ABSTRACT
This chapter emphasizes the riparian ecosystem, its condition, and management. “Riparian” as an adjective has been applied to terrestrial and aquatic plant/animal communities, ecosystems, and species that are obligate to free water and more soil moisture than the rainfall alone provides. Primary production on riparian areas resulting from the moist habitat lasting well into the dry season or all summer in some, increases grazing capacity to well above the surrounding non-riparian lands. Excluding livestock and light grazing when compared with heavy use are showing the nature of the damage as well as indicating that riparian vegetation has a high potential for recovery. Riparian area management is a complex exercise for multiple users working together. Riparian sites can be restored without eliminating grazing. Repair of small upland riparian areas usually requires increasing vegetational cover on the watershed, channel structures or both.
