Riparian vegetation communities change rapidly following passive restoration at a northern Utah stream

Hough‐Snee, Nate; Roper, Brett B.; Wheaton, Joseph M.; Budy, Phaedra; Lokteff, Ryan L.

doi:10.1016/j.ecoleng.2013.07.042

Cited by 60 publications

(51 citation statements)

References 34 publications

(42 reference statements)

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“…For example, even after 39 years, Lennox et al (2011) observed no response of perennial herbaceous species to restoration of riparian woody vegetation. However, the literature also includes cases when riparian vegetation showed rapid recovery, for instance, after elimination of grazing (Hough-Snee et al 2013) or alien clearing (Ruwanza et al 2013), as well as examples of intermediate recovery rates (Meyer et al 2010).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Restoration effects on germination and survival of plants in the riparian zone: a phytometer study

Dietrich

Jansson

2015

Plant Ecol

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Many streams that were channelized to facilitate timber floating in northern Sweden, have in recent years been restored by returning coarse sediment (cobbles and boulders) to the channel and reconnecting riparian with instream habitats. We asked if such restoration measures affect germination and survival of plants in the riparian zone, and if such potential effects depend on location in the catchment. We used a paired site approach, comparing the performance of Helianthus annuus (sunflower) phytometers (seeds and seedlings) in the riparian zone in channelized versus restored river reaches along climate and stream size gradients in the Vindel River catchment in northern Sweden. Phytometer survival, substrate availability, and soil nutrient content in large streams were enhanced by restoration, but overall, phytometer performance was negatively related to the length of the growing season, i.e. phytometers grew best at high altitudes and short growing seasons. This result may have been caused by less competition from the shorter and sparser neighbouring vegetation at these sites or to more frequent flooding events, enhancing retention of organic matter. Soil nutrient levels were lowest close to the coast and in large streams, probably due to deposition of mineral sediment. The higher availability of riparian habitat at restored than at channelized sites suggests that plant species richness and abundance may potentially increase after restoration. Seedling transplantation seems to be a preferable revegetation measure, because phytometer seedlings established better than seeds and survival was significantly higher at restored sites. The good plant performance at sites with short growing seasons and high altitudes suggests that, with limited resources, restoration measures should first be located to such sites.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Restoration effects on germination and survival of plants in the riparian zone: a phytometer study

Dietrich

Jansson

2015

Plant Ecol

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“…The birds we tracked were able to find areas with suitable vegetation, but overgrazing on our study sites may degrade habitat quality over time if no action is implemented. A decrease in grazing disturbance can positively affect riparian vegetation (Hough‐Snee et al ) and should be considered at Fort Hood, where >188,000 acres of land are grazed annually (Fort Hood ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Habitat selection by juvenile black-capped vireos following independence from parental care

2014

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If differences in ecological requirements result in juvenile birds using different habitats from breeding birds, then habitat management to protect those birds must protect both breeding and post‐breeding habitats. We examined habitat selection by juvenile black‐capped vireos (Vireo atricapilla) following their independence from parental care, in 2010–2013 on Fort Hood Military Reservation in central Texas, USA. The black‐capped vireo is a federally endangered species that nests almost exclusively in shrub vegetation, but previous anecdotal observations indicate that juveniles may prefer riparian vegetation. We used mist‐net capture rates and radio‐telemetry to determine relative abundance of juvenile vireos across habitats, to quantify movement patterns and habitat selection, and to investigate how vegetation density and arthropod abundance influenced habitat selection. We captured juveniles at similar rates in shrub and riparian vegetation. Radio telemetry data indicated that juveniles selected riparian vegetation over most other available vegetation types, and tended to stay in riparian vegetation upon arrival. Juveniles selected areas characterized by more canopy cover, denser foliage, and more arthropods. Riparian vegetation provides this combination of features more than other vegetation types, indicating that cover and food are the basis for habitat selection by juveniles. Our results indicate that habitat conservation strategies for black‐capped vireos should include protection of riparian vegetation near breeding areas, and more generally, that avian conservation strategies that focus only on breeding areas may potentially overlook other key habitats. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.

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“…Plant communities may rapidly switch from disturbance-resistant ruderal grasses to hydrophytic plant communities in riparian areas after the removal of grazing (Hough-Snee et al 2013). Twelve years after the removal of cattle from Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge in southeastern Oregon, there was a 64 % increase in the number of medium-diameter aspen in sampled riparian areas (Earnst et al 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Restoration of Riparian Areas Following the Removal of Cattle in the Northwestern Great Basin

Batchelor

Ripple

Wilson

et al. 2015

Environmental Management

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We assessed the effects of the elimination of livestock in riparian systems at Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge in southeastern Oregon, 23 years after the removal of cattle grazing, using 64 photos taken before grazing was removed compared with later retake photos. Two methods were used for this assessment: (1) a qualitative visual method comparing seven cover types and processes and (2) a new quantitative method of inserting digital line transects into photos. Results indicated that channel widths and eroding banks decreased in 64 and 73% of sites, respectively. We found a 90% decrease in the amount of bare soil (P < 0.001) and a 63% decrease in exposed channel (P< 0.001) as well as a significant increase in the cover of grasses/sedges/forbs (15% increase, P = 0.037), rushes (389% increase, P = 0.014), and willow (388% increase, P < 0.001). We also assessed the accuracy of the new method of inserting digital line transects into photo pairs. An overall accuracy of 91% (kappa 83%) suggests that digital line transects can be a useful tool for quantifying vegetation cover from photos. Our results indicate that the removal of cattle can result in dramatic changes in riparian vegetation, even in semi-arid landscapes and without replanting or other active restoration efforts.

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Riparian vegetation communities change rapidly following passive restoration at a northern Utah stream

Cited by 60 publications

References 34 publications

Restoration effects on germination and survival of plants in the riparian zone: a phytometer study

Restoration effects on germination and survival of plants in the riparian zone: a phytometer study

Habitat selection by juvenile black-capped vireos following independence from parental care

Restoration of Riparian Areas Following the Removal of Cattle in the Northwestern Great Basin

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