Estimate as best you can width of the corridor at your site. A description of the presence and type of streamside vegetation provides much information about the stream due to its important role in molding the stream environment. Vegetation acts as a filter for sediment and pollution coming in from the near land. It provides habitat for the many creatures that are dependent on and influence the stream. Branches, logs and leaves enter the stream from this region.
Vegetation also provides shade, which keeps the watercool.
On the data sheet mark all the categories that apply. Either conifers or deciduous bushes less than 20 feet high. Any of numerous plants with narrow leaves, jointed stems and spikes or clusters of inconspicuous flowers. This is the amount of vegetation that overhangs the stream. Estimate as best you can, about how much of the river is overhung by vegetation, whether it be grasses, shrubs or trees.