"Written by internationally recognized ecologists, Riparia presents a thorough review of the importance of riparian ecosystems. An increasingly important aspect of land management programs, riparian management has been widely implemented as a means of improving fisheries, water quality, and habitat for endangered species. This book describes the underlying water conditions and geologies that support viable riparian ecosystems, illustrates their ecological characteristics, discusses how these areas are used by human cultures, explains how they can be used to sustain environmental quality, and provides the basic knowledge necessary to implement successful, long-term management and rehabilitation programs."--BOOK JACKET