Riparian Forest Buffer

What is a riparian forest buffer?

The term “riparian” comes from the Latin “ripa”, meaning “river bank”. Simply put, a riparian area is just that, a stream or river bank- it is the interface between land and water. A “riparian forest buffer” is a conservation practice involving the establishment of trees and shrubs in the riparian zone. These buffers perform many ecological functions including:

• Reduce stream velocity and energy

• Stabilize banks and reduce erosion

• Filter pollutants

• Reduce water temperatures

• Provide wildlife habitat and forage