Watershed and reference-based riparian restoration planning for Grimes Creek and the Boise-Mores Subbasin, Idaho

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Abstract:

This project used wetland and riparian vegetation plot data to characterize the reference condition of ecological habitats in 24 twelve-digit hydrologic units (HUC 12s) in the Boise-Mores subbasin, inclusive of the Grimes Creek drainage. HUC 12s were classified using cluster analysis according to spatially derived hydrologic, geologic, soils, and climate data into 7 watershed ecological groups, 4 of which occurred in the Boise-Mores subbasin. HUC 12s were also organized into 2 condition classes (minimally - lightly disturbed and moderately – severely disturbed) based on spatially derived and observed indicators of ecological condition and land use. Minimally - lightly disturbed classes were considered “reference condition” and all other classes were considered “disturbed condition.” Stream reaches were also assessed for condition using a similar GIS-based analysis of landscape integrity. This analysis was used to identify riparian restoration priorities in the Boise-Mores subbasin. Plant community plots sampled between 1999 and 2005 from the Boise River, Payette River, and immediately adjacent drainages were classified by ecological habitat. Vegetation composition data was then summarized by ecological habitat for each condition class in each ecological group. This information was used in the design of riparian restoration at a site currently being restored on Grimes Creek, as well as development of a riparian restoration planting guide for the Boise-Payette and adjacent river basins. Diagnostic plant species for each habitat in an ecological group should be considered for planting when designing a riparian restoration project. The cover and constancy of diagnostic species in minimally impacted HUC 12s can be used as targets for restoration of degraded systems in the same ecological group.

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Reference Code: U12MUR07IDUS <br>

Full Citation: Murphy, C. 2012. Watershed and reference-based riparian restoration planning for Grimes Creek and the Boise-Mores Subbasin, Idaho. Prepared for Idaho Department of Lands and US Forest Service. Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise, ID. 60 pp. plus appendix. <br>

Location: ELECTRONIC FILE - ECOLOGY <br>

Keywords: restoration, riparian, wetland, vegetation, ecological system, habitat, landscape integrity, reference condition, watershed, stream reach, ecological group, Grimes Creek, Mores Creek, Boise River <br>

File(s): 

U12MUR01IDUS.pdf