Identified by SHIM Field Crews
SHIM field crews collect information about the riparian ecosystem that cannot be detected on an air photo. Note how the crew detected a shrub layer beneath the tree canopy at Point # 9. Not surprisingly, they also detected several species at this location, including Coho and Red-tailed Hawk. Riparian areas with high structural complexity, (native trees, shrubs, herbs) can support a higher number of native fish and wildlife species. This contrasts with Point # 35 where below the tree canopy, the field crew only found introduced grasses and blackberries, supporting Canada Geese and cows. Wide bands of riparian vegetation, that have structural complexity (especially those connected to large forest blocks - Point # 9) can support more species of fish and wildlife than narrow bands of vegetation (Point # 35). Observations by SHIM field crews can pickup impacts not visible on airphotos and identify opportunities for enhancement (for points #35 and #44 livestock fencing).	Fig 1. Red lines are SHIM watercourse (derived from GPS/compass surveys by field crews, Aug. 1998); Yellow dots are GPS/Compass points

Fig 2. The example
of records
(Click to enlarge)