.Riparian . .Area . Management Handbook E-952 Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Oklahoma State University . Oklahoma Conservation Commission .............................................................................................. 109 .Riparian . .Area . Management Handbook E-952 Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Oklahoma State University . Oklahoma Conservation Commission .............................................................................................. 99 © Copyright 1998 Oklahoma State Unviersity Use of the material herein may be copied or quoted if credited to Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma State University. Production, Editing, and Design: Margi Stone Cooper Photos (unless otherwise noted): Todd Johnson Illustrations: Jon Dickey .............................................................................................. 100 Table of Contents Acknowledgments .................................................................................................... v Foreword ................................................................................................................. vi Introduction ..........................................................................................................viii Benefits and Functions of Riparian Areas .............................................................. 1 Anna Fallon, Oklahoma State University Michael Smolen, Oklahoma State University Ecoregions .............................................................................................................. 5 Bruce Hoagland, Oklahoma Biological Survey and the University of Oklahoma Scott Stoodley, Oklahoma State University Vegetation ..............................................................................................................19 Bruce Hoagland, Oklahoma Biological Survey and the University of Oklahoma Forest Management in Riparian Areas ..................................................................35 Robert Miller, Okla. Dept. of Agriculture - Forestry Services Division (retired) John Norris, Okla. Dept. of Agriculture - Forestry Services Division Assessing Stream Stability and Sensitivity .............................................................41 John Mueller, Natural Resources Conservation Service Michael Smolen, Oklahoma State University R. Daren Harmel, Oklahoma State University Russell Dutnell, Oklahoma Conservation Commission Grazing and Riparian Area Management ............................................................. 47 Mark Moseley, Natural Resources Conservation Service R. Daren Harmel, Oklahoma State University Reggie Blackwell, USDA - Forest Service, Black Kettle National Grasslands Terry Bidwell, Oklahoma State University Managing Riparian Areas for Wildlife ..................................................................55 Julianne Whitaker Hoagland - Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Mark Howery - Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Alan Stacey - Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Rod Smith - Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Steve Tully - Natural Resources Conservation Service Ron Masters - Oklahoma State University David Leslie, Jr. - Oklahoma State University Scott Stoodley - Oklahoma State University Riparian Buffer Recommendations ....................................................................... 63 R. Daren Harmel, Oklahoma State University .............................................................................................. 101iii Appendix............................................................................................................... 75 Table 1. Woodland-dependent wildlife bird species that may be attracted to an RBS ..........................................................................................................77 Table 2. Woodland-dependent wildlife mammal, amphibian, and reptile species that may be attracted to an RBS ............................................................78 Table 3. Shrubland/thicket-dependent wildlife species that may be attracted to an RBS .......................................................................................... 79 Table 4. Riparian tree and shrub species with relatively high value to wildlife for planting in Zones 1 and 2 of the riparian buffer system (RBS) ......80 Table 5. A list of common woody species in Oklahoma riparian zones ........... 81 Who to Contact ................................................................................................86 Incentive Programs ............................................................................................89 Glossary............................................................................................................ 91 References ........................................................................................................ 93 .............................................................................................. 102iv Acknowledgments This handbook is a testament to the teamwork and generosity of all involved. Team- work was critical because individuals from many different federal and state agencies collaborated on this project over its two-and-a-half-year duration. We would especially like to recognize the members of the technical staff who braved rivers, analyzed endless reports, and endured weekly meetings. Our sincerest thanks go to Daren Harmel and Scott Stoodley, both from Oklahoma State University, and John Mueller from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. We also owe a debt of gratitude to the members of the technical review group, who have given of their time and expertise and have helped write a great deal of this hand- book: • Reggie Blackwell, U.S. Forest Service - Black Kettle National Grasslands • Terry Bidwell, Oklahoma State University • Mark Derichsweiler, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality • Bruce Hoagland, Oklahoma Biological Survey and the University of Oklahoma • Julianne Hoagland, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation • Derrill Putman, Bureau of Indian Affairs (formerly of the Oklahoma Conserva- tion Commission) • Phil Moershel, Oklahoma Conservation Commission • Mark Moseley, Natural Resources Conservation Service • John Norris, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture - Forestry Services Division • Sylvia Ritzky, U.S. EPA, Dallas (formerly Office of the Secretary of Environment) • Robert Miller, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture - Forestry Services Division (retired) The composition of the technical review group has changed over time, so we would also like to extend thanks to the many other individuals who have contributed. This project was supported in part by a grant from EPA Region 6 under Section 104 (b) (3) FY 1994 (Wetlands Program Task 200). State support was provided by the Oklahoma State University Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Biological Survey, Office of the Sec- retary of Environment, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Oklahoma Depart- ment of Wildlife Conservation, and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. Anna Fallon, Project Manager, Extension Engineer/Environmental Scientist Oklahoma State University Michael Smolen, Project Director, Coordinator, Water Quality Programs Oklahoma State University July 1998 .............................................................................................. 103v Foreword The riparian management project is a joint effort of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. The project began in 1994 with the grant “Management Program for Riparian Areas to Protect Water Quality” from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Wetlands Program. The project had three levels of activity: a technical staff, an advisory committee, and a technical review group. The technical staff, composed of faculty, students, and staff from Oklahoma State University and a professional from the Natural Resources Con- servation Service, was responsible for day-to-day research and report preparation. Input from commodity and interest groups was solicited through the advisory com- mittee. The technical review group consisted of professionals from state and federal environ- mental agencies, including the Oklahoma Biological Survey, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, Oklahoma Depart- ment of Wildlife Conservation, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture - Forestry Services, Office of the Secretary of Environment, the USDA Natural Resources Con- servation Service, and the U.S. Forest Service. The technical review group helped prepare materials and reviewed documents for technical content. Project Goals Project goals and objectives were to: • Establish technical guidelines for riparian protection and management measures; • Develop a working partnership of federal and state agencies, landowners, producer groups, and environmental groups; • Provide a basis for public education and understanding of the role of riparian areas in protecting water quality; and • Recommend policy options for state riparian programs. Purpose of This Handbook This handbook provides a resource of riparian-related information to the general public and technical staffs in counties and conservation districts. The handbook begins with background