The harvesting history of the Kwatna mainstem and its tributaries has resulted in most of their riparian management areas being dominated by early and mid-seral structural stages. The pre-dominant structural stage in the lower portions of the valley is the young coniferous forest (YFc) while the upper portions of the Kwatna mainstem and most tributaries is dominated by coniferous pole/sapling stands (PSc). In both cases the result of this the loss of large organic debris inputs and impaired stream shading, small organic debris inputs, channel stability and nutrient filtering. In those rivers and creeks which are classified as S1 (Kwatna, lower Oakbeck , 12-mile, lower Slousiska) these features have low to moderate riparian function. As well, some of the loss of large organic debris is mitigated by the retention of small strips or scattered individual veterans along the channel edge in early riparian management attempts. The young forest are also reaching a stem size which would allow them to act as large organic debris if entered into the river or creek channel. Natural break up and mortality at significant rates within these stands, however, is estimated to be a few decades away.

In those creeks classified as S2 these lost and impaired riparian functions have moderately high to very high value. While some veterans have been retained as scattered individuals and small strips their input is probably not going to be enough to significantly minimize the loss or impairment of these riparian functions. As well, a large portion of the riparian areas along these creeks are dominated by the coniferous pole/sapling structural stage resulting in a long period of time before these stands reach a stem size where they can start to mimic later structural stages.

Bear creek and portions Oakbeck creek have been rated as having a high priority for site visitation by a specialist and for potential restoration activities. In both cases the movement of bedload material and the loss of large organic debris have resulted in the potential loss of fish spawning and rearing habitat. Gus creek, Glacier creek , 1.5-mile creek and portions of 12-mile creek have been rated as having a moderate priority for site visitation by a specialist and for potential restoration activities. In all cases the loss of large organic debris has resulted in the potential loss or impairment of fish spawning and rearing habitat. Motormaster creek and portions of the upper Gus creek have been rated as having a low priority for site visitation by site specialist and for potential restoration activities. The loss of large organic debris and potential sediment sources have resulted in the loss or have impaired fish spawning and rearing habitat.