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Zone transect (see below for details). The location of the transects should be representative of <br />the range of conditions found along the study reach. It should not be chosen to illustrate partic- <br />ularly good (or bad) conditions that would thereby bias the scores given the reach. <br />To set up the transects, first mark the beginnng of the in-stream or channel transect with a flag, <br />measure 200 meters either upstream or downstream, and follow the center of the channel when <br />malting measurements. If there are several channels, follow the main channel in the stream. <br />Flag the end of the transect (make sure that all flagging and other materials are removed at the <br />end of the survey). Then, using the same starting point, measure 200m along the edge of the <br />channel that marks the beginning of the Lower Riparian Zone. This transect will usually be <br />along the edge of the water or the edge of the chamlel if the stream is dry. Make sure that the <br />bank of the main channel is followed. Do not include islands in the transect. Also, do not <br />include bridges, dams, reservoirs or other similar structures in the transect or in the entire study <br />reach if possible. Finally, and again using the same starting point, measure 200m just outside <br />(in the direction away from the stream) of the terrace that marks the boundary between the <br />Lower Riparian Zone (the banlcfull location, or area that is flooded during peak flows in most <br />years) and the Upper Riparian Zone (the part of the floodplain that is flooded only irregularly <br />and during exceptionally high flow events; see Figure 1). Because the channel and the terraces <br />may follow different paths, the ending point of all three transects may not be located at the <br />same precise place. <br />All locations (including the start and end points of the study reach, the starting point and direc- <br />tion [upstream or downstream] of the 200m sample transects, and photo reference points) <br />should be located with a GPS unit and recorded on the Score Sheet. Photographs to illustrate <br />the current conditions at the site should betaken at least at the upstream and downstream ends <br />of the stream reach, at each end of the 200m stream transect looping downstream and upstream, <br />as well as any other location that would be valuable for future comparisons. Photographs should <br />include geologic features and the horizon to nape relocation of the photo site easier in the <br />future. <br />4. Scoring -General Considerations <br />The 1-5 point range of scoring values assigned to each indicator on the RSRA Score Sheet <br />either involve specific values for that indicator, or it may use terms such as "few," "slight," <br />"limited," "moderate," "substantial," or "abundant." In both situations, the evaluation team's <br />experience in the reference riparian area(s) is very important to establish a standard of geomor- <br />phic consistency and expected values for measurement. A score of "N/A" (Not Applicable) is <br />assigned to variables that are not applicable to the particular reach being assessed. The Field <br />Worksheet in Appendix 3 organizes tasks by the initial whole reach walltthrough and the in- <br />stream and vegetation sample transects. Tlus worksheet will help simplify the observation and <br />data collection process but may not be necessary for highly experienced observers. <br />Each indicator is measured and the data recorded in the field, along with any additional com- <br />ments that would assist in future interpretation of results. The most efficient method of scoring <br />involves partitioning tasks among the team. For example, one individual who is well-versed in <br />12 <br />