Links below are for resources geared towards specific audiences:
Mission: The Connecticut River, the longest river in New England, flows from the Connecticut Lakes in northern NH, south through VT, NH, MA and CT to empty into Long Island Sound. Publication Link: http://www.fws.gov/r5crc/
Restored over 400 acres of salt marsh, 500 acres of freshwater wetland habitats, and restored or created 600 acres of grassland habitats.
Mission: Restore over 450 sites in CT and NY (see map) Publication Link: http://www.savethesound.org
Save the Sound is dedicated to the restoration, protection, and appreciation of Long Island Sound and its watershed through advocacy, education and research.
Mission: The Northeastern Area has been assisting partners in the New York City Watershed since 1996. We have helped state and non-profit groups develop and implement strategies to ensure that forest lands continue to produce clean high quality water while supporting local forest industries. Publication Link: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/watershed/factsheets/NYC.pdf
Fact sheet on NYC watershed protection from the Watershed and Clean Water Grants Program. The overall goals of the project are to establish the programs and resources necessary to aid and encourage all landowners in becoming active stewards of their riparian corridors.
Publication Link: http://planning.westchestergov.com/images/stories/stormwater/aquaticbuffersguide.pdf
Describes types, benefits, and characteristics of good urban aquatic buffers, and provides guidance on managing, protecting, and planting buffers.
Publication Link: http://planning.westchestergov.com/completed-projects
Includes approximately 30 sites in Westchester (see map).
Publication Link: http://www.rivernetwork.org/programs/rivers-and-habitat As the nation’s leader in supporting grassroots river and watershed conservation groups, we have designed this site to link people with river information, resources and services.
Organization: Association for Temperate Agroforestry General Information on Riparian Forest Buffers: http://www.aftaweb.org/entserv1.php?page=8
Organization: Conservation Technology Information Center Mission: A national, nonprofit dedicated to environmentally sound and economically viable decision making in agriculture; under the charter of the National Association of Conservation Districts. Publication Link: http://www.ctic.purdue.edu (key word: riparian buffers)
Know Your Watershed is an information clearinghouse for watershed coordinators to help assure measurable progress toward local goals.
Organization: GreenTreks Mission: Beginning in 1993 as GreenWorks, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit organization with the mission of spreading a simple message: real people are making a difference to protect our planet.
This page provides video, projects and information related to Riparian Buffers. Publication Link: http://www.greenworks.tv/stormwater/riparianbuffer.htm
Organization: North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Publication Link: http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/admin/pubinfo/documents/CatBufFactSht5-14.pdf
The importance of buffer zones.
Organization: River Network Mission: A national non-profit organization, offers consulting, publications, trainings and small grants to help people raise money, build organizations, and monitor and protect rivers and watersheds. Publication Link: http://www.rivernetwork.org/library/rv1998v9n1.pdf
What is a Buffer? by River Network Staff; and Ecology of Natural Riparia by George Constantz.
Organization: Riverways Program Mission: To promote the restoration and protection of the ecological integrity of the Commonwealth’s watersheds: rivers, streams and adjacent lands. Publication Link: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/river/
Stream Restoration Projects are evaluated and undertaken by Riverways in partnership with local and regional river advocacy groups. Priority Projects are solicited each year for dam removal, culvert replacement and retrofits, bank stabilization, and stream daylighting. Technical Assistance provides assistance to citizens, municipalities and watershed groups to protect and restore river corridors, ecological systems, and facilitate community redevelopment.
Organization: University of Nebraska Lincoln, National Agroforestry Center Publication Link: http://www.unl.edu/nac/bufferguidelines/index.html
General Information on Riparian Forest Buffers.
Organization: University of Wisconsin Extension Publication Link: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/shoreland/zone2.htm
Information on shoreland restoration.
Organization: Virginia Department of Forestry Mission: Manages 17 state forests and other state lands totaling 47,899 acres. Publication Link: http://www.dof.virginia.gov/index.shtml
Wooded buffer zones along streams, rivers, and the Bay can be classified as riparian forests. Riparian forests differ from upland forests in their hydrology, plant community, soils, and topography. Learn more: Riparian Forest Buffers – Intro., Functions, and Common Plants Used.
