Preserving and restoring connectivity of riparian buffers is essential in protecting the water and habitat quality of our streams. Riparian buffers are the first and last defense a waterbody has against overland flow of pollutants contained in stormwater. The tree and plant stems slow water velocity allowing pollutants to settle out and soils in riparian areas are active in transforming pollutants to less harmful forms. Riparian vegetation roots hold streambanks in place, minimizing erosion and failure of streambanks. The shade provided by vegetation keeps small streams cooler and provides input of large woody debris (limbs, leaves) that is important in the stream food web.

Below are links to fact sheets and internet sites with more information on the importance of riparian buffers.

Tennessee Valley Authority Riparian Restoration Fact Sheets
River Basin Science and Policy Center Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia (lots of good links and model ordinances)
North Carolina Extension Riparian Buffer Fact Sheet
Iowa State University Riparian Fact Sheet
Riparian Buffers, Connecticut River Joint Commission
USDA National Agroforestry Center, Riparian Buffers

The Cahaba River after heavy rain. Picture courtesy of Geologic Survey of Alabama

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