Solution: Riparian Buffer

Riparian Buffer:  Strips or small areas of land in permanent vegetation that help control pollutants and promote other environmental benefits.

How it Works

Riparian vegetative buffers are strips of grass, trees or shrubs established along streams, ditches, wetlands or other water bodies. Riparian buffers trap sediment, filter nutrients, and provide habitat and corridors for fish and wildlife.

Planning

• Work with a conservationist to select plants for the buffer and determine its width.
• Soil conservation measures will be needed above filter strips to keep them from being overloaded with sediment.
• Control grazing on buffer areas.

Maintenance

• Rills or small channels may develop in grass areas and need to be repaired and reseeded.
• Control weeds and brush in grass buffers.
• Delay mowing grass areas until after July 15 to protect nesting birds.
• Remove sediment and reseed the buffer periodically.

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