An evaluation of riparian revegetation efforts in Arizona

Abstract

Twenty-five riparian revegetation projects and two alternative mitigations were evaluated in Arizona. Sites were visited and agency personnel were interviewed to detail riparian revegetation methodologies and categorize revegetation projects based on how well they achieved their objectives. Riparian revegetation is limited in its ability to improve degraded riparian ecosystems and is most effective when the causes of site degradation are addressed. Of the selected successful revegetation projects, 73% incorporated other forms of mitigation (e.g., improved land management strategies, bank stabilization structures, irrigation) that either indirectly or directly addressed the causes of site degradation. Over 33% of the successful revegetation projects experienced prolific natural regeneration, demonstrating the potential for natural regenerative processes to accomplish revegetation objectives. Of the unsuccessful revegetation projects, 85% did not achieve objectives due to low water availability or flooding. The appropriateness of using riparian revegetation should be determined on a site by site basis using two check-lists developed from the results of this study. The first check-list describes the potential effectiveness of artificial revegetation, the second checklist describes the potential that prolific natural regeneration will occur.