University of Oregon North Campus Conditional Use Permit Project <br />Riparian Assessment and Management Report <br /> <br />6.0SUMMARY <br />MB&G documented riparian functions at 57 riparian assessment points throughout the PSA. Riparian areas were <br />analyzed as well as the surrounding aquatic and upland habitat, as these habitats contribute greatly to riparian <br />and floodplain functions. The PSA provides many of the necessary functions and values necessary for healthy local <br />aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. However, these ecosystems are also influenced by other functions that occur <br />outside of the PSA on multiple temporal and spatial scales. The streambank of the Willamette River includes <br />several biologic and morphologic components conducive to supporting native aquatic species. The riparian <br />vegetation along the Willamette River and Millrace Slough streambanks attenuates erosion, promotes <br />groundwater recharge and infiltration, provides shade to moderate stream temperatures, and provides habitat <br />for wildlife species. However, the history of disturbances associated with multiple land uses within the PSA has <br />degraded or removed the historic, native vegetation composition in many locations. In addition, it is expected that <br />areas with compacted soils within the upland portion of the PSA may have reduced the riparian/floodplain <br />functions and values discussed in this report. <br />There are areas of the PSA that are in need of large-scale invasive plant removal. These infestations are common <br />adjacent to the TOHB within the PSA. In addition, restoration actions could be targeted to provide immediate <br />benefit to riparian function, such as the removal of concrete riprap along the shoreline of the Willamette River. <br />Pristine areas along the riparian corridor should be considered for protection and enhancement to maintain the <br />functions and values discussed in this report. Revegetation efforts should focus on native species well adapted to <br />the microclimates of the Millrace Slough and Willamette River. Vegetation management should result in a multi- <br />layered native plant palette that provides structural diversity through a planned succession of understory, <br />middlestory, and canopy level species. <br />Proper planning and monitoring actions need to be employed in order to maintain a healthy riparian zone. <br />Monitoring plans should have clearly defined goals and success metrics, with adaptive management <br />opportunities. Employing long-term strategies for landscape preservation, restoration, and enhancement along <br />the riparian corridor will ensure a well-functioning riparian zone. <br /> <br /> page 14 <br /> <br />