ABSTRACT
A general definition of riparian zones as three-dimensional zones of direct interaction between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems provides a starting point for consideration of the ecological structure and function of riparian forests needed for informed management. Some fundamental ecological issues include: (1) the scale of inquiry (landscape, site), (2) structure and function of the terrestrial system (corridors for plant and animal habitat and dispersal, biodiversity conservation, succession, and species composition), and (3) ecological functions for aquatic ecosystems. Rather than presenting criteria for delineating the boundaries of riparian forests, a case is presented for the importance of management goals in determining functional boundaries of riparian forested wetlands. When considering such forested wetlands with an ecosystem approach, there can not be one single boundary defined for riparian areas that is independent of human goals and independent of scale considerations.
