Long-term (>50 years) changes in riparian vegetation and total stream area, on two perennial streams in Colorado, were examined using aerial photography and field surveys. Peinetti et al. report that in both valleys shrubs decreased approximately 20 percent and tall willow cover decreased by 55 percent, due to a decrease in total stream area and number of meanders. The decline in meanders is likely related to an increase in elk numbers, beaver decline or climate change, but most likely a combination of these effects. The exact cause of these changes is unknown, and Peinetti et al. state that further long-term field research is needed determine to what extent elk herbivory is having on these ecosystems.
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