Small mountain streams are neglected under current BC forestry regulations. Debate exists over buffer widths necessary to maintain floristic diversity. The effectiveness of canopy treatments (clear-cut, one-sided or two-sided buffers and continuous forest) and buffer width in maintaining riparian bryophyte diversity and promoting community reassembly in adjacent harvested uplands was examined using 30 Interior Montane Spruce sites. Analysis found frequency and
richness of old-growth associated groups (liverworts, perennial stayers, closed canopy, humus or log species) was maintained with buffers (one sided and two-sided). Disturbance associated groups (colonists, open canopy and mineral soil/rock species) were more abundant in clear-cut riparian sites. Ordination found buffer width and canopy cover within 50 m radius affected bryophytes in riparian sites with buffers, whereas disturbance variables affected composition in clear-
cut riparian sites. Regressions showed the importance of habitat quality variables (soft CWD and concavity). A buffer had no effect on community reassembly in the uplands.
