Objective

Re-establish functional linkages between organisms and their environment.

Description

Riparian forests help to buffer stream temperatures as well as increase landscape connectivity for the migration of species. An example of an adaptation tactic under this approach is to promote conifer species in order to maintain cooler stream temperatures and shading. Another example focused at a landscape level could include the reforestation of riparian areas in agricultural areas to reduce erosion into adjacent water bodies. Many of these functions and benefits may be degraded if riparian forests undergo decline or exacerbated stress from climatic shifts and extreme events. The use of protective guidelines, such as best management practices and riparian management zones, can be used to avoid damage or additional stress to riparian areas during management activities.

Expected results

Enhanced ecosystem and ecosystem functions.

Result indicators

Area of intervention [m²]

Involved actors

Local government, environmental agencies, local stakeholders.

Expected timeline for action

• Medium term (5-10 years)

Best practices

• Bear Creek – Oregon USA
• San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area – Arizona – USA
• Lodz - Poland
• Netherlands

Criticalities

It cannot be attained everywhere. For example, permanent or irreversible changes in hydrologic disturbance regimes, natural processes, channel and floodplain morphology, and other impacts may preclude the ability to precisely or completely re-create the composition, structure, and functions that previously existed.

Scope of the action

• Adaptation

Type of proposed actions

• Green
• Soft

Sector of action

• Biodiversity / Conservation of ecosystems

Climate impacts

• Change or loss of biodiversity
• Other

Implementation scale

• Association of municipalities
• Province
• Region / Country

Source

https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/