Low Impact Development Manual for Michigan - OSEH - University ...

BMP Fact Sheet
Riparian Buffer Restoration
A riparian buffer is the area of land that exists between low, aquatic areas
such as rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands, and higher, dry upland areas
such as forests, farms, cities, and suburbs. Unaltered riparian buffers may
exist as various types of floodplain forest or wetland ecosystems. The Michigan
Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) has identified multiple types of
distinct natural communities which may occur in Michigan’s riparian areas,
such as southern floodplain forest, southern wet meadow, emergent marsh,
and hardwood conifer swamp.
Suburban riparian buffer – Edward Drain, West Bloomfield, MI
Source: JFNew
Applications Stormwater Quantity Functions
Residential Yes Volume Low/Med
Commercial Yes
Groundwater
Recharge
Low/Med
Ultra Urban Yes Peak Rate Low/Med
Industrial Yes Stormwater Quality Functions
Retrofit Yes TSS Med/High
Highway/Road Limited TP Med/High
Recreational Yes
NO3
Med/High
Temperature Med/High
Additional Considerations
Cost Low/Med
Maintenance Low
Winter Performance High
Key Design
Features
Riparian buffers consist of three
distinct zones:
• Zone 1: Streamside zone
extends a minimum distance of
25 feet.
• Zone 2: Middle zone extends
immediately from the outer
edge of Zone 1 for a minimum
distance of 55 feet.
• Zone 3: Outer zone extends a
minimum of 20 feet immediately
from outer edge of Zone 2.
Site Factors
• Water table to bedrock depth:
N/A
• Soils: Match vegetation to
soils to maximize long-term
viability of plantings.
• Slope: NA
• Potential hotspots: No
• Max. drainage area: 5-20 times
the buffer area.
Benefits
• Water quality
• Ecological and aesthetic value
• Low cost
Limitations
• Reduced volume and peak
rate control
LID Manual for Michigan – Chapter 7 Page 267