What is a riparian area?

A riparian area is the area of land adjacent to a body of water (ie: streams, creeks, lakes, wetlands, ponds, etc) that plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality, preventing erosion, and providing habitat. It forms a corridor between the land and a body of water, whether the water is flowing or standing. The overall area is made up of three zones: the aquatic zone, the riparian zone, and the upland zone. A healthy riparian area contains diverse plant species and both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.  

The aquatic zone is the water body itself, including the stream bed, banks, and any submerged vegetation. Key features of the aquatic zone include:
– Providing habitat for fish, invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles
– Supporting aquatic plants like algae, aquatic grasses, and rooted plants
– Playing a vital role in water filtration and nutrient cycling

The riparian zone is the transitional area between the aquatic zone and the upland zone. Key features of the riparian zone include:
– Inclusion of wetlands, marshes, and swamps
– Providing habitat for a variety of wildlife (birds, mammals, and insects)
– Characterized by moisture-loving plants like willows, alders, and cottonwoods
– Helps with bank stability and the prevention of erosion

The upland zone is the higher and drier area that borders the riparian zone. Key features of the upland zone include:
– Can include forests, grasslands, and/or agricultural fields
– Less directly influenced by the water body, but still plays an important role in the overall ecosystem
– Can serve as a buffer that protects the riparian zone from disturbances

Why does this project exist?

Along waterways the loss of land from erosion, increased sedimentation and loss of habitat is a growing concern in the Boundary. As extreme weather events become the norm, this project aims to identify riparian areas throughout the Boundary that are at risk of future degradation. 

What causes a riparian area to be ‘at risk’?

In general, an unhealthy riparian area is one with poor soil quality, little-to-no plant life, and/or no diversity in the plants and wildlife present:
– Poor soil composition in the riparian zone has a higher potential for erosion during high moisture events.
– A lack of both aquatic and terrestrial plant species is an indicator of an unhealthy riparian area. Trees, shrubs, and some grasses use their roots, water uptake ability, and mass to help stabilize the banks and waterways. They play a crucial role in preventing erosion

Why does it matter if a riparian area is at risk?

When a riparian area is lacking these fundamental building blocks (healthy soils, diverse vegetation and wildlife, etc), it holds the potential to cause downstream damage. High water events, such as heavy rain fall or flooding, can move large amounts of sediment downstream. The sediment is deposited in slower-moving areas like floodplains and river bends, forming gravel bars or islands. These formations can alter the flow of water, potentially causing erosion or flooding. Additionally, these new routes can reduce the water depth, leading to increased water temperatures during the summer months. This warmer water can harm fish, invertebrates, and amphibians. The increase of sediment in the water can water quality, hindering vegetative growth and reducing oxygen levels for fish. While a certain amount of sediment movement is necessary for a healthy ecosystem, excessive amounts can have detrimental effects.

What else?

Have you got a question that we missed? Feel free to reach out to [email protected] with your questions!