A new data‐driven riparian revegetation design method

Abstract Hydrologic and physical gradients influence vegetation zonation can form the basis of riparian revegetation design. We present a new data‐driven method to develop designs by relating ground height above river (HAR) or low streamflow water surface as groundwater proxy existing cover types applying those relationships design conditions. Steps in process are follows: (1) map within corridor; (2) construct topographic digital elevation models (DEMs), then difference DEMs create HAR detrended DEM (HAR dtDEM); (3) define habitat zones using relationship between dtDEM mapped types; (4) apply zone boundaries topography; (5) planting schematics topography. developed for rehabilitation site on Trinity River, California, method. used five areas: aquatic, emergent margin, mesic, mesic–xeric transition, xeric zones. Zonal were identified four criteria: capillary fringe flow surface, shifts from herbaceous woody‐dominated types, equal >0.5 m two adjacent ranked locations where linear trendline intersected median values group regression residuals changed positive negative vice versa. The was most effective when determining near channel. shift defined boundary margin mesic zone. Elevation increases upper lower transition best. Comparing useful separating drier occurring higher surfaces. Existing applied topography direct which selected native plant species could be arranged improve survival increase ecological function following rehabilitation.