Ozawa, C. P., Yeakley, J. A., Friday, R., and Sharp, M. 2000. An exploratory investigation of regulatory strategies to protect stream buffers in Oregon. In: P.J. Wigington and R.L. Beschta, eds. Riparian Ecology and Management in Multi-Land Use Watersheds. Amercian Water Resources Association, pp 357-362.

Abstract

A methodology for examining the relationship between local resource management strategies and vegetation loss in stream corridors was developed. Data on management strategies were collected through personal interviews and a review of municipal-level planning and policy documents for two cities in the Portland, OR metropolitan region. Digitized aerial photographs were used to analyze vegetation patterns in relation to stream corridors. Although direct regulation to protect vegetation in stream corridors was found to be historically weak, by 1997 noticeable differences in the management strategies of the two municipalities were detected. Vegetation in stream buffers in the two cities also differed in terms both of percentage cover of riparian buffers and of patterns with increasing buffer width. Future challenges are discussed regarding obtaining information on historical management strategies and on prior vegetation extent in streamside areas.