Riparian areas are located around sloughs, potholes, and along creek and river beds. Lush vegetation, often very different from the surrounding landscape, is a characteristic of riparian areas.
Maintaining and effectively managing the riparian areas on your land produces many advantages. Riparian areas serve to maintain water quality as the dense vegetation filters out undesirable contaminants, including soil particles. The vegetation's root system controls shoreline erosion. A riparian area reduces flood peaks and helps to recharge groundwater. Wildlife utilizes riparian areas for food, water and shelter.
In order to maintain the productivity of the riparian areas on your land, there are a number of common farming practices that should be avoided. When driving past such an area in the fall, leave the matches in your back pocket. We don't need the extra smoke in the air, anyway! If the trees and shrubs are removed along creek or river beds, the water flow can increase. So, tell the cat operator he won't be paid for any clearing he does along those areas. Avoid cultivating right up to the edge of every water body on the place. Leave a nice ring of permanent vegetation around the sloughs and willow-filled potholes. Allow the livestock into fenced riparian areas for only short intervals. Overgrazing plays a large role in damaging riparian areas.
Riparian areas should be viewed as something more than a nuisance in the field. They are of great benefit to both the water and soil resources. For more information on Riparian Areas, stop by the local Rural Service Centre and pick up a copy of the publication, prepared by the SSCA and PFRA, "Riparian Areas: An Undervalued Resource."