Protecting our Waters: Buffers are Better

If your property borders a creek, stream, shoreline, or wetland, you’re a “riparian property owner.” This means you have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to protect the water quality in your area and beyond. One of the most effective ways to do this is by creating and maintaining a “buffer.” A buffer is a strip of land adjacent to a water body, and when managed properly, it acts as a protective barrier or “right-of-way” for the water. Here’s why buffers are vital and how you can build one to benefit both your property and the environment.

Buffer Bonuses

1. Stabilizing Streambanks: Roots from buffer plants help hold streambanks together, reducing erosion caused by waves, ice, boat wakes, and runoff. This helps maintain the integrity of the bank and prevents loss of land.
2. Enhancing Water Quality: Buffers filter out sediments, fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants from runoff before they reach the water body. This natural filtration helps keep waterways cleaner and healthier.
3. Deterring Geese: Geese are less attracted to areas with tall native plants and grasses compared to well-manicured lawns. By maintaining a buffer, you can make your property less inviting to these birds and reduce the mess they leave behind.
4. Supporting Wildlife Habitat: Buffers provide essential habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife. They create a diverse environment that supports various species and enhances biodiversity.
5. Improving Soil Quality: The presence of native plants and organic matter in buffers improves soil quality by promoting better water retention and reducing erosion.

Building Your Buffer

1. Understand Water Flow: Watch how water flows on your property during a rainstorm. The most effective buffers are designed to slow down and spread out runoff, preventing it from flowing directly into the water body. Consider regrading or using landscape elements like stones or timbers to redirect runoff to flatter areas where it can be absorbed.
2. Fertilizer Management: Avoid applying fertilizer within 25-30 feet of any watercourse. This simple action can significantly improve water quality by reducing nutrient runoff. Encourage your neighbors to adopt the same practice for broader impact.
3. Comply with Regulations: Ensure your buffer project meets local regulations and obtains any necessary permits. Compliance helps protect the integrity of your buffer and ensures legal adherence.
4. Buffer Width: While a buffer width of 25-30 feet is ideal, even a smaller buffer of 5-10 feet can offer substantial benefits. Assess the space you have and plan accordingly.
5. Design Access Paths: If you need access to the water body, create a curved path rather than a straight one. This design helps prevent direct runoff into the water body and maintains the buffer’s effectiveness.
6. Avoid Pesticides: Refrain from using pesticides in the buffer zone. This area should be a haven for natural vegetation and wildlife, free from chemical contaminants.

By investing in a riparian buffer, you’re not just improving the quality of the water on your property—you’re contributing to the health of waterways downstream.