Riparian or wetland areas are defined as the green zones associated with lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, potholes, springs, bogs, fens, wet meadows, and ephemeral, intermittent, or perennial streams. The riparian or wetland zone occurs between the upland or terrestrial zone and the aquatic or deep water zone. In contrast to their importance, riparian or wetland communities are among the least studied and least understood areas in terms of structure, function, and management. The riparian or wetland zone has often been overlooked, ignored, or considered a minor inclusion of the larger terrestrial or aquatic systems. In 1985, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation funded a proposal by the University of Montana School of Forestry to develop a riparian or wetland dominance type classification and pursue the formation of an interagency cooperative.