The Active River Area describes a conservation framework that provides a conceptual and spatially explicit basis for the assessment, protection, management, and restoration of freshwater and riparian ecosystems.  The active river area framework is based upon dominant processes and disturbance regimes to identify areas at reach, watershed and regional scales within which important physical and ecological processes of the river or stream occur. By combining the well-established understanding of ecological integrity of freshwater systems with the well-established understanding of geomorphic processes we create an integrated and hierarchical framework. 

The framework identifies five key components of the active river area: 1) material contribution zones, 2) meander belts, 3) riparian wetlands, 4) floodplains and 5) terraces.  These areas are defined by the major physical and ecological processes associated and explained in the context of the continuum from the upper, mid and lower watershed. The framework provides a spatially explicit manner for accommodating the natural ranges of variability to system hydrology, sediment transport, processing and transport of organic materials, and key biotic interactions.  We also describe GIS techniques which allow the active river area components to be readily identified over a range of spatial scales that can then be used to inform management efforts such as conservation planning, the establishment of protected area networks, the development and implementation of management policies and programs, and river restoration projects. 

Protection of the active river area provides benefits to aquatic and terrestrial species that rely on instream, riparian and floodplain habitat to carry out their life cycles.  An intact active river area also offers a wide range of benefits to society including the reduction of flood and erosion hazards, protecting water quality, and providing the many subsistence, commercial, recreational and economic benefits associated with healthy freshwater systems.