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Divisions > Natural Resources Group > Wetland in A Watershed Context > Vegetation

Vegetation

The river and the vegetation along its corridor (the riparian zone) are highly interconnected. Flooding and sediment transport influence habitat for vegetation through erosion and accretion, and affect soil characteristics including grain size, oxygen availability and nutrient content. Vegetation provides many ecological services that maintain the health of the river, such as shade, which lowers water temperatures, as well as habitat and food for wildlife. Native plant species provide the most desirable ecological services, because they are best adapted to creating diverse complexes of plants. The presence of a given plant community depends on physical characteristics including soil conditions, the availability of light, water, and nutrients, as well as biotic interactions such as herbivory and competition with invasive exotic species. Invasive species like Japanese knotweed tend to crowd out the native species, replacing diverse complexes with monocultures. Strategies for characterizing and controlling invasive species will evolve as groups like NYS DEC’s Invasive Species Task Force research and debate the necessity and efficacy of various invasive management activities.

Download the Bronx River Riparian Invasive Plant Management Plan

Vegetation Monitoring Work

The table below provides links to some of the vegetation monitoring work that has been conducted by the Natural Resources Group, the New York State DOT, and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Section Title Source Year
Parkland Urban Riparian Wetland Vegetation Monitoring NRG 2002-2004
Parkland Bronx River Forest Floodplain and River Channel Rehabilitation Project - Vegetation Monitoring NRG 2004-2005
Parkland Bronx Forest and Shoelace Park Natural Areas Entitation NRG 2005
Estuary Starlight Park Invasive Species NYS DOT 2005
Estuary East River Lagoons Entitation NRG 1990
Estuary Soundview Park Vegetation Mapping ACOE

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