Ecological approaches to riparian restoration in northeast Oregon
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Authors: J. B. Kauffman, R. L. Case, D. Lytjen, N. Otting, and D. L. Cummings
Date: 1995
Journal: Restoration and Management Notes
Volume: 13
Number: 1
Pages: 12-15
Summary of Methods: This scientific opinion is based on the authors' experience with riparian restoration while focusing on one riparian restoration project in northeastern Oregon where cattle grazing was stopped along the riparian area after years of overgrazing.
Article Summary / Main Points: In many instances active restoration fails because the driving force of degradation remains on the landscape. In addition, these active restoration projects often use methods that are not completely understood and relevant to the community being restored. Kaufmann et al. contend that without removal of livestock grazing and/or other anthropogenic disturbances, riparian restoration projects will not succeed. Thus, for many instances the use of passive restoration which includes reducing or removing livestock grazing, is encouraged instead of active restoration to restore riparian areas. They profiled the Meadow Creek restoration in northeastern Oregon in which livestock grazing was removed and subsequently the riparian area was on track to return to its potential natural community. Passive restoration may not always be enough to restore a riparian area and active restoration may be needed.
Vegetation Types: Other (includes Forest and Eastern) Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: Not Applicable
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Reclamation
Article Review Type: Peer Reviewed
Article Type: Scientific Opinion
Keywords: riparian ecosystems, grazing, active restoration, passive restoration, willows, salix spp., cottonwoods, populus spp., alder
Annotation: Riparian restoration is very site specific due to the hydrologic processes involved. However, removing or reducing the degrading factor on the landscape is very important and is applicable to almost all restoration projects. Passive restoration by way of removing or lessening grazing pressure or removing other anthropogenic disturbances may be a cost-effective method to initiate riparian restoration projects and increase success rates.
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