The ecology and uses of riparian zones

• Robert J. Naiman

Abstract
The unique role of riparian zones in regulating watershed ¿scale processes has received enormous attention in the last two decades. It is now known that riparian zones strongly influence land-water interactions, provide habitat for an unusual number of species, adjust community level characteristics to specific landforms, and are well adapted to physical as well as biological disturbance regimes. These, and other characteristics, have resulted in the widespread use of riparian zones as prescriptions for landscape management. The purpose of this proposal is to seek support, as a Center Fellow, to prepare a synthesis volume on ¿The Ecology and Uses of Riparian Zones.¿ The synthesis would be published as a book suitable for instruction at the University level as well as a reference for professional managers. Henri D¿camps (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France) will co-author the synthesis volume while the overall activity will be guided by a working group of five colleagues. The project would start October, 2001 and be completed by July, 2002.