Organization: Blackland Research Water Quality Group Mission: Currently working on Water Quality research projects to develop Best Management Practices to reduce atrazine, sedimentation and nutrient losses from Central Texas farm and ranchland. Publication Link: http://waterhome.brc.tamus.edu/projects/riparian.html
Includes: Riparian Buffers for Agricultural Land; How to Design a Riparian Buffer for Agricultural Land; A Riparian Buffer Design for Cropland.
Organization: Cayuga County Cooperative Extension Publication Link: http://co.cayuga.ny.us/wqma/greenthumbs/index.html
Green Thumbs for Blue Water is an educational program for riparian and lakeshore residents who are concerned about erosion and water quality. The program focuses on the use of backyard buffers to minimize erosion and integrated pest management techniques for maintaining healthy and environmentally-friendly lawns and landscapes.
Organization: Environmental Defense Mission: A leading national nonprofit organization representing more than 400,000 members. Publication Link: http://www.environmentaldefense.org/documents/2758_NCbuffers.pdf
North Carolina’s streams, rivers, estuaries and lakes are its most threatened natural communities. The pollution comes not only from factories and sewage treatment plants, but also from virtually every land-disturbing activity in the state, including agriculture, development and even individual homeowners fertilizing lawns.
Organization: Kansas State University Research and Extension Publication Link: http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/forst2/mf2489.pdf
Landowners establish riparian buffers for a variety of reasons. Some want to stop cropping the lowest, wettest end of the field because of the difficulty planting and harvesting flood-prone areas.
Organization: Oregon Association of Conservation Districts Publication Link: http://oregon.gov/ODA/SWCD/library_home.shtml keyword: streams/riparian.
Now we know that a good mix of trees, shrubs, and grasses next to the water bring a wealth of benefits to the landowner and all who live downstream. Near stream areas can provide flood and erosion control, wildlife habitat, and higher property values. Read on to learn how to protect your environmental and real estate investment.
Organization: Pennsylvania Water Resources, Chester County Publication Link: http://dsf.chesco.org/water/cwp/view.asp?a=3&Q=607379&waterNav=|
Resource Library: Throughout the year, the Chester County Water Resources Authority prepares fact sheets, newsletter articles, and other materials which we encourage municipalities, watershed associations, homeowners associations, and others to use and reference in environmental education pieces.
Organization: Southeast Michigan Resource Conservation & Development Council Mission: Southeast Michigan Resource Conservation & Development Council Publication Link: http://semircd.org/buffers/guide/intro.php use keyword: riparian buffers.
This guide was produced as part of a Section 319, Federal Clean Water Act grant awarded to the Southeast Michigan RC&D Council by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
Organization: US Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency Publication Link: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=copr&topic=landing
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary program for agricultural landowners. Through CRP, you can receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource conserving covers on eligible farmland.
Organization: Virginia Polytechnique Institute and State University Publication Link: http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/forestry/420-153/420-153.html
Understanding the Science Behind Riparian Forest Buffers: Benefits to Communities and Landowners: Author: Julia C. Klapproth, Faculty Assistant-Natural Resources, Maryland Cooperative Extension; James E. Johnson, Extension Forestry Specialist, College of Natural Resources, Virginia Tech; Publication Number 420-156, Posted January 2002.
Organization: Virginia Polytechnique Institute and State University Publication Link: http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/forestry/420-156/420-156.html
Understanding the Science Behind Riparian Forest Buffers: Resources for Virginia Landowners; Author: Julia C. Klapproth, Faculty Assistant-Natural Resources, Maryland Cooperative Extension; James E. Johnson, Extension Forestry Specialist, College of Natural Resources, Virginia Tech; Publication Number 420-156, Posted January 2002.
Organization: Potomac River Basin Mission: The Potomac River Basin stretches across parts of four states (Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia) as well as the District of Columbia. This area is also called the Potomac Watershed. It includes all of the land area where water drains towards the mouth of the Potomac – the point where the river spills into the Chesapeake Bay. Publication Link: http://www.potomacriver.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=122&Itemid=95
6 publications about Riparian Buffers.
Organization: Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society Mission: “Cows and Fish” is striving to foster a better understanding on how improvements in grazing management on riparian areas can enhance landscape health and productivity, for the benefit of cattle producers and others who use and value riparian areas. Publication Link: http://www.cowsandfish.org/
How is the Cows and Fish program valuable to cattle producers? We: Work with producers & communities on riparian health and management; Provide an opportunity to help producers and communities present a proactive approach as good stewards of the land; Assist in building community-based and producer driven groups to address local riparian issues.
