The importance of xeroriparian habitat to single family residents in unincorporated Pima County

Abstract

Riparian habitat, the narrow strip of vegetation associated with natural drainageways, is considered important because it provides many benefits. Benefits include wildlife habitat, flood control, recreational opportunities, ground water protection, and visual aesthetics. A survey of forty-five selected single family residents in unincorporated Pima County was conducted to explore the importance a general population places on riparian habitats, specifically xeroriparian habitats. Xeroriparian habitat is the vegetation that is associated with smaller ephemeral streams in the arid southwest. The results of the survey indicate that xeroriparian habitat is important to the general population. The survey questions included information on the respondents' use of riparian areas near their home, knowledge of riparian habitat benefits, concerns regarding riparian habitats near the respondent's house, impacts of the removal of xeroriparian habitat near the respondent's home on their attitude toward their home, and influence of xeroriparian habitat on a future selection of a home.