Stream Habitat Management for Fish in the Northwestern United States: The Role of Riparian Vegetation

Historical development and land-use patterns along streams draining forest and range watersheds in the northwestern USA have had major effects on riparian vegetation, channel characteristics, and fish habitat. The functional attributes of riparian vegetation that have been altered include the dissipation of stream energy and channel stability, stream shade and temperature control, nutrient cycling, sediment deposition and storage, water storage and release, and others. Recent attempts at enhancing degraded fish habitat include many bioengineering projects that are adding structures of various sizes, materials, and configurations to stream channels. However, a higher priority for the long-term improvement of fish habitat is the implementation of management practices that will allow and encourage the continued functioning and succession of riparian vegetation.