Organization: California Energy Commission Publication Link: http://www.energy.ca.gov/pier/project_reports/500-04-071.html
A measurement and monitoring activity was carried out to assess the relative biomass carbon storage potential of extending forested buffer zones by 200 feet (100 feet either side of existing regulations) at two study sites representing key timber production regions in California: Sierran mixed conifers at Blodgett Forest Research Station (BFRS) in the Sierra Nevadas and coastal redwoods at Jackson Demonstration State Forest (JDSF).
Organization: Chesapeake Bay Program Publication Link: http://www.chesapeakebay.net/search/pub_action.cfm?SubjectCriteria=forest%20buffer&STARTROW=1&MAXROWS=10&SEARCH_TYPE=ALL&BOOLEANOP=PHRASE
33 publications about Riparian Buffers.
Organization: Connecticut River Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire Mission: Home to a remarkable partnership among the governments in the two states, businesses, farmers, conservationists, and other citizens from many walks of life. Publication Link: http://www.crjc.org/riparianbuffers.htm
Links and publications about the Upper Connecticut River and its watershed.
Organization: Delaware Publication Link: http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/info/ELibrary.htm
Includes: Delaware’s Nonpoint Source (NPS) Management Plan; Delaware’s Riparian Buffers; Delaware Riparian Buffer Initiative -Workshop Summary.
Organization: Density Management and Riparian Buffer Study Mission: A collaborative effort among the Bureau of Land Management , Pacific Northwest Research Station , US Geological Society, and Oregon State University to develop and test options for young stand management to create and maintain late-successional forest characteristics in western Oregon. Publication Link: http://ocid.nacse.org/nbii/density/pubs.html
Organization: EPA The toolbox is intended for use by state and local agencies and other organizations interested in educating the public on nonpoint source pollution or stormwater runoff. The Toolbox contains a variety of resources to help develop an effective and targeted outreach campaign. Publication Link http://www.epa.gov/nps/toolbox/
Publications related to riparian buffers.
Organization: Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center Publication Link: http://www.h2opolicycenter.org/research.shtml
Paper #2001-004: Water Quality Protection and the Cost-effective Targeting of Riparian Buffers in Georgia, Paul J. Ferraro, December 2001; Paper #2001-005: Cost-effective Targeting of Riparian Buffers in Georgia when Water Quality Benefits are Difficult to Measure, Paul J. Ferraro, December 2001.
Organization: Great Lakes Basin Program for Soil and Erosion Control Publication Link: http://www.glc.org/basin/pubs/index.html
Several publication about lakes and buffer zones.
Organization: Healthy Portland Streams Publication Link: http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=54273
Describes the development and content of the Streamside Science and Inventory of Significant Riparian and Wetland Resources Discussion Draft.
Organization: Iowa Department of Natural Resources Publication Link: http://www.iowadnr.com/forestry/riparian.html
Forested riparian buffer strips of perennial vegetation contribute to sustainable agriculture by reducing soil loss, improving water quality, and stabilizing stream banks. Buffer strips of trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses improve aesthetics and wildlife habitat. Forested buffer strips also make good financial sense if they are installed through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
Organization: Maine Rivers Mission: Begun in 1998 as a project of the Natural Resources Council of Maine, became an independent organization in the spring of 2003. Publication Link: http://www.mainerivers.org/riparian.htm
One of the most effective ways to protect rivers is to preserve the lands adjacent to them. These crucial riverside lands are known to ecologists as “riparian buffer zones,” which buffer the waterway from various substances that might otherwise wash directly into the river.
Organization: Maryland Forest Service, Department of Natural Resources Publication Link: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/publications/buffers.html
Riparian Forest Buffers: Function and Design for Protection and Enhancement of Water Resources; Streamside forests are complex ecosystems vital to the protection of our streams and rivers.
Organization: Massachusetts Riverway Program Mission: To promote the restoration and protection of the ecological integrity of the Commonwealth’s watersheds. Publication Link: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/river/resources/riverfactsheets.htm
Riparian Area Information and Fact Sheets: Selected Internet Resources for Riparian Areas and Vegetated Buffers; Native Species for Riparian Areas; Fact Sheets: Functions and Values of Riparian Areas.
