Hydrology, ecology, and management of riparian areas in the Madrean Archipelago [Abstract]

Riparian corridors in the Madrean Archipelago have historically provided water necessary for people, livestock, and agricultural crops. Anglo settlers during the 1800s were attracted to riparian areas in this arid and semi-arid region where they enjoyed the forage and shade for themselves and their livestock and existed on the readily available wildlife and fish. Trees growing along stream banks were harvested for fuel, poles, and building materials. Demands for water dominated the management of the riparian ecosystems as human populations increased, particularly after World War II. Many uniquely structured ecosystems were altered by attempts to salvage water as a result. Only within the last 25 to 30 years have people once again begun to recognize the value of the diverse benefits associated with riparian areas. The changing management emphasis from the evolving human attitudes about the holistic importance of riparian areas in the Madrean Archipelago is the focus of this paper. As they have in the past, riparian research, planning, and management issues continue to concern the flows of water and sediments, impacts of livestock and other human activities on these fragile systems, sustaining key wildlife and fish habitats, and vegetative structure, classification, and patterns of plant succession.