DIVISION OF RESEARCH & EXTENSION Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Arkansas System FSA5027 Riparian Buffers: Types and Establishment Methods

Kyle Cunningham A riparian buffer is a strip of Types of Riparian Buffers established next to water- Associate Professor ways in managed landscapes (such Grass Buffer of Forestry as urban or agriculture) that is designed to capture stormwater run- This buffer consists only of grasses off, nutrients and (Figure 1). and forbs (such as wildflowers) and is typically used along small and other drainages that flow through crop fields and pastures. Grass filter strips are usually narrow and contain several grass species that slow and disburse runoff. Grass buffers also can provide valuable wildlife . Native grasses, which are often better adapted than non-natives and less invasive, are desirable for planting. Grasses are most effective at filtering sediment. Grass buffers may require Figure 1. A riparian buffer. Photo by USDA NRCS periodic maintenance to control inva- sion by unwanted plant species and to These areas also improve habitat for reestablish grasses. Suggested buffer aquatic organisms. In essence, ripar- width is 20 to 30 feet (Figure 2). ian buffers lessen the impact of land management practices on waterways and help maintain healthy aquatic communities (for more information on the role of buffers, see fact sheet FSA5026, Riparian Buffers: Functions and ­ Values).

There are several types of riparian buffers that can be implemented. The specific buffer type employed depends on the conditions near the waterway, Figure 2. A grass buffer in an agricul- the type or size of the waterbody and tural field. Photo by USDA NRCS the primary objectives of the buffer. There are six common buffer styles Three-Zone Forest Buffer including grass buffers, three-zone forest buffers, two-zone forest buffers, A three-zone forest buffer system wildlife buffers, urban buffers and has the flexibility to achieve both Arkansas Is naturalized buffers. Alterations to and other landowner the common buffer types can be made objectives (Figure 3). Zone 1, ranging Our Campus to generate modified versions. All of in width from 15 to 30 feet, contains these buffers can help to maintain along the edge of the Visit our web site at: water quality while meeting other and is usually left undisturbed. Trees http://www.uaex.uada.edu associated objectives. in this zone stabilize the streambank

University of Arkansas, United States Department of Agriculture, and County Governments Cooperating THE STREAMSIDE FOREST BUFFER

SUBSURFACE FLOW

GROUNDWATER

20' 60' 15' 15' 60' 20' ZONE 3 ZONE 2 ZONE 1 ZONE 1 ZONE 2 ZONE 3 CROPLAND RUNOFF CONTROL MANAGED FOREST UNDISTURBED STREAM BOTTOM UNDISTURBED MANAGED FOREST RUNOFF CONTROL PASTURE FOREST FOREST Sediment, Concentrated Filtration, deposition, plant Maturing Debris hold detritus for removal Periodic harvesting is Controlled Watering fertilizer and flows are uptake, anaerobic denitri- trees provide processing by aquatic fauna and is generally necessary in Zone 2 to grazing or facilities and are converted to fication and other natural detritus to the provide cover and cooling shade not permitted remove nutrients seques- haying can be livestock are carefully dispersed flows processes remove sedi- stream and help for fish and other stream dwellers. in this zone. tered in tree stems and permitted in kept out of the managed. by water bars or ment and nutrients from maintain lower branches and to maintain Zone 3 under spreaders, runoff and subsurface flows. water tempera- nutrient uptake through certain insofar as facilitating ground ture vital to fish vigorous tree growth. conditions. practicable. contact and habitat. infiltration.

Figure 3. Illustration of a three-zone riparian forest buffer. Source: USDA Forest Service and provide shade and habitat for aquatic organisms. buffer is usually wider, up to 300 feet, to better func- Zone 2, ranging in width from 30 to 100 feet, filters tion as a travel corridor and connector between larger sediment that passes through zone 3 and absorbs tracts of forest. Suggested buffer width is up to 300 nutrients while providing wildlife habitat. This zone feet. contains trees that can be utilized for timber produc- tion. Zone 3, 20 to 30 feet wide, is usually a grass Urban that functions to slow down and spread runoff. A modified three-zone buffer contains a shrub and Buffers in urban areas are important for small tree zone between the edges of zones 2 and 3 to intercepting runoff and from developed give a feathered effect which may be more desirable areas. These buffers are designed to better withstand for wildlife and aesthetically pleasing. Suggested human impacts and utilize larger planting stock. minimum total buffer width on each side of a stream The larger trees and shrubs also provide a more is 50 to 100 feet, but this width should be wider with immediate visual impact while being more resistant increasing slope. to human use. Using species that display colorful spring flowers and fall leaves adds to the aesthetic Two-Zone Forest Buffer appeal. Urban buffers can also function as greenways along streams and may include a recreational trail. A two-zone forest buffer would simply be a Urban buffers and greenways can be used to teach modification to the three-zone forest buffer, where homeowners and developers about the importance of the grass zone would not be established. This buf- protecting streams and water quality and still allow fer would result in managed and unmanaged forest limited use. Suggested buffer width is 50 to 100 feet zones. While this buffer type may be desirable to (Figure 4). some landowners, excluding the grass buffer will result in a loss of value and environmental function Naturalized Buffer of the riparian buffer. This buffer is established from tree, shrub and Wildlife Buffer grass seed that has been blown in or otherwise carried in naturally from the surrounding area. Riparian forest buffers, with multiple vegetation Vegetation that already exists or establishes natu- layers and various habitat features, support a greater rally can be supplemented by interplanting tree and diversity of wildlife than adjacent upland . This shrub seedlings as needed to achieve desired stocking buffer is similar to the three-zone buffer but puts densities. This buffer type represents an inexpen- more emphasis on trees, shrubs and grasses that are sive buffer that can still effectively intercept runoff. beneficial to wildlife for food and shelter. A wildlife Suggested buffer width is 50 to 100 feet.

