Riparian Forest Buffers in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

摘要

The concept behind a riparian buffer is to put the natural benefits and functionsof riparian areas to work in nonpoint pollution control. These linear strips of forest can serve as the last line of defense from the activities we undertake in managing the land, such as agriculture, grazing and urban development. Unlike most best management practices, the high value of forests to wildlife and fish, helps buffers accomplish habitat benefits at the same time they improve their water quality.