Riparian Research
A second phase of the National
Riparian Lands R&D program

Contents

• Theme: Riparian research
• How does riparian vegetation affect floods?
• Shade, temperature, large woody debris and river models
• Experimental reintroduction of woody debris into rivers
• Going with the flow: Cooper Creek floodplain
• Stock management:
  • Burdekin River Catchment
  • Murray-Darling Basin
• Assessing community capacity through riparian restoration
• Demonstration and evaluation projects in the Goulburn Broken Catchment
• Mapping the journey: an environmental travelogue
• Working with industry:
  • Making riparian research relevant for industry
  • Identifying best practices in the Gippsland dairy region

Riparian Research

Riparian lands play a vital role in a healthy, productive landscape. They offer a specialised habitat and corridors linking other parts of the landscape, as well as providing a refuge for plants and animals in times of environmental stress. They can exert a strong influence on in-stream health, and have the potential to affect water quality and quantity. They can influence the shape and stability of river channels and, as a result, break outs and flooding. Riparian lands also have special cultural, recreational and aesthetic significance, particularly when in proximity to urban areas. Over the past ten years we have increased our knowledge about how riparian areas function, however, research gaps still exist to frustrate attempts to better manage these special parts of our 'river landscapes'.

From the Editor

Welcome to another edition of RipRap. This edition is focusing on the research that is being funded in the second phase of Land & Water Australia's National Riparian Lands R&D Program. As you will see, we are continuing the good work started in phase one of the Program and investing in projects that explore ecological, physical and social aspects of riparian zone management.The strong practical focus for research remains a priority, with most of our projects developing products and guidelines designed to meet the needs of catchment management agencies, extension and field personnel, as well as those landholders that are keen to improve riparian zone management on-farm.We have also been very busy over the last few months producing information for you to use - this includes the proceedings of the highly successful Rivers Forum 2002; our new and updated Rivers and Riparian Management Fact Sheet series; a new Technical Update focusing on nutrient management in shallow lakes and wetlands; and, information about our revamped website. I hope you enjoy this edition of RipRap and that the material we are producing is assisting you in the work that you do!

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