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A.
Watershed Features
1. Stream Buffers Streamside buffers, often referred to as riparian buffers, vary in width from extensive 1,000 foot buffers to a 10 foot grassed buffer along county maintained ditches. The riparian buffer refers to vegetative strips of grass, shrubs, and/or trees along the banks of streams. These strips filter polluted runoff and provide a transition zone between streams and human land uses. Landowners can determine appropriate buffer widths based on their goals for water quality or control. The following Figure 72 from the Connecticut River Watershed, illustrates appropriate buffer widths based on what the landowner’s goals.
Figure
72: Riparian
Buffer Width Goals
Source:
The figure above is a general guideline typically applied to larger streams with steeper slopes. In flatter topography, bank stabilization and sediment filtration are effective at 35 feet. Each additional foot of buffer width provides increased benefits. The following figure was included in research by Ward et. al. (2002) on natural stream processes. Figure 73 defines recommended stream buffer widths based on a specific goal such as wildlife or bank stabilization.
Source: Ward et. al., 2002.
Sizing
Stream Setbacks to Help Maintain Stream Stability.
Prepared for 2002 ASAE Annual International Meeting. Section Navigation a. Agricultural Stream Buffers b. Urban and Residential Stream Buffers c. Effectiveness of Grass Filter Strips d. Darby Creek Stream Buffer Widths
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