Lake and Stream Corridor Owners' Guide for Riparian Buffer Establishment
Minimum Buffer Widths

Severely eroded stream bank. Observe the soil loss is more aggressive away from the unseen, stabilizing root mass of the bush.

Where soil erosion, nutrient or pesticide pollution is a concern the riparian buffer must consist of Zones 1, 2 and 3. The combined width of these zones should be a minimum of 55 feet. Zone 1, which begins at the normal water line, or at the upper edge of the active channel must be at least 15 feet wide, measured horizontally on a line perpendicular to the watercourse. Zone 2 extends for a minimum of 20 feet upslope from Zone 1. Zone 2 is managed to function as a zone of nutrient uptake and pesticide and pollutant entrapment. Zone 3 must extend a minimum of 20 feet upslope from zone 2. On steeper slopes (>15%) the minimum width of Zone 3 must be 40 feet or more. The widths of each zone listed are the minimum necessary for the buffer to be effective. Increasing the width of any of the zones is strongly encouraged.

Newly restored creek buffer with native vegetation.

Buffers intended to provide wildlife habitat, maintain or restore water temperatures and provide large woody debris must be at least 100 feet wide. Zone 1 must be a minimum of 15 feet wide, and 2 a minimum of 85 feet wide. If Zone 3 is present, the width of Zone 2 can be reduced to 65 feet. Generally speaking, wider is usually better when designing buffers with wildlife in mind. Some wildlife species will benefit from relatively narrow buffers while other species may require very wide buffers to meet their needs. The newest USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Standard for riparian buffers (391 MI) recommends a 600 foot buffer as the minimum habitat for some of Michigan's native, threatened species. A good rule of thumb to remember is that wide buffers will attract the greatest variety of wildlife.