What is a Riparian Ecosystem?

A riparian ecosystem involves the area in and surrounding a creek, stream, or other waterway. This includes the plants, wildlife, and biological interactions occurring within the system.

Why is streamside care important?

Not only does a creek or stream add beauty and value to your property, proper care of it can:

• Provide habitat for salmon and trout
• Prevent and/or minimize erosion
• Provide food and shelter for local wildlife
• Maintain a high quality of water
• Contribute to the health and beauty of your land and your community

What is a healthy riparian ecosystem?

A healthy creek or stream is a thriving system with a range of diverse conditions. Signs of a healthy system include:

• Cool, clear water free of excessive algae and other contaminants
• Vegetated banks, which provide good shade and stabilize banks with strong root growth
• Areas of varied flow: slow, deep pools, fast water with ripples, and shallow areas
• Limited signs of bank erosion
• Visible signs of animal life such as aquatic insects, amphibians, fish, and birds
• Fallen leaves, twigs, and other natural debris

What can you do to help?

Check pipes and ditches that drain into or near a creek and culverts at road crossings. When not properly placed, they may cause serious soil erosion. Also, be aware of detergents, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers that may be draining into a creek. These may bring harm to fish, vegetation, and the overall health of the riparian system.

Horses and livestock, when not properly managed, can cause damage by foraging on vegetation and walking in and around streamsides. As an alternative to streamside access, water for livestock can be developed in an area other than adjacent to a waterway.

Shrubs and trees growing in a riparian corridor stabilize channel banks and provide a canopy cover to keep soil temperatures cool, which is required for the health and vigor of local fish populations.

Exposed soil from construction or other activities can erode very easily. Spreading straw mulch and native grass seed is an inexpensive way to protect soil from first-hand erosion until more permanent plants are planted or become established on their own. If you decide to plant trees or shrubs along your riparian zone, it is important that the correct species are chosen. Non-native plant species often compete vigorously with other plants native to a specific area. Native plants supply the necessary food for local wildlife and the variety of trees, shrubs, and grasses will keep a riparian system healthy and thriving.

The following plants are those most commonly occurring in riparian areas throughout Trinity County.

The following is a list of nurseries that carry grass seed, trees, and shrubs that grow naturally in this area. Check with your local nursery to find out exactly which species would be best for your needs.

Things to Remember

• Take a walk every so often to check on your land and its resources.

   

• Consult your local planning department or government agencies before attempting major work in stream corridors. There may be special permits required or you may qualify for assistance.

   

• Be patient! Often any work that is done needs time to show its effectiveness.

The health of an environment depends on those who use it!

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