In this synthesis paper, Wissmar evaluates some major environmental factors that can influence the sustainability of riparian corridors and fluvial systems along lowland-arid to mountain gradients, within river drainages of eastern Oregon and Washington. Factors evaluated include: a) dominant riparian plant associations and distributions in relation to differences in precipitation and temperature regimes along elevation gradients; b) ecological and physiochemical functions of riparian and fluvial systems along elevation gradients; c) long-term historical and contemporary cumulative impacts of human actions; and d) management provisions that could restore and sustain ecosystem functions. From a river landscape perspective, achieving greater connectivity can be a key objective for analyzing and integrating the management of riparian and fluvial ecosystems. Effective management should include ensuring the delineation of major limiting factors and identification of streamside and channel networks that link critical habitats at multiple landscape scales. Efforts should include renewal of natural flood and sediment routing regimes and the re-establishment of habitats adjacent to ecologically intact habitats.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.