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Riparian Trees Work Two Jobs

Riparian Trees Work Two Jobs

What is a riparian area?

“Riparian areas link water to land.

They border [all of West Vancouver’s creeks] streams, lakes, and wetlands.

The blend of streambed, water, trees, shrubs and grasses in a riparian area provides fish habitat, and directly influences it.

Protecting riparian areas, while facilitating urban development that embraces high standards of environmental stewardship, is a priority for the Government of British Columbia.

Good quality streamside habitat is essential for ensuring healthy fish populations.”

Government of British Columbia, Riparian Protections Regulation (2022)

Image: Estimations for Illustration Purposes; Applicable to West Vancouver (Some bush, soil illustrations from Watershed Project

First Job: All trees and vegetation:

“Lower surface and air temperatures by

providing shade and cooling through evapotranspiration;

Reduced energy use and

lower greenhouse gas emissions;

Improved air quality;

Enhanced stormwater management and

water quality;

Improved Quality of Life, and Wildlife Habitat

among other benefits.”

US Envrionmental Protection Agency

Second Job of Riparian Trees:

 

“The purpose of the [Riparian Area ]Regulation is

to protect the many and varied features, functions and conditions that are vital for

maintaining stream health and productivity, including:

Sources of large organic debris, such as fallen trees and tree roots;


Areas for stream channel migration;


Vegetative cover to help moderate water temperature;


Provision of food, nutrients and organic matter to the stream;


Stream bank stabilization;


Buffers for streams from excessive silt and surface run-off pollution”

Government of British Columbia, Riparian Protections Regulation (2022)

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