Riparian Vegetation and Floodplain Sediment Responses to Dam Removal

Research Task: 8327CMZ.4.0
Task Manager: Pat Shafroth

Throughout the world, riparian habitats have been dramatically modified from their natural condition. Dams are one of the principal causes of these changes due to their alteration of water and sediment regimes. Efforts to restore riparian habitats and other riverine ecosystems have included managing flow releases downstream of dams to more closely mimic natural flows, but dam removal has received little attention as a possible approach to riparian restoration. This study incorporates three general types of activities looking at the effects of dam removal: (a) observing riparian vegetation responses associated with current or proposed dam removals; (b) studying historic or surrogate situations that produce similar types of responses; and (c) synthesizing existing information as it bears on mechanisms of likely response of riparian vegetation to dam removal.

 For more information contact Pat Shafroth