C.D. Perry, G. Vellidis, R.R. Lowrance, D.L. Thomas 1
A geographic information system (GIS) was used to determine regional applicability of properly managed and restored riparian forest buffer systems in the Tifton-Vidalia Upland of Georgia. The 333 km2 Little River Research Watershed near Tifton, Georgia was selected as a representative watershed for a detailed study from which results could be extrapolated to a regional scale. Land use within the watershed was identified from the Georgia Landcover Database recently compiled by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Overall watershed and stream buffer land use was determined and area analyses were performed. Intact riparian forests were distinguished from logged wetlands. Topological analyses were conducted to quantify fragmentation of the riparian forest. Estimates of deterioration in regional water quality were made based on scenarios that 10%, 25%, and 50% of existing riparian forests were logged. Similarly, estimates on improvement of regional water quality were evaluated based on scenarios that 10%, 25%, and 50% of logged wetland areas were restored. The GIS was also used to evaluate wildlife corridor lengths.
