A riparian buffer is a natural barrier (such as a forest
or vegetated area) on the bank of a body of water such as a stream,
river, or lake. They provide many benefits for the health of aquatic
ecosystems:
- Filters: A riparian
buffer serves as a filter by allowing potentially toxic pollutants
and excess nutrients to precipitate out of the water before they reach
the stream.
- Shade: A riparian buffer provides shade that
can potentially cool elevated water temperatures that result from
water running over heated pavement and buildings.
- Stabilize Streambank: A riparian buffer prevents
the stream bank from being eroded. Mature root structures hold soil
in place and reduce the impact of erosion and sedimentation.
- Maintains healthy flora and fauna: A riparian
buffer provides habitat for fish, aquatic insects, birds, and an abundance
of other wildlife. Plant litter that falls into the water provides
food for aquatic insects that are an essential part of the food chain
of the ecosystem.
Riparian buffers serve as a barrier between the negative effects of sprawl
and the health of the aquatic ecosystem. Development causes the buffer
to be removed. This process is called deforestation and it eliminates
the valuable functions of the buffer.
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