Maintain or restore natural flow regime to buffer against future changes

Approach

Tactics

Use watershed analysis, watershed condition framework, etc. to develop integrated, interdisciplinary tactics associated with vegetation and hydrology.
Protect groundwater and springs.
Restore riparian areas and beaver populations to maintain summer base flows and raise water table.
Address water loss at water diversions and ditches.
Reconnect and increase off-channel habitat and refugia in side channels and channels fed by wetlands.
Revegetate and use fencing to exclude livestock.
Acquire water rights and use low-flow channel design.
Disconnect roads from streams to reduce drainage efficiency.

Sensitivity

• Hydrologic regime shifts with climate change will include lower summer flows and higher- more frequent winter peak flows.

Strategy

Sustain fundamental physical and ecological functions; Reduce the risk and long-term impacts of severe disturbances