Buffer Strips
A buffer strip is a strip of land maintained as vegetation year round, often with hearty native vegetation. This year-round cover acts as a filter removing much of the sedimentation entering a stream, ditch, lake or wetland. This not only improves water quality but also slows down the flow of water reducing the threat of flooding. The best buffers are composed of native vegetation. Native plants generally have very deep roots that stabilize the soil. Most natives also remain standing throughout the winter benefiting wildlife year round and acting as a snow catch.
Buffers are important for both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Since all animals require water to survive, buffers are important habitat near water sources, providing cover from predators as well as food. The buffers also improve aquatic habitat by stabilizing the waters edge, which can often provide habitat for invertebrates. Fish benefit from the increase in food, the improved water quality and the cool the water that holds more oxygen.
Different buffers include:
- Riparian forest buffers
- Wetland buffers
- Stream buffers
- Grassed waterways
