m 
An Ecological Assessment of the Louisiana Tensas River Basin Chapter 3 
Riparian Analysis 
The conditions of the riparian ecosystem over a whole 
watershed can be studied in order to learn where, for 
example, a restoration project would most improve water 
quality. Similarly, a characterization of riparian conditions 
over the entire Tensas River Basin can help to identify 
which areas of the Basin are most likely to see improved 
water quality as a result of riparian vegetation improve¬ 
ments. 
The forest change data for the riparian areas of the Tensas 
River Basin are given in Table 3.6. This analysis was done 
by taking the forest change data and applying it to all the 
streams in the watershed in areas 120 meters on either 
side of the stream. This is shown in Figure 3.11. Each 
subwatershed was also analyzed so a comparison can be 
made between the different subwatersheds. 
Forest Loss and Gain 
within 360 meters of 
Tensas River and 
Major Tributaries 
1972 NALC Image 
with Forest Change 
NALC Image with 
360 meter Buffer 
Cover 
Forest 
Forest Loss 
Forest Gain 
Human Use 
Water 
Figure 3.19 
Vegetation Change within 360 meters of Tensas River and Major Tributaries. 
