"Twelve presented and 15 contributed papers highlight what is known about this unique, diminishing vegetative type: characteristics, classification systems, associated fauna, use conflicts, management alternatives, and research needs. Speakers stressed the continuity and interrelationships of riparian ecosystems, their wildlife and vegetation, historic and current uses"--Abstract.

This thoroughly revised, entirely rewritten edition of what is the essential reference on California’s diverse and ever-changing vegetation now brings readers the most authoritative, state-of-the-art view of California’s plant ecosystems available. Integrating decades of research, leading community ecologists and field botanists describe and classify California’s vegetation types, identify environmental factors that determine the distribution of vegetation types, analyze the role of disturbance regimes in vegetation dynamics, chronicle change due to human activities, identify conservation issues, describe restoration strategies, and prioritize directions for new research. Several new chapters address statewide issues such as the historic appearance and impact of introduced and invasive plants, the soils of California, and more.