Riparian Buffers: An Introduction

Introduction
USDA 3-Zone Riparian Buffer Planning Model
Resources for Landowners: Sources of Assistance for Water Quality

Introduction

Riparian buffers consist of vegetated areas surrounding a body of water such as a river, stream, lake, reservoir, pond, or wetland. Benefits from healthy riparian buffers include: water quality enhancement, stormwater and floodwater management, streambank and shoreline stabilization, water temperature modification, wildlife habitat protection, and absorption of pollutants. By protecting and restoring these areas, we protect and restore our water supply as well as our natural resources.

USDA 3-Zone Riparian Buffer Planning Model

The USDA has developed a 3-zone buffer planning model for landowners who wish to implement riparian buffers on their properties.

• Zone 1 begins at water level and extends a minimum of 15 feet, and consists of natural or undisturbed forest.
• Zone 2 consists of managed forest area and extends for a minimum of 60 feet.
• Zone 3 consists of native grasses to control runoff from human land uses, such as cropland, and extends for a minimum of 20 feet.

Resources for Landowners:
Sources of Assistance for Water Quality and Buffer Implementation

There are many sources of assistance available to landowners who want to add or improve their buffers, and many VOF easement deeds require buffers. The current VOF template recommends a 100-foot riparian buffer, and within the Tidewater localities the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act’s regulations require a 100-foot buffer. Other localities outside the Tidewater area have also adopted these regulations to preserve the health of their water supply.

• DCR: Division of Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance:
  Regulations for Tidewater Localities
  Web: http://www.cblad.virginia.gov/
  Phone: 1-800-CHESBAY
• VA Department of Forestry:
  Riparian Buffer Tax Credit
  Web: http://www.dof.virginia.gov/
  Phone: (434) 977-6555
• VA Assn. of Soil and Water Conservation Districts:
  Web: http://www.vaswcd.org/
  Phone: (804) 559-0324
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service:
  Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)
  Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP)
  Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)
  Web: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/
  Phone: (804) 287-1691
• USDA Farm Service Agency:
  Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
  Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
  Web: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/
  Phone: (202) 720-3467
• Virginia Cooperative Extension:
  Understanding the Science Behind Riparian Forest Buffers: Overview
  Web: http://www.ext.vt.edu

Created 3/2007 for VOF Spring Newsletter