Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan
Chapter 3. Water Resources
Riparian Zones
The land area bordering the waterfront of the stream is its riparian zone. These areas, which are often
floodplains, filter pollutants and sediments from runoff and provide an area of transition between water
and land. A highly functional riparian zone acts as a floodplain by reducing flooding and erosion by
decreasing the velocity of the flow, retaining water, and stabilizing the surrounding soil. Riparian zones or
corridors, as they are sometimes called, regulate water temperature, create fish habitat, provide important
corridors for wildlife, and enhance recreational activities.
Vegetative buffers prevent erosion and the undercutting of banks. The roots of plants and trees hold
the soil in place, as opposed to non-vegetative buffers, where the destabilized soil erodes into the
waterway. The above-ground portion of the plants slows down runoff, allowing more water to be
absorbed and recharge groundwater supplies. In addition to ecological benefits, vegetative riparian buffers
can increase property values, decrease property loss due to erosion, and provide privacy and scenic
beauty. Native plants and warm season grasses are most effective, because they tolerate the surrounding
environment and weather conditions, and are naturally resistant to pests and disease.
The wider the riparian zone, the more effectively it functions. Many agricultural and developed areas
along waterways do not have a substantial riparian zone. This leads to bank erosion and the establishment
of invasive species. Figure 3-8 displays the recommended riparian buffer width for each beneficial use.
Figure 3-8. Recommended Riparian Buffer Widths
Riparian Buffer Width
0’ 50’ 100’ 150’ 200’ 250’
300’
Bank Stabilization
Fisheries Habitat
Wildlife Habitat
Nutrient Removal
Sediment Control
Flood Control
A variety of programs and tools are available to assist landowners in protecting these areas.
Programs may have a minimum buffer requirement for cost share funding. Individual landowners should
contact their local Farm Service Agency to determine which program would work best for them.
Land Purchase
A conservation organization or municipality may purchase land or have property donated to them in
order to protect, restore, conserve, or provide public access to that property. The organization or
municipality becomes the owner of the property and is responsible for maintenance and financial
obligations.
Conservation Easements
Conservation easements are legal agreements between a landowner and a land trust or governmental
agency. These agreements restrict the land use of the property and preserve it for future generations.
These restrictions become part of the deed for the property and are transferred to new property owners
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