G.G. Ice 1
In recent years forest practice programs in the Northwest have undergone an evolution toward increasing protection of environmental values. A key part of this evolution has been the development of riparian protection rules and guidelines. Streamside management zones and buffers are now used extensively in the Northwest to protect forest streams. Idaho, Oregon, Washington, California, Alaska, and Montana have detailed regulations which require protection of one or more of the riparian forest functions, including: microclimate alteration, shade, recruitment of allochthonus organic material, recruitment of large woody debris, nutrient regulation, sediment control, and bank stability. The rules include classification of streams, prescription of stream protection zone widths and management limitations, and establishment of vegetation goals. Federal Guidelines developed by the Forest Ecosystem Management Assessment Team would greatly expand the area in riparian protection. These guidelines raise concerns about the future of private forests values and a need to address potential disincentives to riparian management. There is concern that any "one-size-fits-all" approach for streamside management will result in inadequate protection for some streams and the unjustified loss of forest resources in other cases. Watershed analysis is one of several approaches designed to customize riparian zones to meet both resource protection and management needs.
