With water so scarce in the arid prairie environment, riparian areas have generally been intensively used, and often degraded. It is now apparent that maximizing and sustaining the productivity of this rich ribbon will come from careful, moderate management rather than intensive use. Maintaining the functions of riparian areas will yield benefits felt far beyond the immediate and manager and will outweigh the cost or inconvenience of doing so. Those who use these areas for pasture stand to see better livestock performance from improved forage production and better water quality. Improved reserves of sub-soil moisture will increase crop and forage yields, providing a direct benefit to farmers.
Weed invasions are less likely in healthy riparian vegetation.
Many food chains are dependent upon the plant and invertebrate life of riparian areas. Humans, wildlife, fish, water fowl, upland birds, raptors, amphibians and mammals are all part of a complex interdependent web. Understanding the function of riparian areas helps us as human beings take a responsible place in this ecosystem. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the following funding partners of the Streambank Stewardship Program. The Saskatchewan Wetland Conservation and its partners in the Streambank Stewardship Program have developed a planning guide to help landowners develop their own stewardship plans.