Characterization of Riparian

The purpose of this introductory paper is simply to bring together in a general way some of the more important factors influencing riparian ecosystems. Riparii'.n ecosys­ tems are defined as those "on or by la."ld bordering a stream, lake, tidewater, or other body of water." Open water is the key to this definition and to the context of this paper. A riparian system is the interface between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. It may also include adjacent vegetation that can influence both the aquatic system and the ter­ restrial-aquatic interface. Judging how much open water is enough to qualify an area as "riparian" depends on wildlife requirements. For example, how long must an intermit­ tent stream run to provide for the essential needs of key wildlife? Unfortunately, discus­ sion of such criteria is outside the scope of this paper. Instead, six kinds of environmen­ tal factors influencing the riparian system will be discussed.