Riparian Lands in Colorado Riparian Lands in Colorado Riparian zones occur along the banks of rivers and streams and may contain willow, alder, and cottonwood forest ecosystems. Colorado's riparian cottonwood forests are the most important habitat in the state for the greatest number of bird species. Cottonwood seeds germinate when they make contact with bare soil that has been wetted by spring flooding and runoff.
Riparian areas can store water and help prevent downstream flooding.
Jones, Kate and David Cooper. Wetlands of Colorado . Colorado Department of Natural Resources, 1993.