The area where terrestrial and aquatic environments meet is known as a
Riparian Zone (i.e. a shoreline). Often the most productive areas in the forest, these zones contain both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem elements.
Riparian zones maintain fish habitat through vegetation cover over the water course which regulates the water temperature. The root systems of the vegetation adjacent to the waterway stabilize the bank and filter out sediment. Also, nutrients and insect habitat are provided through leaf and needle litter fall into the water course.
Riparian zones are also high use areas for terrestrial wildlife. Due to the richer soils in riparian zones, these shrub and herb rich areas provide an abundant food source for herbivores. They also provide direct access to water sources.
Riparian zones are protected with
Area of Concern (AOC) prescriptions, as outlined in the
"Timber Management Guidelines for the Protection of Fish Habitat" , and can range in width from 15 metres to 90 metres from the edge of the waterbody depending on the slope. The slope affects the potential for erosion after harvest activies and so the steeper the slope, the wider the reserve left adjacent to the water couse. Every AOC is listed in the
Forest Management Plan, along with a prescription for either restricted or modified operations.