Organization: National Association of Conservation Districts Mission: Formed in 1946 by districts and their state associations. Publication Link: http://www.nacdnet.org/buffers/
Buffer Notes currently reaches about 9,100 conservation partners across the nation in a monthly newsletter and thousands more on the web. The newsletter mailing list includes about 3,000 conservation districts, virtually all local USDA service centers, state and national partners and policymakers, media and nongovernmental agencies.
Organization: North Carolina Stream Restoration Institute and North Carolina Sea Grant Publication Link: http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/wqg/sri/stream_rest_guidebook/sr_guidebook.pdf
Vegetation Stabilization and Riparian-Buffer Re-establishment: A combination of planting methods improves the chances for successfully fulfilling the restoration objectives of bank stabilization, flood attenuation and habitat enhancement. Appendix F lists appropriate species from the three physiographic regions of North Carolina to incorporate into restoration plans.
Organization: Pennsylvania State University, RGIS–Chesapeake Penn State Publication Link: http://www.cas.psu.edu/docs/CASDEPT/AGRONOMY/lal/publications/publicationDocuments/riparian.pdf
Their geographic information systems (GIS) approach used existing data readily available from federal and state agencies. The goal was to produce information useful for broad-scale targeting and decision-making policy and to provide a watershed-scale assessment of riparian forest buffer status.
Organization: River Network Mission: A national non-profit organization, offers consulting, publications, trainings and small grants to help people raise money, build organizations, and monitor and protect rivers and watersheds. Publication Link: http://www.rivernetwork.org/library/index.cfm?doc_id=159
Introduces two components in developing a successful riparian buffer program: collection of data to document the functions and benefits of riparian buffers, and technical considerations when drafting a riparian buffer ordinance.
Organization: Rutgers Cooperative Extension Mission: Rutgers Cooperative Extension Publication Link: http://www.rce.rutgers.edu/njriparianforestbuffers/index.htm
Projects and resources related to New Jersey Riparian Buffers.
Organization: Soil and Water Conservation Society Mission: Soil and Water Conservation Society (2001) Publication Link: http://www.swcs.org/en/publications/realizing_the_promise_of_buffer_technology/
National Conservation Buffer Workshop, 2001, to create an agenda for action that would further the use of conservation buffer technology and help the USDA to achieve its goal of assisting farmers and ranchers.
Organization: Stanford University, Center for Environmental Science and Policy, Stanford Institute for International Studies Publication Link: http://yaquivalley.stanford.edu/publications
This project brings together the specialists needed to both develop fundamental understanding and explore management and policy alternatives that could increase human welfare and minimize resource and environmental risks in the Yaqui Basin. It provides some publications about the impacts of crop field.
Organization: University of Maryland, Maryland Cooperative Extension Publication Link: http://www.riparianbuffers.umd.edu/manual.html
In 1997-1998, Maryland Cooperative Extension conducted a series of two-day workshops on riparian buffer systems. These workshops included information on stream assessment, groundwater hydrology, nutrient cycling, plant and animal communities, and riparian restoration.
Organization: US Department of Agriculture Publication Link: http://www.nal.usda.gov/wqic/dbases.shtml
This page contains links to online databases that may be related to water and agriculture. These databases contain such information as bibliographic citations, current research, stream flow data, species information, and chemical and toxicology data.
Organization: US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service Publication Link: http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/projects/projects.htm?ACCN_NO=404154&showpubs=true
Research publications related to riparian buffers.
Organization: US Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service Publication Link: http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/arei/ah722/
This report identifies trends in land, water, and biological resources and commercial input use, reports on the condition of natural resources used in the agricultural sector, and describes and assesses public policies that affect conservation and environmental quality in agriculture. Combining data and information, this report examines the complex connections among farming practices, conservation, and the environment, which are increasingly important components in US agriculture and farm policy. The report also examines the economic factors that affect resource use and estimates costs and benefits to farmers, consumers, and the government of meeting conservation and environmental goals.
Organization: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Northeastern Area Publication Link: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/watershed/
Promoting watershed health through the conservation, restoration and stewardship of trees and forests. The Watershed Program: Provides ongoing technical support to NA, NAASF, and the NA State Foresters; Coordinates large-scale watershed partnerships and initiatives; Provides support and oversight of targeted Watershed and Clean Water Action Grants; Advance watershed science and implement regional projects which further NA goals.