U U N N G M D D M R G A F F F A F U R O I O I O R E PASTURE N S STREAMBED O N E URBAN A R R S R R B A T T A N LIVING S G E E E G E A S S U S U S N W E R S E A T T R T T D B B D Y E E D D

Figure 4. An example of an urban buffer. Choosing a Buffer Type Table 1. Some available cost-share programs for riparian buffers. There are many considerations that must be Program Oversight accounted for when establishing a riparian buffer. Conservation Reserve USDA – Farm Service Agency The first step is to determine which buffer type will Enhancement Program (FSA) best fit the current environment (site conditions), (CREP) meet a landowner’s objectives for management and fit Wetland Reserve Program USDA – Natural Resources within available cost-share programs. (WRP) Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Reserve Site Analysis Program (CRP) Environmental Quality USDA – Natural Resources A site analysis involves determining factors such Incentives Program (EQIP) Conservation Service (NRCS) as soil type, soil productivity, soil moisture, type of waterway, slope and many others. A good source Wildlife Habitat Incentives USDA – Natural Resources for much of this information is county soil surveys. Program (WHIP) Conservation Service (NRCS) These surveys published by the USGS are available at local NRCS and county Extension offices. A valid site analysis will assist in making sure the proper Establishing a Riparian Buffer buffer and vegetation types are selected for the site conditions. As with any natural resource, proper planning is essential to successful buffer establishment. In Ownership Objective addition to matching buffer type to the site and ownership objectives, many factors must be consid- Establishing the proper objectives should be ered prior, during and after buffer establishment based on three concepts: (1) the landowner’s desired including vegetation type, site preparation, quality values, (2) the desired environmental function and planting job, post-establishment care and evaluation (3) the site conditions. Establishing the proper and maintenance. management objectives can make the difference in buffer success or failure. Vegetation Type For example, a landowner with agricultural land may wish to maintain some economic production from Major considerations for selecting vegetation the riparian area and increase wildlife value. This types are not only dictated by the type of buffer being landowner would probably best benefit from a three- established but factors such as species/site relation- zone riparian forest buffer. The three-zone buffer ships, species/objective relationships, proper stock would provide the environmental benefit needed and sizes and planting access (Table 2). The type of soils produce merchantable trees while also providing hab- present and the management objectives (such as tim- itat for wildlife. On the other hand, another farmer’s ber, wildlife, etc.) should always drive the selection of objective may be to remove as little land area as pos- tree, shrub and grass species to be established. Stock sible from production. In this case, the farmer should size may be driven more by buffer type than other probably choose the grass buffer, as it is typically considerations. Tree and shrub stock types include much narrower than other buffer types while still cuttings, bare-root seedlings, container-grown and providing necessary buffer functions. balled and burlapped (B&B). For example, the urban buffer will generally require larger stock sizes to Cost-Share Programs allow for immediate impact on buffer usage by people. There are several cost-share programs avail- Site Preparation able to landowners for establishing buffers. These programs help pay for items such as fencing, site When establishing a buffer, some form of site preparation, seed or seedlings, planting and many preparation will almost always be required. This other practices. Some programs will provide rental could involve either mechanical or chemical opera- payments while others focus on cost share for estab- tions. Mechanical operations are usually directed at lishment practices. Some of the programs offer both preparing the soil for tree or grass planting. Agricul- rental payments and cost share for establishment. An tural areas will typically have a layer of hardened soil interested landowner should contact their local FSA, under the surface that can prevent tree roots from NRCS or county Extension agent for guidance to find- reaching proper depths for water and mineral uptake. ing the proper cost-share program (Table 1). A “ripping” operation is typically utilized to break the Table 2. Examples of species (natives are the herbicides available for use are few in number. preferable) that are suitable for planting in The most common is sulfometuron methyl, which is riparian buffers. labeled for preemergent applications (before March) in hardwood plantings. Proper application is critical TREES (by flood tolerance) to avoid seedling damage to hardwood tree species. Moderately Therefore, always consult with a professional when Tolerant Tolerant Intolerant planning a herbicide application and always refer to Bald cypress Sycamore Black walnut the respective herbicide label. Overcup oak Sugarberry Persimmon Chemical competition control in grass zones may Black willow Swamp chestnut oak White oak be required as well. Often these areas contain non-na- Water tupelo Green ash Blackgum tive species (such as fescue) which must be controlled Swamp tupelo birch Loblolly pine prior to establishing more favorable native grasses. There are several herbicides for controlling fescue Eastern cottonwood Shortleaf pine – Imazipic (Plateau) is a common herbicide that is American elm White ash available through the Arkansas Game and Fish Com- Water oak Sweet pecan mission (contact your local AG&FC wildlife biologist Willow oak Cherrybark oak for more information). Other herbicides, including Nutall oak sulfometuron methyl, control a range of grasses including fescue. Because the grass zone borders the OTHER VEGETATION TYPES tree zone, applying chemicals such as imazapyr to Small Trees Shrubs Grasses control grasses (usually bermuda) may have negative Redbud Roughleaf dogwood Indiangrass impacts on nearby hardwood seedlings. Again, consult American plum Elderberry Little bluestem with a licensed herbicide applicator when conducting an application. Serviceberry Red chokeberry Big bluestem Fragrant sumac Shrub willow Switchgrass Quality Planting Job Crabapple Beautyberry Flowering dogwood Quality seedlings should be obtained from nurs- eries located less than 200 miles north or south of “hardpan” in the soil. Ripping or subsoiling involves the planting location. They should be properly cared opening a slit in the ground 18 to 30 inches deep. for prior to and during planting. This care can make Ripping is typically performed a few months prior to the difference in survival success or failure. With planting (Figure 5). hardwood seedlings, survival rates can be increased by ordering 10 to 20 percent more seedlings than are required and selecting only the best 80 or 90 percent of the seedlings for planting. This “culling” operation may ensure that the better seedlings (larger seed- lings with 8 to 10 lateral roots) which have a greater chance of surviving are planted. Always store the seedlings properly prior to planting (this usually means in a cooler at 45ºF) and keep the roots moist. If a planting crew is being used to plant seedlings, discuss the planting job prior to planting and main- tain oversight throughout the planting operation.

