Development of a State and Transition Model for Low Gradient, Perennial Streams in the Northern Great Basin Region
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Authors
Brisbin, Hondo Rex
Issue Date
2024
Type
Dissertation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Riparian Management , State and Transition Model , Threshold
Alternative Title
Abstract
Low-gradient, perennial riparian systems are underrepresented, unique settings in the arid Great Basin region and provide a wealth of uses and services including fertile soils, wildlife habitat, flood attenuation, livestock water, groundwater storage and wildfire buffering. Their desirability has, since the time of western colonization and settlement, led to extensive alterations ranging from channel straightening to displacement of stabilizing riparian vegetation through farming practices and widespread, continuous grazing. This has led to numerous incidences of bank erosion, channel widening and, in many cases, disconnection between the channel and floodplain, greatly reducing the extent of the riparian zone and leading to a shift in dominance from wetland-type species to more upland-preferring plants. These type conversions and degradation are of particular concern as riparian areas, which, despite making up less than one percent of the region, are crucial landscape elements, especially in the face of a warming climate trend. This places a substantial emphasis on maintaining and restoring riparian areas. This is a difficult task considering their complexity, but is considerably aided through the use of State and Transition models that are built around underlying riparian processes and provide a level of predictive power concerning various applications of disturbances, including restoration. This study was focused on developing a STM for low-gradient, perennial streams in the northern Great Basin with the express aim of using quantitative channel/vegetation data and pattern analysis. Chapter 1 provides background information on STM development and riparian theory as well the various elements examined during this project. Chapter 2 documents the process involved with achieving this goal, as well as descriptive elements of the model. Chapter 3 examines the application of remote sensing technology in the context of riparian monitoring and within the context of STM extrapolation across areas outside the study area.