Using Stream Classification to Prioritize Riparian Rehabilitation after Extreme Events

2 Extension Range Specialist and Research Scientist, University of Nevada, Department of Range Wildlife and Forestry, Reno, Nevada. Abstract: Historic use of many stream riparian areas and associated watersheds has impaired the capacity of riparian vegetation and floodplains to reduce stream energy and trap sediments. As low-gradient streams with erodible banks increase in width and change their pattern, they approach a threshold of instability. Once a stream exceeds a threshold, it must proceed through a process of geomorphic gully evolution that includes degradation, widening, and aggradation phases. Opportunities for enhancing and maintaining favorable conditions of stream morphology and associated riparian values vary throughout this process. The highest priority stream reaches for watershed, riparian, and stream management are those approaching the threshold. After the degradation phase, the marginal reaction to management input increases as the gully widens. Riparian grazing can be managed in a variety of ways to avoid detrimental effects. A useful alternative to a riparian exclosure is a riparian pasture that can be managed for optimum riparian resource values.