Riparian buffers are vital elements of watersheds, primarily due to their protection of surface and ground water quality from impacts related to human land use. These vegetated buffers are complex ecosystems that provide food and habitat for unique plant and animal species, and are essential to the mitigation and control of nonpoint source pollution. In fact, the removal of streamside vegetation, primarily for development purposes, has resulted in degraded water resources and diminished value for human consumption, recreation, and industrial use. In the Eightmile River watershed, maintenance of riparian buffers in their natural condition has been identified as one of the most effective means of protecting multiple outstanding resource values (ORVs), including water quality, hydrology, unique species and natural communities, and watershed ecosystem function. One of the most important functions of riparian buffers is enhanced infiltration of surface runoff. Riparian vegetation in the buffer surrounding a waterbody increases surface roughness and slows overland flows. Water is more easily absorbed and allows for groundwater recharge. These slower flows also regulate the volume of water entering rivers and streams, thereby minimizing flood events and scouring of the streambed. This publication investigates the factors that have a significant impact on buffer zones such as type and width.

Type of Case
Printed publication (book, sourcebook, journal article…)

Publisher
Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Study Committee

Region
Americas

Biome
All

Forest Type
All forest types (natural and planted)

Primary Designated Function
All