Ecological benefits of riparian reforestation in urban watersheds: Study design and preliminary results

Riparian forest restoration has become a major focus of watershed initiativ es to improve degraded stream ecosystems. In urban watersheds, however, the ability of riparian forests to improve stream ecosystems may be diminished due to widespread, upland disturbance. This paper presents the methodology and some preliminary results from the first year of fieldwork on a 3-year project designed to assess the ecological benefits of riparian reforestatio n in urban watersheds. The study is based on an integrated, multidisciplina ry sampling of physical, chemical, and biological attributes at forested an d non-forested sections of 12 streams with different amounts of urban devel opement within their watersheds. Restored sections of three streams are als o being monitored over the 3-year duration of the project. Sampling and ana lysis will continue through December 2000.