How it works
A riparian forest buffer is an area directly adjacent to a stream, river or lake that can include trees, shrubs, grass, and/or grasslike plants and forbs. Buffers can be designer or managed for multiple benefits.
Purpose/Benefit
- Creates shade to lower water temperature
- Provides leaves, twigs, stems and logs for aquatic organisms, fish cover, etc
- Provides habitat for multiple wildlife species
- Protects soil from scour erosion
- Reduces downstream flooding
- Protects water quality by filtering shallow groundwater flow