t 



7. Name: Qassification of Riverine Riparian Habitats for Management of Fisheries 

 Resources. 



Authors: William S. Platts, Sherman E. Jensen, Frank Smith. 



Reference: Platts, W., S. Jensen, and F. Smith. 1988. Preliminary classification and inven- 

 tory of riverine riparian habitats livestock/fishery study areas, Nevada. Progress Report I. 

 Nevada Department of Wildlife, Elko, Nevada. 127 pp. 



Objectives: Identify the existing state structure and function and their respective physical 

 and biological processes. Identify the natural state under present set of conditions and the 

 variability of this state over time. Estimate achievable state conditions and identify units of 

 similar potential even though present states are not identical. Determine the state direction 

 the system is moving (trends). Determine the time intervals occurring between state changes 

 under known applications of stresses or benefits. Identify Poor and Best Management 

 Practices. Determine limiting factors that determine the biotic carrying capacity for each 

 state. Transfer knowledge and experience over space. Evaluate the influence of natural and 

 artificial geomorphic-physical conditions within the watershed on the fisheries. Determine 

 attainability (as described in the Water Quality Act) of riverine riparian habitats in a regional 

 perspective. Allow valid establishment of control and treatment sites for assessing non-point 

 source impacts to riverine riparian habitats. Display and describe riverine riparian habitats at 

 selected hierarchical levels. Identify those variables that are sensitive for identifying and 

 assessing non-point source impacts (monitoring). Be hierarchical and mappable. Display the 

 regional characteristics of riverine riparian complexes and describe their inherent capabilities 

 and potentials. The process must be amenable to hypothesis or model testing. 



Designed Users: Biologists, hydrologists, engineers, managers, resource specialists. 



Area of Applicability: Anywhere. 



Classification Units, Description, and Data: 



Classification Units Description 



Domain Subcontinental area of related climates. 



Division A subset of domain delineating single reference regional 



climate as defined by Trewartha and Horn (1980). 



Ecoregion A subset of division based on land surface fonn as defined 



by Fenneman (1931). A broad vegetation region with the 

 same types of zonal soils. Qimatic climax at the level of 

 Kuchler's (1964) potential vegetation types. Four major 

 criteria are landform, potential natural vegetation, land use, 

 and soil. 



Geologic A subset of ecoregions delineating more homogeneous areas 



District banding together imiforai landforms at the level of 



Hammond's land-surface fomi regions. 



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