A planned area of trees, shrubs, and grasses and forbs planted along a stream or river.
A common design includes three zones: an unmanaged woody zone nearest to the stream, a middle woody zone, and an outside zone of grasses that may include forbs.
How it helps
Reduces excess amounts of sediment, organic material, nutrients and pesticides in surface runoff, and reduces excess nutrients and other chemicals in shallow ground water flow.
Creates shade to lower water temperatures to improve habitat for aquatic organisms.
Improves riparian habitat and provides a source of large woody debris.
Reduces pesticide drift entering the water body.
Restores riparian plant communities.
Increases carbon storage in plant biomass and soils.
Provides habitat for upland wildlife and pollinators.
Planning ahead
Does the potential site have the sufficient width, length, vertical density and connectivity to accomplish the intended purposes?
Can you incorporate species that benefit wildlife and pollinators?
Tech Notes
The buffer must be wide enough to achieve the purpose and at least 40 feet measured horizontally on a line perpendicular to the water body beginning at the normal water line.
Use locally grown native species.
Four or more plant species will be used suited to the seasonal variation of the site’s moisture status. No single species will make up more than 25 percent of the total number of species planted.
Livestock need to be controlled or excluded to achieve the intended purpose.
Maintenance
Control harmful plant and animal pests as necessary.
Protect from adverse impacts such as excessive vehicular and pedestrian traffic, pest infestations, concentrated flows, pesticides, livestock, or wildlife damage and fire.
Until the buffer is fully functional, replace dead trees or shrubs and control undesirable vegetation.
What it is