Riparian Buffer Planting

A serene riverside scene with lush green trees, sunlight filtering through leaves, and a calm water surface.

What is a riparian buffer?

  • Vegetated areas along the banks of rivers, lakes, and streams

Why a riparian buffer?

  • The vegetation filters runoff, removing pollutants and excess nutrients before they reach the water body, improving water quality
  •  Stabilizes the bank, reducing erosion
  • Shades the water, improving aquatic habitat for fish and other organisms
  • Provides terrestrial habitat and corridors for wildlife
  • Reduce flooding impacts, acting as a sponge to absorb excess water

Planting a riparian buffer

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  • Species selection will depend on the region, soils, topography, existing vegetation, natural community type, and other factors.
  • Use native species, unless naturalized non-native species are already well-established and do not pose a threat to the ecosystem (such as box-elder).
  • Plant a variety of suitable tree and shrub species for structural and ecological diversity
  • Consider the successional status of the plant species and the riparian environment. For example, late successional trees will not grow well in an open agricultural field.
  • Strivbe for stem density of 400 stems/acre and at least 50% comprised of tree species. Assume a 20-25% loss following planting. Maximize use of large trees when possible as they will have greater survival and provide important riparian function.

Recommended widths

The width of the buffer will depend on the location, your goals, and funding sources.

  • 35 ft is the minimum requirement width for state-funded programs
  • 35-50 ft: Water quality and bank stabilization improvements
  • 100+ ft: Recommended, provide most fish and wildlife habitat value, greatest overall benefit

Financial assistance

If you work with RNRCD or your local NRCD we will help find and obtain funding, but for an overview of the funding opportunities available in Vermont for riparian buffer planting, see the spreadsheet below created by Watershed Forestry Partnership:

 WFP Funding Opps Spreadsheet

 

A scenic landscape with green fields and trees, where several people are working near a creek.

 Resources

Riparian Planting Guide Final 1-8-16.pdf391_VT_PS_Riparian_Forest_Buffer_2009.pdfRiparian Planting Guide Final 1-8-16.pdfsw_gi_1.5_protect_riparian_buffers.pdfRiparian_20Final_20Guidelines_20_28signed_20copy_29_resized.pdfpl_native-veg.buffer-manual.1994.pdf

 

RNRCD Riparian Buffer Projects