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The riparian area, or floodplain is a key geomorphic feature that is a ecosystem unto itself. The vegetation and a substrate are key elements that provide channel shape stability and pollutant assimilation in addition to energy source and terrestrial habitat.
Work done near Toronto, Ontario has shown that in-stream ecological integrity depends on the existence of intact riparian areas and landuse (Steedman 1988). As landuse becomes more urban, ecological integrity usually declines; however, that decline can be forestalled and moderated with intact, healthy riparian areas along streams. As riparian areas are reduced and removed, streams lose ecological integrity. Clearly, stream function is strongly keyed to the presence of intact riparian zones. The functions provided by riparian areas include nutrient uptake and storage, erosion control and storage, habitat forming functions, shading, energy provision (i.e., leaves and woody debris), flood control, groundwater treatment (recharge) and storage, breeding and migrating bird and wildlife habitat, and recreation.
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Work done near Toronto, Ontario has shown that in-stream ecological integrity depends on the existence of intact riparian areas and landuse. (Steedman 1988) 
