Riparian Buffer Zones Functions And Recommended Widths

This publication investigates the factors that have a significant impact on buffer zones such as type and width.

Riparian buffer zones functions and recommended widths. Furthermore the necessary width for an. They report the following ranges. The primary function of a riparian buffer is to physically protect and separate a stream lake or wetland from future disturbance or encroachment.

Erosion sediment control 30 feet to 98 feet. Functions and recommended widths. This width should be used as a general guideline for a minimum buffer width.

Recommended buffer widths the width of a buffer depends greatly on what resource you are trying to protect. A riparian forest buffer of sufficient width can provide many. Functions and recommended widths author.

Riparian buffers are vital elements of watersheds primarily due to their protection of surface and ground water quality from impacts related to human land use. We selected an existing protocol for determining buffer widths for water quality functions that could be readily adapted for use in this region. However the primary purpose of this document is to review and present the current scientific understanding of riparian zone width as it relates to ecological function.

3 2 riparian buffer zone functions riparian buffer zones are often advocated as environmental management tools for reducing impacts of land use activities on aquatic resources. Ellen hawes created date. Scientific studies have shown that efficient buffer widths range from 10 feet for bank stabilization and stream shading to over 300 feet for wildlife habitat.

In general buffer widths recommended for protection of terrestrial riparian components were wider than those recommended for aquatic components. It is highly likely that a buffer strip of this width would support self sustaining indigenous vegetation with few maintenance requirements and is recommended to provide long term benefits to aquatic and terrestrial biota. The buffer zone area or strip is generally regarded as the strip of land that connects an upland or hillslope area with streams lakes or wetlands.