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For this project, parameters indicating the value of riparian areas to wildlife in a <br />given area include: the overall density of trees and shrubs (mainly coyote willow), <br />the structure and size of riparian vegetation areas, the amount of vegetative <br />diversity within a stand, the amount and type of hydric areas associated with that <br />stand, and general land-usage within and adjacent to a given stand. <br />2 =Cottonwoods comprise a woodland but that woodland is typically very <br />narrow and confined to the riverbanks; large open expanses typically <br />present adjacent to riparian strip; little to no shrub cover; woodland and <br />adjacent area has generally experienced intensive land-use. <br />3 =Woodland patchy; some wooded patches maybe quite extensive but maybe <br />adjacent to very open areas; little shrub cover; very low densities of <br />understory vegetation (maybe grazed). <br />Aquatic Habitat <br />Ratings are based on fish habitat, with trout designated as the most desirable due <br />to sporting value. Actual scores are based largely on communication with <br />fisheries biologists in the area. <br />1 =Poor habitat, but some non-game species inhabit the waters; very few trout, <br />if <br />any". <br />Recommendations <br />The 2001 Study determined that subject sub-reaches are prone to stream <br />bank erosion, and have low Riparian habitat scores. The proposed project <br />will help the targeted sub-reaches increase channel stability, and riparian <br />habitat health, while at the same time increasing the overall water quality <br />of the Rio Grande.