Year of publication 2010

Forested riparian buffers are linear multiple-row plantings of trees, shrubs and grass designed primarily for water quality and wildlife habitat purposes. They are planted strategically along rivers, streams, lakes and some wetlands to prevent potential pollutants in agricultural runoff (sediment, nutrients, pesticides, pathogens) from reaching surface waters. Forested buffers are best suited for landscapes that were originally forested or wooded, as opposed to prairie landscapes. The width, layout and plant composition of forested riparian buffers vary depending on floodplain characteristics, landowner goals and conservation program requirements. This short document indicates how to create shade to lower or maintain water temperatures to improve habitat for aquatic organisms; create or improve riparian habitat and provide a source of detritus and large woody debris; reduce excess amounts of sediment, organic material, nutrients and pesticides in surface runoff and reduce excess nutrients and other chemicals in shallow ground water flow; reduce pesticide drift entering the water body ; restore riparian plant communities; increase carbon storage in plant biomass and soils.