Areas Areas • Cleaner water PNW 561 • October 2002 • A Pacific Northwest Extension publication • More water in the stream during summer Oregon State University • University of Idaho • Washington State University • Homes and food for fish and wildlife in cooperation with the University of Alaska