Riparian setbacks are a good idea
By KATE GIESE
Kate Giese is the stewardship coordinator for the Wood River Land Trust.
Perhaps the greatest challenge facing this community is how to balance the area?s need for growth while still maintaining the open lands and wildlife habitat that are a critical aspect of this valley.
This is why the Wood River Land Trust sees positive benefits in the increased riparian setback requirements that have been enacted or are being considered by local governments. Protecting the intact cottonwood forest along the Big Wood River and its tributaries through setback requirements will go a long way toward protecting critical wildlife habitat while limiting the damage that regular flood events cause.
You only need to take a stroll along the river to see the abundance of wildlife the riverside forest holds. In the arid West, forests along streams and rivers (i.e. riparian areas) are literally oases of life in the midst of the sage brush desert. Our river provides habitat for bald eagles, song birds, river otter, deer, elk, and other wildlife species. Moose may be found wondering through town, as was the case in Hailey two weeks ago, but only because their habitat is the forest along the river nearby. Develop-ment within this riparian corridor fragments critical wildlife habitat.
Talking with a long-time resident of the valley or looking at an old aerial photo will reveal that the Big Wood River does not stay in one place. The river naturally meanders over time. Protecting the riparian area enables the river to change course without the need to channelize or rip-rap the river to protect homes and development.
Keeping a corridor of open land along the river also makes economic sense. Even in the midst of a drought, run-off can cause serious damage. Larger homes near the river may push additional water outside the nor-mal flood course, causing an increase in flooding potential for nearby homes and property owners. Tree removal and bank rip-rapping only serve to speed the river?s flow, causing more flood damage downriver.
Cottonwood forests function as Mother Nature?s sponges during flood events. They alleviate flood damage by absorbing water and dissi-pating flood energy, allowing flood energy to disperse naturally. Riparian wetlands also improve water quality by filtering out sediments and contaminants. The extensive root systems of cottonwoods stabilize stream banks, decreasing sedimentation downstream.
We are also drawn to the cottonwood forests for recreation. Good water quality is essential for the productive trout fishery for which the Big Wood is famous. Residents and visitors to the valley have the benefit of walking trails, fishing access, and bird-watching along the river. The quality of public land for recreation depends on intact riparian for-ests throughout the Big Wood River.
The Land Trust promotes riparian setbacks in order to maintain the quality of life within the Wood River Valley. With many potential subdivisions in the works, it is imperative that we protect a contiguous riparian corridor to ensure high quality wildlife habitat and maintain the flood control element of the undeveloped land along the Big Wood River throughout the valley.
