Riparian Buffers

Purpose: To reduce excess amounts of sediment, organic material, nutrients, pesticides, and other pollutants in surface runoff; reduce excess nutrients and other chemicals in shallow groundwater; moderate water temperatures to improve habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms; provide a source of organic matter and large woody debris for fish and other aquatic organisms; lessen detrimental impacts to riparian areas including stream channels and adjacent lands caused by high and low water flows; reduce the rate of lateral stream channel movement; provide habitat for cover for numerous species of wildlife during periods of their life cycle; and produce wood products such as lumber, firewood, and posts.