Planting and maintaining woody vegetation along streams provide a wealth of benefits. Research at the Stroud Water Center and elsewhere have shown that stream health is dependent on the presence of woody vegetation (trees and shrubs) along its banks.

Riparian Forest Buffers

• filter sediments from streams that overflow during storm events;
• remove nitrogen and phosphorous leaching from adjacent land uses such as agriculture or lawns;
• provide stability to the bank (woody root systems);
• shade and modify stream temperatures critical for habitat and pollution reduction;
• provide aquatic and wildlife habitat for many species;
• reduce stream velocity;
• reduce down stream flooding.

When establishing forested buffers along streams, the width of that buffer will determine its function. A 50 foot wide buffer will help provide bank stability while a 250 foot wide buffer will help mitigate flooding, filter out pollutants and nutrients, and provide greater habitat for wildlife.

Planting new forested buffers has become a state priority since the early 1990s, but regulations to protect existing buffers from removal do not exist. Municipalities can adopt ordinances to protect riparian buffers from development or removal.

For more information on Riparian Forest Buffers visit:

Stroud Water Research Center

USDA Riparian Forest Buffers

Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Program

Urban Stream Restoration

Natural Stream Channel Design