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Water and People: Common Denominators in Riparian Zones 1
John C. Buckhouse
2
Abstract.--Water can be allocated according to any number of approaches. People are harder to manage since they
work from diverse social, psychological, economic, and
aesthetic backgrounds. An approach which brings people together makes the most sense for multiple use management.
INTRODUCTION
I suggest the following:
I have been involved in grazing research and
study of riparian zones for the past ten years.
Ramifications of these sorts of investigations are
being reported in other sessions at this conference and they form the backbone of the scientific
data base through which we pride ourselves as
"modern, scientific managers." Certainly, we have
learned a great deal concerning actions and interactions associated with natural systems. Because
of these research experiences and symposia, such
as this one, our society has advanced dramatically
in our quest for appropriate scientific managemen~
But after these years I recognize that, as appropriate and necessary as this data bank is, it
alone is not enough. It is obvious to me that the
social/political/economic element of the mix is
missing.
1. First we must recognize the commonalities
of our concerns. I believe most people are concerned with long-range productivity and sustaining
values. Let's agree on those points as a beginning
step.
2. Next, defining objectives for individual
riparian sites is logical. While this could be a
tough job, with many pressures and counterpressures, it is necessary--we can't get somewhere
unless we know where we want to go!
3. Third, it is necessary to know what the
attributes, limitations, potentials, and hazards
within any system are. As scientists we have
tended to concentrate our efforts here and that is
appropriate. For managers, however, this is only
one part of the entire scenario.
4. Fourth, a series of alternative management
schemes and the ramifications of each needs to be
considered.
PLANNING PROCESS
I don't have any magical solutions, but since
I recognize that there is something of value for
everyone in each riparian system--and that valued
thing is often manifested in different forms--!
believe we need to take a much more holistic look
at these systems.
5. Finally, a plan needs to be written,
implemented, and regularly updated to correct
deficiencies and/or oversights.
PLANNING APPROACH
Perhaps when all is said and done the only
meaningful common denominators of riparian zones
are WATER and PEOPLE. So, how can management be
accomplished in such a way that all needs and
values are considered?
Planning procedures are frequently labeled as
awkward, unpleasant, boring and/or unworkable.
Yet without them we will continue to spin our
wheels, fight unnecessarily and get nowhere--or
worse yet, regress.
Two planning aids which may fit into the
basic framework and which may have merit in this
arena are:
1
Paper presented at Riparian Ecosystema and
Their Management: Reconciling Conflicting Uses.
Tucson, AZ, April 16-18, 1985.
2
Associate Professor, Dept. of Rangeland
Resources, Oregon State University, Corvallis,
OR.
1. A value rating system based upon fees.
A common complaint among commodity groups is that
recreation does not pay its way. If ALL users
were charged a fee, allocation and management of
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CONCLUSION
the resource(s) would probably be simplified. The
proceeds of the fees perhaps could be divided up
as follows: 25% to the county where the activity
occurred for school and road tax relief; 25% to
the public land management agency responsible for
the land; 25% to the technical agency (i.e. Fish
and Wildlife Service) involved with the particular
activity; and 25% to handle the administrative
costs.
It is obvious to me that we have entered an
era that demands comprehensive natural resource
management in general and riparian zone management
in particular. Proper management of riparian zones
requires comprehensive planning--planning which is
action oriented, yet flexible enough to incorporate changes as appropriate, planning which is
based upon both ecological principles and mankind's needs. If we couple the scientific knowledge which we are rapidly accumulating with a
logical planning framework, the long-term needs of
our citizens will be more nearly met and the conflicts of competing uses more equitably settled.
2. Coordinated Resource Management Planning.
This is the most effective planning procedure I
have encountered. (a) It incorporates all of the
land holders and major interest groups. (b) It
considers all the multiple resource values in a
region. (c) It enjoys legal precedent. (d) It
works on a natural boundary, rather than ownership boundary basis. And (e) it deals with those
individuals directly involved rather than a
cumbersome "all comers" approach.
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