Riparian zone decision support tool just released!

In April 2015, SFEI released a GIS-based decision support tool called the Riparian Zone Estimation Tool (RipZET). RipZET was developed with funding by the State Water Resources Control Board to assist watershed managers and restoration practitioners in the visualization and characterization of riparian areas next to streams and wetlands. The tool’s innovative approach uses readily accessible data to determine “functional riparian width,” which varies throughout a watershed based on local vegetation and topographic conditions. RipZET focuses on several major riparian functions (e.g., large wood supply, stormwater filtering, floodwater storage) and will be updated with additional functions in future development phases. For more information, please contact Scott Dusterhoff ([email protected]).