The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires that wetlands be protected from degradation because of their important ecological functions including maintenance of high water quality and provision of fish and wildlife habitat. However, this protection generally does not encompass riparian areasâ€"the lands bordering rivers and lakesâ€"even though they often provide the same functions as wetlands. Growing recognition of the similarities in wetland and riparian area functioning and the differences in their legal protection led the NRC in 1999 to undertake a study of riparian areas, which has culminated in Riparian Areas: Functioning and Strategies for Management. The report is intended to heighten awareness of riparian areas commensurate with their ecological and societal values. The primary conclusion is that, because riparian areas perform a disproportionate number of biological and physical functions on a unit area basis, restoration of riparian functions along America's waterbodies should be a national goal.

Washington's Wildlife Areas (WLAs) are a tremendous asset for citizens of Washington. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) manages approximately 1 million acres of land across the state as WLAs, to provide fish and wildlife habitat and maintain recreational opportunities. With increased population growth and conversion of lands to developed uses, loss of natural habitat poses the greatest single threat to Washington's native fish and wildlife. The state's 33 WLAs play a critical role in conserving Washington's natural heritage and maintaining natural ecosystems and biological diversity. Although they make up just two percent of all land in the state, they provide significant habitat for many of the fish and wildlife species listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). WLAs fill a special niche for state tourism, supporting local and regional economies, and play and important rile as places for outdoor recreation. Annually, approximately 4 million people visit WLAs to enjoy the diverse recreational opportunities they provide.

The bibliography covers nonbiological or human behavior aspects of fish and wildlife conservation including sportsman characteristics, safety, law enforcement, professional and sportsman education, nonconsumptive uses, economics, and history. There are 995 references from 218 different sources. Also included are a list of reference sources used, an author index, and keywords, along with a keyword index.