Hydrology, ecology, and management of riparian areas in the Madrean Archipelago
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Riparian areas in the Madrean Archipelago have historically provided water necessary for people, livestock, and agricultural crops. European settlers were attracted to these areas in the 1880s, where they enjoyed shade and forage 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 management of riparian corridors as human populations increased after World War II. Many of these fragile ecosystems were altered by attempts to salvage water. 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 of riparian areas in the Madrean Archipelago is a focus of this paper. Research and management issues continue to concern the flows of water and sediments, the impacts of livestock and other human activities, and the sustaining of wildlife and fish habitats, vegetative structure, and patterns of plant succession.