Riparian Areas: Challenges and Opportunities for Conservation and Sustainable Forest Management

Generally riparian areas are described as the “interface between aquatic and terrestrial systems.” However, definitions pertaining to riparian areas range from simple to complex, and can be ecologically-based or defined in terms of management applications. Regardless of the definition, the management of these highly productive, complex components of the landscape is a challenge to forest managers and policy makers. The planning and application of riparian guidelines and buffer retention strategies is further complicated since approval for forest management plans for these areas falls under the jurisdiction of both federal and provincial regulatory agencies. Management guidelines provided by these agencies are generally updated infrequently and thus do not incorporate new knowledge or new approaches easily. They are also developed in isolation of other values and resource sectors (e.g. private vs. crown land, forestry vs. fisheries concerns) leading to problems with integrated management of multiple resources and values. In recent years, there has been increased interest in developing alternate management strategies for riparian areas to more fully integrate their management with the rest of the forest. In several jurisdictions, there is interest in applying natural disturbance-based approaches to manage these systems, and potentially integrate landscape-level strategies to minimize cumulative effects to both terrestrial and aquatic components of the forest ecosystem. This has resulted in considerable debate among scientists, policy makers and resource managers regarding the long term consequences of current methods and policies, as well as the development of new policies and practices for managing and conserving riparian areas and water resources. Related to the interest in alternative management practices, a series of questions regarding the management of riparian areas in the boreal forest were developed through consultation with several SFM Network industrial partners in western Canada. These questions are addressed in this synthesis document through the use of case studies, as well as a review of the literature and guidelines pertaining to riparian systems. Ultimately, we hope to stimulate dialogue and knowledge exchange among forestry companies, governments and other stakeholders to build a stronger riparian management framework for decision making. The challenges faced during the riparian guidelines development, review and implementation process are also discussed as well as some of the potential solutions for the sustainable management of riparian areas.

Morissette J.L. and M. Donnelly. 2010. Riparian Areas: Challenges and Opportunities for Conservation and Sustainable Forest Management. Sustainable Forest Management Network, Edmonton AB. (Aussi disponible en français : Milieux riverains: Défis et avenues pour la conservation et l’aménagement forestier durable).