Effectiveness Monitoring of Riparian Restoration Projects for Conservation Outcomes

This application proposes a landscape effectiveness monitoring study using an extensive post-treatment method to evaluate the climate mitigation and riparian function benefits resulting from riparian restoration projects implemented between 1995 and 2018. The overall intent of this extensive, post-treatment, statewide study is to assess the effectiveness of riparian restoration actions on improving restoration conditions and carbon storage potential, not to evaluate individual counties or sites. The proposed project is statewide in scope and will include riparian reforestation sites in multiple watersheds to evaluate the effectiveness of these projects across a range of biophysical conditions and project ages. This project will lead to updated estimates of carbon accumulation over time in revegetated riparian areas, updated evaluation of riparian condition outcomes, and insights into the management practices that lead to successful restoration of riparian function and carbon storage.

This project will benefit salmonids by monitoring the condition of riparian plantings. By comparing treated to untreated riparian areas, we can begin to understand the specific restoration treatments that have a net positive impact on water quality. Vegetation structure, canopy cover, effective shade and bank stability will be measured across treated and untreated sites.