Riparian condition assessment for Big Sandy Creek, Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, Colorado
Wagner J, Martin M, Noon K, Folts-Zettner T. 2014. Riparian condition assessment for Big Sandy Creek, Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, Colorado. Natural Resource Report. NPS/NRSS/WRD/NRR—2014/788. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
This report presents results of a June 2012 riparian condition assessment conducted along Big Sandy Creek at SAND. We evaluated 17 hydrology, vegetation, soil and geomorphology characteristics for five assessment reaches, and rated all as being in “Proper Functioning Condition.” This means that the creek is in dynamic equilibrium with respect to streamflow forces and channel processes. As such, it can withstand moderately large flood events with only limited change in channel characteristics and plant communities, thereby preserving beneficial riparian functions, processes and values.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Wagner, Joel; Martin, Michael; Noon, Kevin; Folts-Zettner, Tomye
- Date of Issue
- 2014-03
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- NRSS , SAND , SOPN , WRD
- Keywords
- Assessment, Big Sandy Creek, Condition, Geomorphology, Hydrology, proper functioning condition, Riparian, Vegetation
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Geology and Soils | Geomorphology | Stream/River Channel Characteristics , Ecological Framework: Water | Hydrology | Surface Water Dynamics , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Wetland Communities , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Riparian Communities