| The construction of the Oahe Dam eliminated thousands of acres of riparian and floodplain lands. Geographical Information System (GIS) can be used for riparian restoration site selection, primarily for native cottonwood (Populus deltoides) restoration. We used a GIS to overlay maps of tribal lands, rivers and streams, and other features on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. Criteria important for riparian areas and cottonwood growth and survival were considered. Same of the selection criterion used included, slope, aspect, stream density, soil properties, and land class use. The northeastern quadrant of the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, Dewey County, South Dakota was used to test this GIS selection model. Fifty sample sites were evaluated and ranked according to their ability to grow and maintain riparian cottonwood forests. The model will help chose productive sites for cottonwood restoration. GIS can be incorporated into many fields. This project will increase the use of science and technology for habitat restoration site selection. |