Post-Establishment Care

Post-planting care can be an important step in ensuring seedling survival and rapid growth. Figure 5. A mechanical sub-soiler. Additional herbicide applications may be required to control grasses, forbs and brush around seedlings Chemical applications are employed to help (note: most post-planting herbicide applications are control unwanted, competing vegetation and are constrained to grass-only herbicides). Tree shelters almost always needed. Because hardwoods (not pine) can also be beneficial to recently planted hardwood are typically planted in the tree zones of buffers, seedlings. The shelters provide a “greenhouse effect” that enhances the growth of seedlings (Figure 6). required to have a survival rate of 70 percent However, they may be difficult to maintain in flood- or higher. In the event of significant mortality, prone areas. If larger trees are planted (such as in supplemental planting may be required. the urban buffer), mulching, staking and irrigation may be required.

Checklist for Riparian Buffer Success

o Establish objectives o Site analysis o Choose correct buffer type o Select proper vegetation types o Perform site preparation o Quality planting job o Post-establishment operations o Evaluation and maintenance

Riparian buffers provide an excellent opportu- Figure 6. Tree shelters can improve survival and growth nity to provide multiple environmental, ecological of seedlings. and social benefits while assisting landowners in creating multiple-use opportunities for their lands. Evaluation and Maintenance Land owners should examine the options available for establishing buffers, make a plan based on objec- As with most vegetation establishment tives, establish a timeline of activities and stick to the opera tions, evaluation of establishment success is the schedule. There are many operations that must be basis for making additional management decisions for performed sequentially and must be properly timed a particular buffer. Survival checks can be conducted in their application (such as mechanical site prepara- by identifying a small sample of seedlings to be mon- tion and timing of tree planting). The old saying “plan itored over time. Most cost-share programs will have your work and work your plan” certainly applies to this as a component of the contract. It is often riparian buffer establishment.

Acknowledgements: Gratitude is due to Dr. Hal Liechty and Chris Stuhlinger, contributing authors on the orginial publication of this fact sheet.

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KYLE CUNNINGHAM is Extension associate professor of forestry, Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Cooperative Service, Little Rock. Extension Service, University of Arkansas. The University of Arkansas System Divi- sion of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services with- out regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other FSA5027-PD-8-21R legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.