Buffers

Buffers are naturally vegetated zones adjacent to rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and wetlands. These areas serve many positive functions such as: flood control, bank stabilization, wildlife habitat, and protection of water quality. Follow the links to learn more about the values and functions of buffers, as well as ways to protect and restore these areas.

Links to Riparian Buffer Resources:

Chagrin River Watershed Partners, Inc. Riparian Setbacks Technical Information for Decision Makers. Revised January 2006.

"Ecology of Buffers". Draft City of Livingston. 2006.

Kusler, Jon, Esq., " No Adverse Impact: Floodplain Management and the Courts." Association of Floodplain Managers, Draft, July 2003.

Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions Annual Environmental Conference, March 2004. Selected Internet Resources on Riparian Areas and Vegetated Buffers. Updated September 2006.

Naiman, Robert and Henri Décamps, "Ecology of Interfaces: Riparian Zones." Annual Review of Ecological Systems, 1997.

"Riparian Buffers."Stream Notes 1.3.

Wegner, Seth and Laurie Fowler. "Protecting Stream and River Corridors: Creating Effective Local Riparian Buffer Ordinances." Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia, Public Policy Research Series. 2000.

Triangle J Council of Governments. "An Introduction to Riparian Buffers". Upper Neuse River Basin Riparian Buffer Study, Riparian Buffer Series No. 1. January 1999.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. Riparian Buffer Width, Vegetative Cover, and Nitrogen Removal Effectiveness: A Review of Current Science and Regulations. October 2005.

Washington State Department of Ecology. Wetland Buffers: Use and Effectiveness. February 1992. Publication #92-10.

Wegner, Seth. "A Review of the Scientific Literature on Riparian Buffer Width, Extent and Vegetation." Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia. March 1999.