Riparian Ecology in the Henry's Fork Watershed

Abstract

Differences in hydrology between spring-fed and runoff-dominated streams strongly influence riparian characteristics in the Henry's Fork watershed, Idaho. Overbank deposition of sediment is largely responsible for maintaining riparian characteristics along runoff-dominated streams, whereas perennially high water tables and organic matter inputs support distinctly different riparian communities along spring-fed channels. Human activities also influence riparian characteristics, with roads, hydrologic alterations, and grazing causing the most widespread changes. Rehabilitation of degraded riparian areas is well underway in the Henry's Fork watershed, but ongoing rapid development and extensive hydrologic alterations present significant challenges to future rehabilitation efforts. We synthesize existing information to describe patterns of riparian ecology in the Henry's Fork watershed, discuss obstacles and opportunities for riparian rehabilitation, and present indicators to help determine if riparian health problems exist.