Ground Water/surface Water Interactions

A long-term study of four degraded streams in the upper Owens River watershed documented the recovery of riparian habitats and significant improvement in channel morphology in response to grazing strategies, recreation management, and pre-irrigation peak flows. Increased control of livestock distribution, timing of forage use and degree of forage utilization on and near stream banks was designed to improve infiltration rates and reduce runoff, thereby improving water storage, forage quality, and increased production. Creeks experienced significant increases in riparian species biomass and age structure. Channel widths narrowed and average depths increased significantly. KEY TERMS: grazing, riparian, stream restoration