The Value of Riparian Vegetation Stream or river banks are riparian areas, and the plants that grow there are called riparian vegetation. Riparian vegetation is extremely important because of the many functions it serves. The roots of riparian trees and shrubs help hold streambanks in place, preventing erosion. Riparian vegetation also traps sediment and pollutants, helping keep the water clean. As dying or uprooted trees fall into the stream, their trunks, root wads, and branches slow the flow of water.
Large snags create fish habitat by forming pools and riffles in the stream.
Riffles are shallow gravelly sections of the stream where water runs faster. Many of the aquatic insects that salmon eat live in riffles. Salmon also require riffles for spawning. They use pools for resting, rearing and refuge from summer drought and winter cold. Wildlife habitat Over 80 percent of all wildlife species in western Washington use riparian areas during some part of their life cycle.