Patrick Shafroth, PhD
Patrick B. Shafroth is a Research Ecologist at the Fort Collins Science Center.
Since 1991, Dr. Shafroth has conducted research on riparian ecosystems, primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of western U.S. He and his colleagues from the USGS and other institutions have focused their work on understanding relationships between surface and ground-water hydrology, fluvial processes, and the dynamics of native and introduced riparian vegetation. This research has often been conducted in the applied context of riparian ecosystem restoration with the goal of providing solid, objective scientific information that can be used to inform riparian restoration efforts. More specific restoration-related research areas include studies of large-scale flow experiments, dam removal, effects of invasive species control and associated restoration actions, and potential interactions with climate change.
Some of Dr. Shafroth’s current research includes studies of: vegetation and geomorphic responses to experimental flow releases downstream of dams on the Bill Williams River, Arizona; the Colorado River delta in Mexico and the U.S.; and the the Colorado River in Grand Canyon; vegetation and geomorphic responses to dam removal on the Elwha River, Washington, where the world's largest dam removals occurred recently; dynamics of non-native riparian plants along western rivers, including patterns of riparian vegetation recovery associated with biological control of Tamarix.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Arizona State University, 1999
M.S. in Forest Ecology, Colorado State University, 1993
B.A. in Environmental Studies and Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara, 1989
Science and Products
Riparian ecosystem assessments
Human alterations of riparian ecosystems
Vegetation responses to dam removal
Biology, ecology and management of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. (Russian olive) in western North America
Riparian vegetation response to altered disturbance and stress regimes
Potential responses of riparian vegetation to dam removal
Woody riparian vegetation response to different alluvial water table regimes
Responses of riparian cottonwoods to alluvial water table declines
Coupling groundwater and riparian vegetation models to assess effects of reservoir releases
Establishment of woody riparian vegetation in relation to annual patterns of streamflow, Bill Williams River, Arizona
Riparian cottonwood response to watertable declines
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Riparian ecosystem assessments
Human alterations of riparian ecosystems
Vegetation responses to dam removal
Biology, ecology and management of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. (Russian olive) in western North America
Riparian vegetation response to altered disturbance and stress regimes
Potential responses of riparian vegetation to dam removal
Woody riparian vegetation response to different alluvial water table regimes
Responses of riparian cottonwoods to alluvial water table declines
Coupling groundwater and riparian vegetation models to assess effects of reservoir releases
Establishment of woody riparian vegetation in relation to annual patterns of streamflow, Bill Williams River, Arizona
Riparian cottonwood response to watertable declines
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.