Riparian Habitat Protection

What is Riparian Habitat

Riparian Habitat is the assemblage of plants found along watercourses or washes. Riparian habitat can range from a narrow band of grasses and shrubs along a desert wash to a closed canopy of large mature trees. Riparian lands differ from adjacent areas by having different soil types, higher moisture, larger plant size and quantity, or more diverse plant species. Riparian areas are of particular importance to wildlife, providing food, nesting habitat, cover, and migration or movement corridors. Riparian vegetation and habitat slows flood flows, provides erosion protection for river banks, improves water quality, and provides numerous economic benefits, recreational opportunities, and aesthetic values. Riparian Habitat Classification Photos have been compiled to help visualize what each habitat classification type looks like.

Riparian Habitat Protection Goal

The RFCD seeks to protect riparian habitat for future generations and to maintain the area’s quality of life for residents of Pima County. By preserving riparian habitat we ensure the long-term stability of natural floodplains which allows for the survival of plants and animals indigenous to Pima County. Riparian areas provide many community benefits, including:

• Riparian Corridors allow for higher biological diversity, providing places for wildlife to forage and live, and allow for movement between territories
• Recreational opportunities
• Reduced risk of flooding and erosion
• Increased groundwater recharge
• Improved water quality
• Higher property values along open space and river corridors
• Reduced public expenditures on flood control projects and protection of infrastructure

Habitat Protection Tools

Riparian Habitat protection is achieved through both regulation and management. The riparian protection regulations are found in Chapter 16.30 of the Floodplain Management Ordinance (Ordinance). The Ordinance is structured to protect regulated riparian habitat from development and requires mitigation for disturbances to habitat. The Riparian Habitat Mitigation Guidelines (PDF format) outline the process for planning and developing property containing regulated riparian habitat. Riparian Classification Maps delineate riparian habitat on each parcel in the county. A Single-lot Mitigation Checklist (PDF format) is available to assist you in creating Riparian Habitat Mitigation Plans for your property.

Riparian Mitigation Plans are reviewed as part of the Floodplain Use Permit process. The management portion of the riparian protection program components are, land acquisition, water management, land stewardship, habitat restoration, and monitoring the health of the county’s ecosystems.

The District is in the process of revising its standards and guidelines for mitigating and protecting riparian habitat in Pima County. In order to facilitate the drafting of the new mitigation guidelines, the District has organized a Mitigation Working Group, consisting of members from the community, the development community, public agencies, and conservation organizations in Pima County.