Riparian Proper Functioning Condition

2. Riparian Proper Functioning Condition A process for assessment A defined condition A starting point A common language An interdisciplinary team approach

3. Riparian PFC Team Approach Hydrologist Vegetation Specialist Soil Scientist Biologist Allotment Permittee

4. NV Creeks and Communities Team – Most Active • Sherm Swanson, Range w/wildlife, hydro, soils • Kent McAdoo, Wildlife and range • Chuck Petersen, Range • Carol Evans, Fisheries • Sarah Peterson, Hydrology • Robin Wignall, Hydrology • Mark Coca, Range • Doug Merkler, Soils • Jerry Annis, Ranch management • Pat Coffin, Fisheries • Bob Hall, Geomorphology • John Cobourn, Hydrology • John McCann, Hydrology

5. NV Creeks and Communities Team • Sherm Swanson, UNR Coop. Extension, Coordinator • Kent McAdoo, UNR Coop. Extension • Chuck Petersen, NRCS • Jerry Annis, Rancher • Pat Coffin, BLM • Carol Evans, BLM • Robin Wignall, US Forest Service • Bob Hall, EPA • Jeff Jesch, Hillside Des. and Cons. Conservation District • Connie Lee, NV Dept of Wildlife • Alan Genet, NV Dept of Wildlife • Sarah Petersen, BLM • Mark Coca, BLM • Steve Foster, UNR Coop. Extension • DesiZamudio, Private Citizen • John Cobourn, UNR Coop. Extension • John McCann, BLM

6. Riparian PFC-What It Is And What It Is Not • PFC is a consistent assessment of the PHYSICAL FUNCTIONING of riparian -wetland areas • PFC considers hydrology, vegetation, and soil and landform attributes • PFC describes a state of RESILIENCY • PFC isn’t the sole method for assessing aquatic or terrestrial health • PFC doesn’t replace biology-based inventory or monitoring

7. Riparian PFCWhat It Is And What It Is Not • PFC rates PHYSICAL FUNCTIONING as the foundation for maintenance and recovery of desired values (fish, birds, livestock forage, etc.) • PFC isn’t desired future condition (but it is required for DFC)

8. Riparian PFCWhat It Is And What It Is Not • PFC helps prioritize management/ restoration activities where the system is “AT RISK” • PFC helps determine the timing or correctness of management actions • PFC is useful in watershed analysis • But…it doesn’t replace watershed analysis

9. Riparian PFCWhat It Is And What It Is Not • PFC is a qualitative assessment based on quantitative science for people with local knowledge • PFC helps analyze management strategies and design monitoring plans • PFC is not a long term monitoring tool • PFC is a useful start for a monitoring program • PFC reduces the frequency & cost of monitoring • Focusing on key locations • Focusing on driving indicators

10. Watersheds Capture, Store & Safely Release Water

11. RIPARIAN AREAS • A form of wetland transition between permanently saturated wetlands and upland areas • Exhibit vegetation or physical characteristics of permanent surface or subsurface water • LAND ADJACENT to PERENNIAL or INTERMITTENT • STREAMS, • SPRINGS, • SEEPS, • PONDS, • ETC. UPLAND RIPARIAN

12. STREAM TYPES • PERENNIAL- a stream that flows continuously • INTERMITTENT OR SEASONAL - a stream that flows only at certain time of the year • EPHEMERAL - a stream that flows only in direct response to precipitation • INTERUPTED – a stream that flows below the surface in certain areas

13. NATURAL RIPARIAN RESOURCES VEGETATION WATER SOIL/LANDFORM

14. PFC?

15. PFC?

16. PFC?

17. PFC?