Riparian Forest Buffers

"Riparian forest buffer systems (RFBS) are streamside ecosystems that can be managed to reduce NPS pollution."



"Surface runoff and subsurface flow from farms, urban and suburban areas, construction sites, and forestry operations can provide significant loadings of nutrients, sediment, and other pollutants in the form of nonpoint-source (NPS) pollution to streams, rivers, and lakes. The best way to reduce NPS pollution is by implementing best management practices (BMPs) at the source. These BMPs can be considered internal. It is also important, however, to implement BMPs beyond the source area to ensure that any pollutants that escape the internal BMPs are captured before they enter our waterways. These BMPs can be considered external and act as an insurance policy against NPS pollution." [Introduction]



Discusses the four important functions of RFBSs: Control of sediment and sediment borne pollutants carried in surface runoff,

Control nitrate in shallow groundwater moving toward streams,

Control of dissolved phosphorus (P) in surface runoff or shallow groundwater

Provide control of the stream environment

[Reprinted from Resource, December 2004]