Streamside Habitat

Riparian vegetation helps the environment in many ways, including:

• Keeping water cool by providing shade from trees
• Creating habitat for fish and wildlife like salmon, frogs, turtles, birds, and beavers
• Reducing the amount of pollution entering the water
• Preventing soil from washing away along streambanks

Over time, this important habitat has declined in size and become less connected to rivers and streams, especially in lowlands and valleys. Human activities, invasive weeds, and livestock have contributed to the decline of healthy riparian areas.

To restore these habitats, people start by removing invasive plants, planting native trees and shrubs, and putting up fences to keep livestock out while providing other access to water.