Why are Healthy Riparian Areas so Valuable?
The benefits of a good condition, naturally vegetated riparian area are many! The primary benefits include: • Improved water quality, due to vegetative and soil filtration, absorption and reduced soil erosion • Quality wildlife habitat for many species, from insects to big game animals • Quality livestock grazing from the lush, high value and diverse vegetation • Quality drinking water for wildlife, livestock and people • Improved aquatic habitats due to cooler, cleaner water and increased food sources • Reduced downstream flooding as water is slowed down and absorbed into soils and shallow aquifers • Increased beauty and physical attractiveness of streams, rivers, marshes and lakes • Aquifer recharge due to the slower passage of water and improved water movement into soils and water bearing strata • Improved recreational attributes for people – the beautiful Frio River vs. a concrete ditch • Provision of wildlife corridors that are critical to many species, especially in urban areas •
Related Questions
- World Heritage Areas are natural and/or cultural landmarks around the world that are recognised by The United Nations as places valuable to humanity and that will be preserved in their natural form for years to come. What is World Heritage?
- How can Growing Healthy be integrated into the overcrowded list of other content areas like math, language arts, and science?
- Why are riparian areas valuable to producers?
