Riparian vegetation along the riverbanks is desirable to shade the river, decrease river temperatures, and stabilize riverbanks. A healthy riparian forest also provides nutrient input into the food chain by way of leaf litter and woody debris. In addition, it provides habitat for numerous birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Riparian trees such as cottonwoods, oaks, and sycamores were planted along bare sections of the riverbank. An irrigation system was installed to facilitate the growth and establishment of these trees.