Riparian ecosystems quick assesment methodology in temperate zones

An integral methodology to assess performance of riparian ecosystems, based on indicators, was designed and tested. Indicators were constructed from structural components of these ecosystems, The case evaluation results of Tiquio creek, a low order tributary in the Cuitzeo Lake watershed in central Mexico is presented as a study. This methodology was applied at 48 sites along the creek. Results indicate that this stream has highly spatial variable ecological conditions. Degraded sites are found both up and downstream, while preserved sites dominate the middle portion, We concluded that the method has high sensitivity to detect spatial variations of ecological conditions on streams, and is useful for diagnosis and control of watersheds and hydrological networks and so be used to design conservation and management policies.