Planning and Management of Forested Agricultural Riparian Buffers: the Case of the Skagit County Managed Agricultural Riparian Plantations (MARP)

Abstract

Riparian forests are part of a complex and interconnected ecosystem that extends from the headwaters to the estuaries. This presentation describes elements of silvicultural systems for riparian buffers on agricultural lands in large floodplains of Northwestern Washington State. Riparian buffers protect and enhance aquatic functions and salmonid habitat. Riparian management sustains in-stream large wood (LW) contributes to aquatic habitat complexity. This research uses growth modeling and compares simple management regimes to grow large conifer wood capable of providing “key pieces” to a range of stream sizes. Results apply to other developed areas, including commercial forestlands, where fisheries habitat and commercial silviculture may be integrated. Since most of the existing research has been in upland forested reaches, little is known about the riparian interactions within lowland streams in developed agricultural areas. This research calls for active monitoring of forested and afforested lowland stream buffers as a source of empirical stand data. Systematic design further refines models used to describe riparian silviculture prescriptions.