Maintained riparian vegetation
Impact
The riparian zone encompasses "the strip of land containing distinctive vegetation along the margin of the stream" (Anderson, 1993). The vegetation may include trees, woody shrubs, herbs/forbs, grasses and sedges. The vegetation in the riparian zone differs to other vegetation because of "the influence of the stream in increasing the available moisture, flooding and soil characteristics. The vegetation is important to the stream because it contributes organic debris, stabilises the banks and provides shade and cover for the instream communities" (Anderson, 1993).
Suggested indicators: Native vegetation area, Vegetation density*
Maintained riparian vegetation may be associated with:
| Potential associated impacts | Suggested indicators |
| Streambank stability |
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| Trapping of eroded sediment and attached pollutants such as pesticides and nutrients, carried by runoff before it reaches the waterway |
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| Reduced invasion of exotic pest fauna and aquatic and terrestrial weeds |
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| May shade the waterway and regulate water temperature. Where shade means the water temperature is cooler dissolved oxygen levels are increased and algal blooms are less likely |
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| Maintained riparian vegetation condition |
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| Maintained habitat for native fauna |
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Maintained wildlife corridors to enable movement of native wildlife and plants between remnant habitats |
* Yet to be developed
Anderson, J.R. (1993) 'State of Rivers' Project: Report 1. Development and Validation of the Methodology. A Report to Department of Primary Industries, Queensland.
Last updated: 27 August 2008