Definition:
An area predominantly trees and/or shrubs located adjacent to and up-gradient from water course or water bodies.
Purpose:
Establish Trees and Shrubs in Riparian Forest Buffers to:
- Create shade to lower or maintain water temperatures to improve habitat for aquatic
- Create or improve riparian habitat and provide a source of detritus and large woody debris
- Reduce excess amount of sediment, organic material, nutrients and pesticides in surface runoff and reduce excess nutrients and other chemicals in shallow groundwater flow
- Reduce pesticide drift entering the water body
- Improve forest health reducing the potential of damage from pests and moisture stress
- Restore natural riparian plant communities
- Improve wildlife habitat
- Increase carbon storage in plant biomass and soils
All land managers in KCD’s service area are eligible to apply for cost-share funding, but the practice must be pre-approved and included in a Farm Conservation Plan or other technical assistance plan prepared by KCD resource conservation staff.