Environmental Sciences Commons^™

Riparian Buffer Establishment Using Different Management Techniques, Stever H. Bartlett

Graduate College Dissertations and Theses

ABSTRACT

In riparian areas of the northeastern United States, well-established reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) stands are common and have proven to be a challenge for the success of tree plantings during riparian forest restoration projects. The impacts of reed canary grass (RCG) on the habitats it invades are numerous. Reed canary grass reduces biological diversity by homogenizing habitat structure, richness, and environmental variability. Its rapid growth rate and invasive nature limits tree regeneration in riparian forests by shading and crowding out seedlings. Riparian forests improve water quality, wildlife habitat, flood control, and provide a variety of other ecosystem services. …

Estimating Floodplain Storage And Prioritizing Floodplain Reconnection In The Northern Lake Champlain Basin In Vermont, Stephanie Drago

Graduate College Dissertations and Theses

Floodplains play a major role in maintaining the health and sustainability of riverine systems, but human interventions have reduced the connectivity between stream channels and floodplains. Geomorphic assessments of streams and rivers in Vermont (USA) show they have been significantly altered within the past two centuries due to straightening, berming, and armoring channels to accommodate development, agriculture, roads, and rail lines. These alterations in river-floodplain connectivity have decreased floodplain functioning, specifically their capacity to store water during flood events. Currently, there is a lack of knowledge concerning the amount of floodwater, sediment, and nutrient retention provided by Vermont’s floodplains. This …