Valley Riparian Woodlands
General Ecosystem Characteristics
- Riparian means a transitional area between an area of water and the land near or above it (A Bank)
- High diversity of wildlife and plantlife.
- Logging, grazing and development have casused riparian woodlands to decrease an estimated 95%
- Efforts are being made to restore the habitat
Side-View of Riparian Woodland
Picture of a California Riparian Woodland
The Harbaceous Layer consists of :
Typical understory shrubs include:
Organic Matter Processing
Effects of Human Impact on Ecosystem
- Heavy urbanization, with levees have ruined much of the Riparian ecosystems.
Effects of Human Impact on Ecosystem
Numbers on Urbanization And Ecosystem loss
Information From: California State University, Chico
Department of Geography and Planning and
Geographic Information Center
April, 2003
Geographical Information & Map
Valley Riparian Woodland Decline
Geographical Information & Map
- Approximately 102,000 acres of Riparian Woodland remain in California.
- 49,000 acres are in a disturbed state.
- Heavy urbanization is the cause of reduced woodland size.
Valley Riparian Woodlands Pre-1900s
Large Urbanization Has Limited Riparian habitats
Valley Riparian Woodlands Pre-1900s
List of Riparian Woodland Locations
- Upper Sacramento River
- Big Bend
- Antelope Creek
- Sacramento River
- Knight's Landing
- Calaveras River
- San Joaquin River
- Middle & Upper Tuolumne River
- Cosumnes/Mokelumne Rivers
List of Local Locations:
- Knight's Ferry
- Dry Creek
- Laloma Park
List of Local Locations:
Current Map Of Riparian Woodlands