9461

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9461
• Author: Colorado Riparian Association.
• Title: Colorado Guide
• USFW Year: 2001.
• USFW - Doc Type: Stream Corridor.
• Copyright Material: NO

INTRODUCTION
Stream corridors are unique places. They contain the stream channels that
carry water from the mountains of Colorado to the plains, western valleys
and beyond. Underlying them in most cases are alluvial aquifers through
which groundwater moves. Lands within the stream corridor often are
heavily vegetated in comparison with lands outside the stream corridor.
Because these are the places with relatively abundant water, they are also
the places with the greatest abundance of life.
A wide range of human activities occurs
in stream corridors:
• Water is diverted for agricultural
and urban uses.
• Dams store water in times of
high supply for use in times of
high demand.
• Level lands adjacent to streams
often are cultivated for crops or
grazed by livestock.
• Urban areas have grown up
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within stream corridors.
• Streamsides in canyons are used as roadways. North Park
• Stream corridors are especially desirable places to hike, fish, Stream corridors include both the
or boat. stream channel itself and adjacent
lands actively influenced by surface
and groundwater. In a semi-arid
Human uses of stream corridors inevitably affect the manner in which state like Colorado, stream corri-
these systems function. In some cases our uses can be modified to reduce dors provide essential habitat for
their negative effects, and restoration of important natural functions that most animal species and many
have been impaired or lost is possible. It makes good sense to use our plant species.
stream corridors wisely-in a manner that sustains and supports their
important natural functions.
This guide serves as an introduction to stream corridors. Section One
provides background information about stream corridors and the functions
they provide. Section Two describes categories of human activities that
alter stream corridors and suggests ways to make these activities more
compatible with other corridor functions. Section Three discusses the
opportunities and limitations of restoration and rehabilitation and
introduces watershed planning as an important starting point for
achieving healthy stream corridors.
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