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Chapter 7: Human Alterations to Riparian Areas
By George Zaimes
Key Points of Chapter 7:
- Human activities have led to alterations to riparian areas, although the intentions were to benefit society.
- There are different types of human alterations on riparian areas. These alterations impact the hydrology, geomorphology and vegetation of riparian areas.
- Hydrologic and geomorphic alter stream systems to provide values like water supply and stream bank protection.
- Agricultural alterations include land management activities that increase productivity of agricultural goods.
- Another alteration category includes impacts from urbanization, recreational activities, and industrial production.
- Other indirect human alterations include invasive exotic species, native wild ungulates, and beaver trapping.
- Because the population in the Southwest is increasing, the use of riparian areas will also increase.
- Future human activities should always consider minimizing alterations on riparian areas in a cost effective way.
Figure 7.1. Bill Williams River Conservation Area (left) and Parker dam (right).
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