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Functions of Healthy Stream Corridors <br />Healthy stream corridors perform a set of basic ecological functions. These <br />six critical functions are habitat, filter, sink, barrier, source, and conduit. <br />Habitat- The spatial structure of the environment which allows species to live, <br />reproduce, feed, and move. Riparian areas provide critical habitat for many species <br />of wildlife, including songbirds and small mammals. Shrubby and wooded habitats <br />are often found exclusively in riparian areas on the Great Plains. <br />Filter- the selective penetration of materials, energy, and organisms. Riparian veg- <br />etation can filter sediment from runoff or flood water. <br />Sink- the accumulation and storage of materials, energy, and organisms. Riparian <br />vegetation intercepts and stores sediment in storm water runoff. Nitrates in ground <br />water are partially de-nitrified in riparian areas, helping to keep excess nutrients out <br />of streams. <br />Barrier- the obstructing of materials, energy, and organisms from passing through. <br />Source- the production of materials, energy, and organisms. Riparian vegetation <br />provides leaves and branches that are tl-e major sources of food for many aquatic <br />invertebrates. <br />Conduit- the transport of materials, energy, and organisms both upstream and <br />downstream. Riparian areas serve as travel corridors for many wildlife species. <br />Stream corridor connectivity and width are two important attributes associated with <br />the operation of stream corridor functions. Connectivity is diminished when healthy, <br />highly functional riparian habitat is replaced by less functional habitat, e.g., a road <br />or a parking lot. Wide stream corridors with high connectivity have higher wildlife <br />values than narrow, disconnected stream corridors. <br />14 Image source: Stream Corridor Restoration. Principles, Processes, and Practices.