Lake and Stream Corridor Owners' Guide for Riparian Buffer Establishment
Buffer Basics

All buffers, as a minimum, must consist of two (2) management zones and must include a third if the buffer is intended to trap sediment, nutrients and pesticides leaving developed lands, croplands or sparsely vegetated or erosive areas.

Riparian Buffer Zones Illustrated.

Zone 1 is adjacent to the water and contains the trees and shrubs needed to provide shade, insect habitat, bank stability and large woody debris for instream habitat. The complex root structures of woody plans are highly desirable for holding soil in place (see woody debris, improve bank stability and to maintain a natural riparian ecology, no harvesting, livestock grazing or other resource extraction should be permitted within Zone 1.

Zone 2 is inland of Zone 1 and contains trees and shrubs and other vegetation needed to filter runoff and provide uptake of nutrients and pollutants. Zone 2 combined with Zone 1 will provide a travel corridor and habitat for wildlife in addition to producing shelter, shade and large woody debris. Dominant vegetation should consist of existing or planted trees and shrubs suited to the site and purpose. Livestock should not be permitted in zone 2, but forest management and tree harvesting is permitted as long as the purpose of the zone is not compromised. Tree harvesting allows the landowner to maintain the land's productive value while providing water quality benefits at the same time.

Zone 3 is landward of Zone 2 and consists of a strip of tall grasses or herbaceous cover to spread and filter runoff which may be transporting sediment, nutrients and pesticides off urban land, cropland, or erosive or sparsely vegetated areas. The establishment of this zone is critical where the control of sediment, nutrient, pesticide or non-point source pollution is necessary, as is the case in urban and agricultural situations.