The Importance of Riparian Buffers

Jessie Dubuque
USFS Saco Station Ranger, Wildlife Biologist

North Conway Community Center

Time: 9:30 am

A riparian buffer or stream buffer is a vegetated area near a stream comprised of grasses,herbaceous flowering plants, shrubs, trees and other vegetation growing along streams. These buffer strips are often found in forested areas, and help shade and protect the stream from the impact of adjacent land uses.

Scientific research clearly documents that riparian buffers, particularly forested buffers and those along headwater streams, deliver tremendous benefits. Through the interaction of their soils, hydrology, and biotic communities, riparian buffers play a key roll in many important physical, biological, and ecological functions. This is important in increasing water quality of our streams, rivers, and lakes. Jessie will be presenting some local benefits and ways landowners can incorporate buffers into their land management.