In 2001 the PA Fish and Boat Commission in cooperation with the Pennsylvania State University School of Forest Resources, Canaan Valley Institute, and Pa Trout Unlimited conducted a study to develop, implement and evaluate a riparian assessment tool that could be used throughout the Commonwealth by volunteer groups to assess the current status of riparian areas. The study was conducted as a Masters of Science Research proposal by Melissa Schnier. There were three distinct phases of the study which included development, implementation and evaluation. Once developed, volunteers were recruited, trained on using the tool and then sent to assess some of the 250 riparian areas owned by the PA Fish & Boat Commission.
This study focuses on the riparian area, or the area alongside the stream. This area is very important because of the many functions that it serves. Vegetation in the riparian area filters out sediment and nutrients from the uplands. When performing this function, the riparian area is referred to as a buffer zone. This area is also important habitat to birds and wildlife, and provides food and shelter to fish and other life in the stream.
Materials for this assessment are available below in pdf format.
Riparian Assessment Instructions
Riparian Assessment Guide (large file)
Riparian Area Assessment Data Sheet
Understanding the Scores of your Assessment
Turning your scores into ACTION
Photo Procedures
