Riparian Zone Estimation and Tools

Scott Dusterhoff introduces the Riparian Zone Estimator Tool (RipSet), designed to estimate riparian zone width based on desired functions and watershed location. The tool considers riparian functions that vary with distance from the channel and watershed position. RipSet uses three modules: Hill Slope, Vegetation, and Hydrologic Connectivity, each targeting specific riparian functions. The tool is GIS-based, adaptable, and supports watershed-wide application. RipSet will be publicly released with resources for users.

What is the primary purpose of the Riparian Zone Estimator Tool (RipSet)?

• To map vegetation types in California

• To calculate water flow in channels

• To estimate riparian zone width based on desired function and location

• To measure tree height in riparian zones

How do riparian functions change as you move away from the channel?

• They remain the same

• They focus more on bank stability and shading

• They shift towards filtering and habitat

• They become irrelevant

What type of tool is RipSet described as?

• A GIS-based desktop planning tool

• A mobile app

• A web-based application

• A manual calculation method

What does the Hill Slope module primarily estimate?

• Riparian width based on hill slope gradient

• Vegetation height

• Water quality

• Flood risk

Which module uses vegetation height to determine riparian functional width?

• Floodplain module

• Hill Slope module

• Hydrologic Connectivity module

• Vegetation module

What is the primary focus of the Hydrologic Connectivity module?

• Measuring tree density

• Calculating sediment input

• Estimating vegetation types

• Estimating flooding extents

Which counties were used as laboratories to develop the Hydrologic Connectivity module?

• Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange

• Sacramento, Fresno, and Kern

• Napa, Marin, and Sonoma

• Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara

What is required to run the Hydrologic Connectivity module?

• A complex hydraulic model

• A shapefile or coordinates

• A satellite image

• A mobile device

When was RipSet scheduled to be publicly released?

• December 2015

• June 2015

• March 2015

• January 2015

What additional tool is needed to run the Hydrologic Connectivity module?

• A web browser

• A mobile app

• A GIS software

• An Excel macro