Organization: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Area Mission: A unit of the USDA Forest Service’s State and Private Forestry Branch that encourages and supports sustainable forestry in the Northeast and Midwest. Publication Link: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/n_resource/buffer/cover.htm
Streamside forests are crucial to the protection and enhancement of the water resources of the Eastern United States. They are extremely complex ecosystems that help provide optimum food and habitat for stream communities as well as being useful in mitigating or controlling nonpoint source pollution (NPS).
Organization: US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Mission: Originally called the Soil Conservation Service, has provided leadership in a partnership effort to help America’s private land owners and managers conserve their soil, water, and other natural resources. Publication Link: http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/idpmc/publications.html#PU
Publications from the Aberdeen Plant Materials Center.
Organization: US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Mission: Originally called the Soil Conservation Service, has provided leadership in a partnership effort to help America’s private land owners and managers conserve their soil, water, and other natural resources. Publication Link: http://www.woodstockconservation.org/buffer_strips.htm
Woodstock Conservation Commission gleanings from NRCS document
Organization: US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Federal Interagency Stream Corridor Restoration Working Group Publication Link: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/stream_restoration/newtofc.htm
This document is a result of an unprecedented cooperative effort among fifteen Federal agencies and partners to produce a common reference on stream corridor restoration.
Organization: US EPA Publication Link: http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/wetmeasures/
Background of the Management Measures to protect and restore wetlands and riparian areas.
Organization: US Forest Service Mission: Established in 1905 and is an agency of the US Department of Agriculture. The Forest Service manages public lands in national forests and grasslands, which encompass 193 million acres. Publication Link: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/cgi-bin/texis.exe/Webinator/search?pr=default&prox=page&rorder=500&rprox=500&rdfreq=500&rwfreq=500&rlead=500&sufs=0&query=watershed+stewardship&submit=Search
Trees and forests are critical to the health and proper function of watersheds, and clean water is one of our most important forest products. One focus of the Forest Service Natural Resource Agenda endorses maintaining and restoring watershed health as the foundation for management of the nation’s forests.
Organization: Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Publication Link: http://www.anr.state.vt.us/site/html/buff/anrbuffer2005.htm
The Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) has adopted the revised Riparian Buffer Guidance (12/09/05) and has issued associated Riparian Buffers and Corridors Technical Papers. These documents and other related information can be requested from the address provided below or found on this web page.
Organization: Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Publication Link: http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/waterq/rivers/docs/rv_riparianvalues.pdf
Protection, management and restoration of riparian corridors need not be perceived as a threat to landowner rights and opportunities, nor as a needless constraint on community growth and economic development, nor as a burden on the mission of state agencies.
Publication Link: http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10327 Online book.
Organization: Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Virginia Mission: Addresses the impact of land use upon the water that feed the Chesapeake Bay. Publication Link: http://www.cblad.virginia.gov/news_events_publications.cfm
Events and publications related to riparian buffers.
Organization: Gulf of Maine Times Mission: A project of the Gulf of Maine Council’s Public Education and Participation Committee, made possible through support of the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Publication Link: http://www.gulfofmaine.org/times/fall2002/science_insights.html
A raindrop hits a farmer’s field on a hillside in New Brunswick, seeps into the ground, and begins a downhill journey toward a brook. Pesticides and fertilizers in the soil dissolve and hitch a ride along the way. As it nears the stream, however, the water percolates through a natural habitat called a riparian zone, which acts as a filter and removes the chemicals.
Organization: Iowa State University Extension Mission: Builds partnerships and provides research-based learning opportunities to improve quality of life in Iowa. Publication Link: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1626B.pdf
This publication will discuss how to design, plant, and maintain a multi-species buffer strip, which is an important part of the riparian, or river, ecosystem. Techniques recommended in this publication are being studied at Iowa State University and Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture demonstration plots in central and northern Iowa.
Organization: Iowa State University Extension Mission: Builds partnerships and provides research-based learning opportunities to improve quality of life in Iowa. Publication Link: http://www.buffer.forestry.iastate.edu/HTML/Extension.html
11 publications related to riparian zones.
Organization: Iowa State University Extension Mission: Builds partnerships and provides research-based learning opportunities to improve quality of life in Iowa. Publication Link: http://www.buffer.forestry.iastate.edu/Research/HTML/abstracts.htm
13 abstracts related to riparian zones.
Organization: Iowa State University, Crop Adviser Institute Publication Link: http://www.cai.iastate.edu/modules/module.aspx?modID=18
This module will identify ecological concerns of agriculture and watersheds, identify parts of riparian management systems including filter and buffer strips, and illustrate best management practices to reduce negative impacts of agriculture on water quality.
