Riparian Buffers

What is a Riparian Buffer?

Riparian buffers are strips of vegetation (trees, shrubs or grass) planted next to streams or other waterbodies. By planting vegetation along streams, space is created between the water and upland land uses, which helps protect the water quality and stream habitat.

Benefits of Buffers

• Streambank stabilization
• Erosion and sediment control
• Filtration of nutrients and other pollutants
• Reduces the impact from floods
• Habitat and food for wildlife and pollinators
• Shade for streams

Three-Zone Concept

Healthy buffers that can withstand flooding and provide the highest level of protection for streams consist of multiple zones.

Zone 1:The area closest to the stream or waterbody should be planted with native species of water-tolerant trees and large shrubs with little or no harvesting. This zone provides streambank stabilization and provides leaf litter inputs to the stream. Leaf litter is eaten by macroinvertebrates in the stream, which are in turn eaten by fish. When trees grow in Zone 1, they shade the stream, which cools the water and provides better conditions for brook trout or other cold water-dependent fish species. Ideally, Zone 1 should be at least 15 feet wide.

Zone 2: The zone upland from Zone 1 should be planted with native faster growing, smaller, shade-tolerant tree or shrub species. This zone allows water runoff to be absorbed and held in the soil. Nutrients and other pollutants are also filtered by the soil. Faster growing plants are able to uptake and store nutrients in their woody biomass. Zone 2 can range from 20 to 60 feet in width.

Zone 3: The zone farthest from the stream and next to land use areas (for example, houses, crops or pastureland), should be planted with native grasses, wildflowers, or other herbaceous plants. These plants slow fast-moving water runoff and filter sediment. Zone 3 can range from 15 to 60 feet in width.

The total recommended width for all three zones is at least 100 feet. Riparian buffers that are at least 100 feet wide provide the minimum protection for water quality and stream protection. Wider buffers provide an even higher level of stream protection and provide better wildlife habitat. Diversity of plants in each zone is key. Zones with a variety of plant species are more resilient to severe weather (drought or extreme storms), disturbance by deer or rodents, and invasive species or pests.

Planting and Maintenance of Riparian Buffers

Proper planting and maintenance of riparian buffer sites can help to ensure long-term survival of the plants and proper function of the riparian buffer.

• Chesapeake Bay Riparian Handbook: A Guide for Establishing and Maintaining Riparian Forest Buffers 
• Conservation Buffers: Design Guidelines for Buffers, Corridors, and Greenways 
• Managing Invasive Plants in Riparian Areas (PDF, 2.9 MB)

Riparian Buffer Funding Programs

A variety of federal, state and local programs provide technical assistance to landowners, municipalities and conservation organizations for planting riparian buffers to improve water quality and wildlife habitat. For a list of programs, refer to the table below or download DEC's Funding and Assistance for Planting Riparian Buffers brochure (PDF, 801 KB).