Riparian Buffer Systems

A riparian buffer is the area located adjacent to streams and wetlands which extends through the riparian area to the upland. It consists of trees, shrubs and other perennial plants providing conservation benefits.

For more information on riparian buffer systems, refer to the fact sheets.

The benefits of riparian buffers are many:

• control and reduce flooding by slowing and absorbing flood waters;

• improve water quality as sediment and nutrients drop out of slowed waters and vegetation traps and absorb this material; 

• the vegetation reduces stream bank erosion and stabilizes the stream channel morphology;

• store and filter ground water allowing it to slowly percolate back into the water supply;

• forest microbes convert nitrate to nitrogen gas through denitrification; 

• provide shade for animals reducing water temperatures and supporting higher dissolved oxyen levels;

• supplies food to aquatic ecosystems and provides critical animal habitat.

• urban development
• improper grazing practices
• improper farming activities
• over-use from recreational activities 
• road building
• improper timber harvest practices