Buffers 101
Riparian Forest Buffers
What is a riparian forest buffer?
Forest buffers, also called riparian or streamside buffers, are the trees, shrubs and other plants that grow next to streams and rivers.
Buffers are critical to the health of the land and to the Chesapeake Bay – they prevent pollution from entering waterways, stabilize stream banks, provide food and habitat to wildlife and keep streams cool during hot weather. For a more detailed definition, visit this USDA page.
Buffer FAQs
How much do buffers cost?
Can I plant fruit trees?
What about weeds?
Find the answer to these and many other questions in our Buffer FAQs (PDF).
Why do buffers matter?
They offer COMMUNITY BENEFITS:
Enhance property values and reduce flooding impacts
Residential properties which border forested areas, or have established forest cover, can fetch between 18-35% more value than those without. Additionally, riparian buffers can sow down water and reduce impacts from high water events. (Green Cities: Good Health)
Provide space to view nature and relax along the banks
Riparian forests contain key elements for our sense of well-being, including water, trees, and birdsong. After just five minutes in a forest surrounded by trees, the heart rate slows, facial muscles relax, and the prefrontal cortex quiets. Water and birdsong have also been shown to improve mood and alertness. (Mindful, The Nature Fix)
Create green jobs
The green workforce in the US employs nearly 9.5 million workers. There are a variety of riparian forest buffer jobs from indoor to hybrid to outdoor positions. (Careers in Conservation, US Green Economy)
Support recreation and local economies
By adding riparian buffers, property owners can enjoy shaded streamside paddling trips and walking trails. Buffers also act as a wildlife corridor, which adds opportunities for birding, fishing, and hunting. (Virginia Scenic Rivers Program)
They offer WATER & AIR QUALITY BENEFITS:
Sequester carbon and improve air quality
Planting riparian forests helps to jump start carbon sequestration. In urban areas, forest buffers can help reduce temperatures and offset air pollution. (How Trees Clean Air)
Shade and cool streams
Colder water carries more dissolved oxygen than warmer water. This is imperative for species such as trout, which require cool, oxygen rich waters to survive. Riparian buffers provide shade over waterways to help keep our streams cool. (Cold, Clear and Clean)
Stabilize streambanks
Roots from streamside trees and shrubs act like a net to hold soil in place, helping to prevent erosion. During flooding events, riparian forests help to deflect and slow rising waters. (The Magic of Live Staking)
Filter pollutants from upland runoff
Riparian buffers act like sponges, collecting runoff during precipitation events. These nutrients are then stored in the floodplain soils instead of contaminating our waterways. This helps reduce pollution and algae blooms. (Stoney Crest Farm)
They offer WILDLIFE BENEFITS:
Beneficial bacteria and fungi in forested streams cleanse the water
Forested streams remove 2-9x more nitrogen pollution, have 2-5x more biological activity, have 2-4x more stream bottom area, and provide better conditions for biofilm, which regulates the processing and export of nutrients and organic matter. (Stream and Buffer Ecology, Stream Biofilms)
Brook trout, a prized recreational catch, live in clear, cold, shaded, and unpolluted streams
Not only do riparian buffers shade our waterways, but having a diverse species selection helps to bolster macroinvertebrate populations which benefits trout numbers. (Fish Need Leaves)
Provide wildlife habitat
Oak species are considered a keystone species and provide food to over 557 types of moths and butterflies. This in turn provides food for untold numbers of bird species in riparian buffers. Oaks are just one of 5 keystone species found in typical riparian forest buffer plantings. (Riparian Plant Guide)
Thanks to the James River Buffer Program for this information.
What’s involved in buffer restoration?
Restoring a riparian buffer can include many components depending on the needs of your site. From planting trees, installing livestock exclusion fencing, stabilizing streambanks, enhancing wildlife habitat, and stewarding it long term, we are here to help you restore and protect your riparian buffer.
Explore our Programs to learn more.
Riparian forest buffers
Riparian buffers are the trees, shrubs, and other vegetation along our waterways. These streamside forests provide the James River and its tributaries with the protection they need. Riparian buffers slow flood water, improve water quality by filtering runoff from upland land use, provide canopy cover to shade and cool the stream, provide habitat for a variety of birds and small mammals, and are a great place for recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, and bird watching.
Agricultural infrastructure
Agricultural infrastructure in our riparian areas may include stream exclusion fencing to keep livestock out of waterways, water source development, watering troughs, stream crossings, and rotational grazing. All or some of these components may be part of your project.
Streambank stabilization
Streambank stabilization practices are implemented to address excessive erosion rates. Streambank stabilization can involve a variety of activities depending on the circumstances at a given site. These activities range from simply planting the bank to grading/matting/planting to installing deflection structures at the toe of the bank to armoring with large rock and/or tree roots. In some instances, the extent of streambank erosion and channel instability may require a more comprehensive restoration approach.
Before any land disturbing activity can occur please contact your local Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Environmental Quality and local zoning representative for the proper permits.
Wildlife habitat
Healthy riparian areas provide food, shelter, and water for a unique wildlife community both on land and in the water. For example, the native tree Quercus Phellos (Willow Oak) grows well in a riparian buffer and provides abundant acorns for deer and ducks. Brook Trout depend on cool streams that are shaded by trees on its banks. Our freshwater mussels and macroinvertebrates depend on clean water and leaf litter from our native trees. These critters also play a role in filtering pollutants and as a food source for fish.
Buffer protection
Whether you have an existing riparian forest that you want to protect for the future, or you’ve recently invested in restoration of riparian areas on your property, you may be interested in putting your land under conservation easement. Easements are a voluntary land preservation agreement between a landowner and a land conservation organization. By putting riparian buffers under easement, we can protect diversity in our ecological communities, preserve prime habitat for wildlife for hunting, fishing, and enjoyment, and protect water quality in the James.