Practical Creek Care - A Handbook for Stewardship | Page 6

THE RIPARIAN CORRIDOR

When looking at your watershed , you can easily identify a creek by its riparian corridor . The riparian corridor ( RC ) is the vegetated area adjacent to ( and including ) the creek . In urban areas , some buildings , recreational facilities , and parking lots may also exist within the riparian corridor . Healthy , diverse riparian corridors are a key part of creek health and aquatic habitat . Dense roots and vegetation stabilize creek banks , help reduce soil loss , filter sediment , and slow flood waters . Trees , shrubs , and their canopies cool the water . The leaves , fallen branches and logs , and other native vegetative debris form the base of the food chain . Riparian corridors provide food , shelter , and shade for fish , amphibians , and other wildlife . A healthy riparian habitat is used by more species of wildlife than any other type of habitat . Characteristics of the RC are listed below .
Upland Zone
Extends away from the wetter riparian area and offers habitat for deer , coyote , and other terrestrial ( land-based ) wildlife . This plant community typically includes drought tolerant plants and oak woodlands .
Creek Banks
The sloping area between the water ’ s edge and level ground . Roots and vegetation stabilize the banks , filler sediments , and reduce soil erosion .
Creek Channel
The area of the riparian corridor that periodically or continually contains flowing water .
Bed
As the bottom of the creek , the bed is usually composed of a mixture of gravel , sand , and silt .
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Woody Debris
Trunks and large branches of trees that have fallen into or alongside the creek .
Pools
Deeper portions of the creek where sediments have been scoured and water flows slowly . Pools are important habitat components for trout and other native fish .
Riffles
Shallower areas where water flows quickly , often over gravel or rocks .
Habitat
Provides food , water , shelter , and space for wildlife and fish .