Filling an Important Data Gap: Valley Bottom Mapping, Riparian Condition Assessment and Geomorphic River Classification of the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion
Location
Ellen Eccles Conference Center
Event Website
https://forestry.usu.edu/htm/video/conferences/restoring-the-west-conference-2014/
Abstract
Riparian areas of the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion (CPE) are among the most productive and diverse ecosystems present in this semiarid region. These small but vital ecosystems support a myriad of aquatic and terrestrial species while simultaneously providing valuable ecosystem services. Maintenance of these important ecosystems requires accurate delineation and characterization. Nevertheless, accurate and comprehensive riparian zone mapping currently does not exist. This project aims to accurately delineate valley bottoms, while characterizing riparian areas and rivers throughout the CPE. The resulting valley bottom mapping, riparian area delineation, riparian condition assessment, and geomorphic river classifications will provide a comprehensive CPE-wide inventory of the distribution and condition of riverine riparian areas. This riparian inventory will serve as an important baseline tool for threat abatement, and for monitoring ecological responses to natural and anthropogenic actions and change.
Filling an Important Data Gap: Valley Bottom Mapping, Riparian Condition Assessment and Geomorphic River Classification of the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion
Ellen Eccles Conference Center
Riparian areas of the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion (CPE) are among the most productive and diverse ecosystems present in this semiarid region. These small but vital ecosystems support a myriad of aquatic and terrestrial species while simultaneously providing valuable ecosystem services. Maintenance of these important ecosystems requires accurate delineation and characterization. Nevertheless, accurate and comprehensive riparian zone mapping currently does not exist. This project aims to accurately delineate valley bottoms, while characterizing riparian areas and rivers throughout the CPE. The resulting valley bottom mapping, riparian area delineation, riparian condition assessment, and geomorphic river classifications will provide a comprehensive CPE-wide inventory of the distribution and condition of riverine riparian areas. This riparian inventory will serve as an important baseline tool for threat abatement, and for monitoring ecological responses to natural and anthropogenic actions and change.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/rtw/2014/Posters/14