Code
F01
Sector
Forest
The complete description of the NWRM
Summary

Riparian buffers are treed areas alongside streams and other water bodies. While most commonly associated with set asides following forest harvest, riparian buffers can also be found in urban, agricultural and wetland areas. By preserving a relatively undisturbed area adjacent to open water, riparian buffers can serve a number of functions related to water quality and flow moderation. The trees in riparian areas can efficiently take up excess nutrients and may also serve to increase infiltration. Riparian buffers serve to slow water as it moves off the land. This can decrease sediment inputs to surface waters.

Possible benefits with level
Benefits Level
BP1 - Store runoff
Medium
BP2 - Slow runoff
Medium
BP4 - Slow river water
Low
BP5 - Increase evapotranspiration
Low
BP6 - Increase infiltration and/or groundwater recharge
Low
BP7 - Increase soil water retention
Low
BP8 - Reduce pollutant sources
Medium
BP9 - Intercept pollution pathways
Medium
BP10 - Reduce erosion and/or sediment delivery
High
BP11 - Improve soils
Low
BP12 - Create aquatic habitat
Medium
BP13 - Create riparian habitat
High
BP14 - Create terrestrial habitats
Low
BP16 - Reduce peak temperature
Medium
BP17 - Absorb and/or retain CO2
Low
ES1 - Water storage
Low
ES2 - Fish stocks and recruiting
Medium
ES3 - Natural biomass production
Low
ES4 - Biodiversity preservation
High
ES6 - Groundwater/aquifer recharge
Low
ES7 - Flood risk reduction
Low
ES8 - Erosion/sediment control
High
ES9 - Filtration of pollutants
Medium
ES10 - Recreational opportunities
Low
ES11 - Aesthetic/cultural value
Low
ES12 - Navigation
Low
PO1 - Improving status of biology quality elements
Medium
PO2 - Improving status of physico-chemical quality elements
Medium
PO3 - Improving status of hydromorphology quality elements
Medium
PO4 - Improving chemical status and priority substances
Low
PO6 - Improving chemical status
Low
PO7 - Prevent surface water status deterioration
Medium
PO8 - Prevent groundwater status deterioration
Low
PO9 - Take adequate and co-ordinated measures to reduce flood risks
Low
PO10 - Protection of important habitats
Medium
PO11 - Better protection for ecosystems and more use of Green Infrastructure
High
PO12 - More sustainable agriculture and forestry
Medium
PO13 - Better management of fish stocks
Medium
PO14 - Prevention of biodiversity loss
Medium

Case studies per NWRM