Low Slope Alluvial Valley Riparian Complex
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
Select a transition or restoration pathway
- Transition 1A More details
- Restoration pathway 2A More details
- Transition 2A More details
- Restoration pathway 3A More details
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
Target ecosystem state
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Description
The historic or unaltered condition for this ecological site is based on current conditions and expected stream development in the associated alluvial valley type and valley slope (<2 percent). High hydrologic function infers good floodplain connectivity, stable stream banks, areas of episaturation, higher water tables than are currently present, and stream habitat complexity. C type channels are expected in pristine conditions, but D type channels are a natural phase for this ecological site. Historically, a larger proportion of the reaches associated with this ecological site may have exhibited C type channel morphologies rather than the D type channel that is more common today. Although reaches with a C or D type channels may transition from one to the other, they may also perpetually exist due to valley constraints or bedrock features that create a semi-stable condition. It is presumed that historic channels were less incised, and had broader and more frequent overbank flow onto floodplains. Beaver dams may have been important structural features historically. Most of this ecological site has been disturbed by floodplain manipulations, grazing, cultivation, non-native species, and other disturbances, so it is difficult to find data to describe reference state or its phases.
Submodel
Description
This state is defined by unstable, incised, transitional G and F type channels. As channel incision occurs, the water table is lowered across the floodplain and flow is contained within the channel, which reduces over bank flooding onto the floodplain. G type channels are narrow and deep, with reduced sinuosity. The unstable banks of the G type channel erode rapidly into a wider and shallower entrenched F type channel. Stream velocity and confined flow often flush structural elements from the stream, causing a decline in habitat diversity. Riffle-pool sequences may develop into more continuous riffles.
Submodel
State 3
Impaired Hydrologic Function
Description
This state develops as new, lower floodplains develop along the entrenched channel. The new floodplains are at a lower elevation than the original floodplain and are more confined. The majority of this ecological site currently exists in this state. Hydrologic function has been impaired by channel incision and a disconnection from the floodplain. Stream banks are unstable, stream canopy cover is low, and floodplains are endosaturated. This state may have C or D type channel morphology.
Submodel
Mechanism
This transition occurs with changes in stream flow or sedimentation rates. The imbalance causes channel adjustments. Down-cutting or head-cutting of the channel bed may occur when a stream becomes confined or straightened due to obstructions in the floodplain or loss of structural elements in the channel, such as woody debris and beaver dams. Flood events can deposit thick sediments, and normal stream flows may rapidly incise these sediments. A transitional, confined, entrenched, and unstable state develops. Stream gradient and velocity increases and G or F type channel phases develop.
Mechanism
Restoration from State 2 to State 1 would involve intensive stream surveying in order to determine the best restoration approach. Restoration methods may include channel redesign to increase meander. These streams have very little large woody debris and may benefit with the planned placement of large woody debris to improve the diversity of pool habitat. Riparian vegetation may be enhanced by cattle exclusion or herding to reduce duration in riparian corridors. Reestablishment and enhancement of riparian vegetation might allow the existing beavers to establish larger, more permanent dams, which might increase pool habitat and increase the overbank flows onto the floodplains (Pollock, Beechie et al. 2007). Riparian vegetation may be planted in reaches with suitable water tables for establishment (not on incised, eroded banks). Channel restoration on Meacham Creek has proved to be beneficial (CTUIR 2014, Lambert 2014)
Mechanism
This transition occurs with increased channel widening and greater access to a new, lower floodplain within an entrenched C or D channel type. D type channels are braided and may still be in a period of transition. C type channels develop as sediments build up point bars, and increase meander and riffle-pool formation. Habitat conditions for this state improve with the development of structural elements in the channel, such as pool formations from root wads. The channels in this state do not access the entirety of their former floodplain.
Mechanism
Restoration from State 3 to State 1 is similar to restoration from State 2 to State 1. It would involve intensive stream surveying in order to determine the best restoration approach. Restoration methods may include channel redesign to increase meander. These streams have very little large woody debris and may benefit with the planned placement of large woody debris to improve the diversity of pool habitat. Riparian vegetation may be enhanced by cattle exclusion or herding to reduce duration in riparian corridors. Reestablishment and enhancement of riparian vegetation might allow the existing beavers to establish larger, more permanent dams, which might increase pool habitat and increase the overbank flows onto the floodplains (Pollock, Beechie et al. 2007). Riparian vegetation may be planted in reaches with suitable water tables for establishment (not on incised, eroded banks). Channel restoration on Meacham Creek has proved to be beneficial (CTUIR 2014, Lambert 2014)
Model keys
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.