The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires that wetlands be protected from degradation because of their important ecological functions including maintenance of high water quality and provision of fish and wildlife habitat. However, this protection generally does not encompass riparian areasâ€"the lands bordering rivers and lakesâ€"even though they often provide the same functions as wetlands. Growing recognition of the similarities in wetland and riparian area functioning and the differences in their legal protection led the NRC in 1999 to undertake a study of riparian areas, which has culminated in Riparian Areas: Functioning and Strategies for Management. The report is intended to heighten awareness of riparian areas commensurate with their ecological and societal values. The primary conclusion is that, because riparian areas perform a disproportionate number of biological and physical functions on a unit area basis, restoration of riparian functions along America's waterbodies should be a national goal.

Synthesizes existing information on the ecology, diversity, human uses & research needs of the Middle Rio Grande Basin of New Mexico. Begins with a review of the environmental history & human cultures of the basin, followed by an analysis of the influences & problems of climate & water. Also focuses on ecological processes, environmental changes & management problems. Each chapter identifies studies that can supply information to mitigate environmental problems, rehabilitate ecosystems, & sustain them in light of human values & needs.