Introduction
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Database Schema
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Identification of Riparian Classification Zones and Protected Areas within the City of Fort Collins and the Growth Management Area.

Riparian habitats are important areas that connect aquatic and terrestrial habitats, which may sustain high levels of biodiversity (Gregory, 1991) In Colorado, only 3% of the land is classified as riparian habitat, yet this habitat type encompasses 40% of all known plant species in Colorado (Kittel, 1999). We seek to determine all areas that could be a riparian habitat by creating a buffer around the main permanent rivers and streams in the City of Fort Collins and Management Growth Area as established by the city within the Cache la Poudre watershed. We will determine four riparian classification zones; protected riparian habitat, unprotected riparian habitat, protected areas with no riparian habitat and buffer areas with no protection or riparian habitat. With bird survey data we can hope to explore possible correlations between areas of high biodiversity in bird species and areas of riparian habitat.