Organization: Kansas State University Research and Extension Publication Link: www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/forst2/srl137.pdf
Re-establishing riparian buffers along streams may reduce flood damage & streambank erosion, improve wildlife habitat, & filter pollutants, such as nutrients,pesticides, bacteria, & sediments.
Organization: North Carolina Division of Forest Resources, Forest Management and Development Section PublicationLink: www.dfr.state.nc.us/…/Riparian%20Buffers%20Forest%20Mgmt_WP.pdf
Organization: North Carolina State University, Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture and Soil Science Publication Link: www.soil.ncsu.edu/lockers/Osmond_D/web/RiparianBuffers.pdf
Riparian Buffers and Controlled Drainage to Reduce Agricultural Nonpoint Source
Pollution (2002); Soil Facts Agricultural Riparian Buffers (2002).
Organization: Pennsylvania State University, College of Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Research and Cooperative Extension Publication Link: http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/uh165.pdf
Benefits of Riparian Buffers: Riparian buffers offer many benefits for wildlife; but they also improve water quality for humans. In general, the wider and more diversely planted the buffer, the more likely it is to yield positive benefits.
Organization: University of Missouri, Center for Agroforestry Mission: Conservation Planning Atlas (Midwest Version): This work is part of a comprehensive, interdisciplinary effort to develop a scientific basis for planning agroforestry buffers. Publication Link: http://www.unl.edu/nac/conservation/atlas/index.html
Riparian Buffer Success Story: Ron Risdal – Corn soybean and alfalfa producer, Story County, Iowa. Established a riparian buffer in 1990; Decorative Woody Florals: Income Potential from Riparian Buffers.
Organization: University of Nebraska Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska School of Natural Resources, and University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Publication Link: www.unl.edu/nac/bufferguidelines/docs/conservation_buffers.pdf
This site contains information and links related to the many types of riparianbuffers, including grass filter strips and riparian forest buffers.
Organization: University of Nebraska Lincoln Publication Link: http://www.unl.edu/nac/aug94/rip-crop.html
Riparian zones are generally resilient because of their moist, moderate and fertile environments. With proper management, this resiliency can be sustained. Proper management should include construction or restoration of multi-species buffer strips and deferred or rotational grazing or exclusion of livestock. Several riparian zone restoration and management strategies are discussed.
Organization: US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Environmental Laboratory Publication Link: http://www.dnr.wi.gov/org/water/wm/dsfm/shore/documents/sr24.pdf
Riparian zones typically comprise a small percentage of the landscape, often less than 1 percent, yet they frequently harbor a disproportionately high number of wildlife species and perform a disparate number of ecological functions when compared to most upland habitats. Riparian zones have been widely recognized as functionally unique and dynamic ecosystems only within the past 25 years. Table 1. Recommended Widths of Buffer Zones and Corridors for Water Quality; Table 2. Recommended Widths of Corridors and Vegetated Buffer Strips for Vegetation, Reptiles and Amphibians, Mammals, Fish, and Invertebrates, Table 3. Recommended Minimum Widths of Riparian Buffer Strips and Corridors for Birds.
Organization: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Area Mission: State & Private Forestry, Natural Resources, Conservation Service, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service. Publication Link: http://www.chesapeakebay.net/pubs/subcommittee/nsc/forest/handbook.htm
The purpose of this handbook is to provide professional land managers and planners with the latest information on the functions, design, establishment, and management of riparian forest buffers.
Organization: Virginia Polytechnique Institute and State University Publication Link: http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/forestry/420-155/420-155.html
Understanding the Science Behind Riparian Forest Buffers: Planning, Establishment, and Maintenance; Author: Julia C. Klapproth, Faculty Assistant-Natural Resources, Maryland Cooperative Extension; James E. Johnson, Extension Forestry Specialist, College of Natural Resources, Virginia Tech.
Publication Link: http://dnrweb.dnr.state.md.us/download/forests/rfb_survival.pdf
In order to determine the survival and success of planted riparian forest buffers in Maryland 130 randomly selected sites, 1 to 3 yrs. of age, were measured. Data were collected using 1/100th acre plots with a random-start systematic line-plot cruise at an overall average 3.3% sample intensity.
Aquatic Restoration Video fromWestchester County (click “watch our documentary”)
Modeling Streamside Health GIS Tutorial from Cornell University
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