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Riparian Buffers

Riparian Buffers - CP 22 (Practice Code: 391)

Riparian buffers are strips of grass, trees or shrubs established adjacent to streams, ditches, wetlands or other water bodies.

Benefits of riparian buffers include the filtration of nutrients and the interception and trapping of contaminants in surface runoff from both surface water and ground water before reaching a stream. Riparian buffers also provide habitat and corridors for fish and wildlife and help stabilize and restore damaged stream banks.

Requirements/Maintenance: The land designated for a riparian buffer must be adjacent and parallel to a perennial or seasonal stream. Area guidelines include a minimum width of 35 feet with a maximum width of 180 feet, unless water quality design specifications recommend wider widths. If interested, work with a conservationist to select plants for the buffer and determine its width. Buffers should be protected and restored based on periodic landowner inspections.

To enhance riparian buffer effectiveness, control grazing as well as weeds and brush in grass buffer areas. Remove sediment and reseed the buffer periodically.

The following riparian buffer images were photographed on land in the Lake Erie Buffer region.

Riparian Buffer A perfect representation of a riparian buffer located in Putnam County.  (Click photo for larger image)

 

Riparian Buffer and Filter Strip A notable conservation practice that includes a riparian buffer and grass filter strip, located in Sandusky County.  (Click photo for larger image)

 

For further information on conservation buffers, visit the following pages:

Ohio Lake Erie Buffer Office ~ 3900 Campus Drive Suite A ~ Lima, OH 45804

Information on this site is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. The Ohio Lake Erie Buffer Program disclaims any liability for any errors or omissions. The Ohio Lake Erie Buffer Team prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or family status.

Modified by Benjamin Marckel, January 2003