Riparian Vegetation: Extent
Know Before
As the intersection between land and water, the riparian zone is important for protecting water quality. Land uses adjacent to a stream system can cause temperature and water quality issues for Brook Trout. A healthy vegetated streambank, also known as a riparian buffer, reduces overland runoff and the likelihood of excess pollutants entering the stream.
Get Out The Door
To assess the extent of the riparian buffer that can trap sediment, contaminants or nutrients, begin by visually identifying surrounding land uses and natural vegetation in a perpendicular direction on either side of the stream.
Use a tape measure to determine the extent of the natural riparian buffer from the bank edge to other land uses like lawn, bare ground, agriculture, pavement, or maintained vegetation.
Compare your riparian buffer length to the chart below.
<6m - Too thin 🙁
6m-10 m - Just OK 😕
10m- 30 m - Better 🙂
>30m - Best 😀
Think Some More
How could the stream’s riparian zone be improved?
Materials:
tape measure