Observations are used to determine values for four physical habitat indicators.
Riparian vegetation cover measures the amount of overhanging tree limbs, shrubs and plants growing along the shore. Healthy, multilayered vegetation can provide a buffer from the effects of disturbance by slowing runoff and erosion, filtering nutrients and providing shade. Cover also provides food and habitat for fish and other organisms.
To learn more, see the
NRSA Field Operations Manual.