Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Montgomery County Commissioners Thomas Jay Ellis, Esq., Chairman James R. Matthews Ruth S. Damsker

Montgomery County Planning Commission Board P. Gregory Shelly, Chair Scott Exley, Vice Chair Dulcie F. Flaharty Henry P. Jacquelin Pasquale N. Mascaro Megan M. McDonough, Esq. Roy Rodriguez, Jr. Charles J. Tornetta V. Scott Zelov

Kenneth B. Hughes, Director Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation

Montgomery County Planning Commission Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation ii INTRODUCTION Table of Contents

Forward ...... 1 Benefits of Riparian Corridor Conservation ...... 3 Introduction ...... 3 Benefits of Forested Riparian Corridors ...... 3 The Role of Acquisition ...... 7 Introduction ...... 7 The Need for Acquisition ...... 7 Primary Acquisition Strategies ...... 7 Control Strategies ...... 9 Introduction ...... 9 Zoning Controls ...... 9 Subdivision and Land Development Standards ...... 11 Model Overlay District ...... 13 Introduction ...... 13 Principles of Riparian Corridor Conservation ...... 13 Legal Basis for Municipal Riparian Corridor Protection ...... 14 Model Ordinance Riparian Corridor Conservation District ...... 15 Model Ordinance Implementation Guidance ...... 28 Stewardship Strategies ...... 33 Introduction ...... 33 Stewardship Through the Development Process ...... 33 Stewardship and Existing Land Uses ...... 34 Stewardship and the Role of Municipalities ...... 35 Process for Establishing a Buffer ...... 36 Bibliography ...... 41 References ...... 43 Resources ...... 45

INTRODUCTION iii Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation iv INTRODUCTION Forward

In the 1990s many state, county, and lo- benefits of riparian corridors. Understanding the cal government agencies began incorporating benefits of riparian corridors establishes the a watershed-based approach to water resource foundation for all future conservation activities. protection. A key element to this approach was The remaining sections focus upon our three- the use of best management practices for run- pronged approach to riparian corridor conser- off control. In particular, the protection of ri- vation, including acquisition, land use controls, parian corridors, which consist of forested or and stewardship. vegetated lands along both sides of a , The first element of the conservation strat- was identified as an effective best management egy discusses the role of both fee-simple and practice for water resource protection. In addi- easement acquisition. Acquisition is essential to tion, the County’s 1993 Open Space Initiative preserving the highest value riparian areas as increased attention to the importance of well as riparian lands that add value to other greenway protection. In response to this, the properties of municipal interest, such as parks Montgomery County Planning Commission and trail corridors. developed the Guidebook for Riparian Corri- It is not possible, or necessary, to ac- dor Protection in 1996 to assist municipalities quire all riparian corridors in order to provide with the development of a riparian corridor some minimum level of protection. Therefore, conservation strategy. the second key conservation strategy involves Since the initial release of the Guidebook, the implementation of land use controls. A seven communities have adopted a version of variety of beneficial land use controls, rang- the model zoning overlay district, protecting ing from zoning ordinance provisions to sub- over 430 miles of , and numerous com- division and land development standards, are munities have adopted a variety of other stream discussed as options. In some cases, several corridor protection standards. Working with of the land use controls can be used to these communities has shed new light on the complement each other. issues and practicalities associated with imple- The guidebook does, however, provide a menting riparian corridor protection strategies. model zoning overlay district and recommends In addition, the science and techniques associ- its use as the most universal method of preserv- ated with riparian corridor protection have ing riparian corridors. The model ordinance is evolved. Therefore, we have revised the Guide- not intended to be adopted exactly as it ap- book for Riparian Corridor Conservation and pears. It should be considered in the context of are re-releasing it for continued use. past municipal comprehensive planning and The revised Guidebook is divided into zoning, including the advice of the municipal four sections. The first section is intended to solicitor. Each section of the model ordinance educate municipal officials and the general pub- is accompanied by a commentary that relates lic about the various ecological functions and the specific ordinance requirements to the func-

FORWARD 1 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation tion and benefit of riparian corridors. The com- mentary also indicates how the model ordi- nance requirements may be tailored to each municipality’s goals. The final component of the three- pronged conservation strategy is stewardship. In addition to discussing the importance and fundamental elements of stewardship, various stewardship practices are discussed for four types of basic ownership scenarios: munici- pal, corporate, homeowner, and agricultural. Guidelines for various forms of stewardship are also provided.

Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 2 FORWARD This reduces available , so the stream Benefits of lacks diversity. What habitat does exist tends to have warmer temperatures, increased sun- Riparian light, drastic changes in stream flow and stormwater runoff, and invasive species. The bal- Corridor ance of the ecosystem, established over a long period of time, has been disturbed. The ability Conservation of the disturbed landscape to sustain a balanced ecosystem is doubtful unless an effort is made Introduction to preserve these critical areas. Prior to the settlement of Pennsylvania, Benefits of Forested the majority of the state’s land area was for- ested. For centuries riparian provided Riparian Corridors streams with shade, protected streambanks In order to fully reap the benefits of ripar- from excessive , ian corridors, it is essential to retain corridors in and promoted a beneficial a vegetated state, preferably as forests. When streamside and instream lands are not forested, management efforts ecosystem. The plants, ani- should be undertaken to assist the growth of mals, and insects living in woody and the reestablishment of the riparian woodland woodlands. As discussed in the following sec- evolved based upon these tions, the benefits of vegetated riparian corri- wooded conditions and dors relate to how the corridors function to pro- were well adapted to this tect air, land, , and animal habitat. setting. Moreover, the or- While the benefits of riparian corridors have ganisms developed interde- been grouped into several broad categories, pendencies with the sur- many interrelationships exist between them. rounding environment, and NATURAL FLOODPLAINS Vegetated the entire ecosystem con- riparian corridors with undeveloped flood- sisted of balanced relation- plains slow the concentration of runoff and ships making it a sustain- flood flows, reducing the height and velocity able landscape. of floodwaters downstream. As part of a Land clearing and de- municipality’s floodzone management strat- velopment has drastically egy, riparian corridors set development back changed the streamside en- from the banks of waterways and out of most vironment. Without ripar- floodways. Lastly, the riparian corridor serves ian forests, streams erode as a natural by storing runoff and Riparian buffers slow runoff, increasing infiltration downward and develop a then releasing it over time into the stream, and reducing flood peaks. narrow, steeply sloped bed. helping to maintain baseflow.

BENEFITS OF RIPARIAN CORRIDOR CONSERVATION 3 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation CONTROL OF EROSION Riparian cor- earlier, the vegetated corridor operates as a fil- ridors can significantly reduce erosion of ter to reduce the flow of and phos- streambanks and adjoining floodplain, helping phorus into streams. The reduction of phospho- A study of White Clay Creek in to prevent sedimentation of the stream. The ri- rus is especially important to water quality: phos- Chester County showed that forested parian corridor reduces the velocity of runoff, phorus is typically the nutrient that controls the allowing much of the sediment and attached growth and activity of aquatic organisms in streams are likely to be 2.5 times phosphorus (roughly 85 percent of available freshwater. Excessive phosphorus loading on wider than meadow streams. phosphorus is bound to sediment) to be filtered the stream leads to proliferation of algae and out before reaching the stream. Also, the floor other aquatic plants and is often re- of a forested buffer acts as a natural sponge, ferred to as . due to the large soil pore spaces created by Eutrophication adversely affects eu·troph·ic - adjective. Ecology. the root system of the and plants. This al- water quality, particularly in the Having waters rich in mineral and lows increased infiltration around the stream, smaller slow-moving streams, when organic nutrients that promote a helping to maintain stream baseflow, and en- algal blooms and other aquatic plant proliferation of plant life, especially ables the phosphorus to be utilized and trans- growth interfere with the amount of algae, which reduces the dissolved formed by the corridor’s vegetation. sunlight reaching submerged The root system of trees within the ri- aquatic plants. The lack or absence oxygen content and often causes the parian corridor also helps to hold the sur- of sunlight impedes photosynthesis extinction of other organisms. rounding soil in place during storms, and mini- in the submerged aquatic plants, mizes the slumping of streambanks over time. This is important for maintaining the width and overall health of a stream since the surface area of the stream bottom is where most biological activity occurs. Sedimentation of a stream can also in- crease potential for flooding, since the size and carrying capacity of the stream channel are reduced. In addition, eroded soil entering the stream is initially sus- pended in the water, decreasing the amount of sunlight reaching aquatic is one of the leading plants, inhibiting their growth and repro- pollution problems in the duction. Suspended sediment also harms nation‘s and streams. Over the long term, unchecked a stream’s fish life by clogging fish gills, siltation can alter habitat with reducing water circulation and aeration profound adverse effects on of the blood. aquatic life. In the short term, WATER QUALITY/STREAM HEALTH silt can kill fish directly, destroy spawning beds, and increase There are several ways the riparian corri- water turbidity resulting in Source: EPA (2000d) dor enhances water quality. As mentioned depressed photosynthetic rates.

Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 4 BENEFITS OF RIPARIAN CORRIDOR CONSERVATION causing them to die. Since the bacteria that de- health of the stream by providing food to compose the dying plants maintain a high oxy- aquatic organisms. The organic debris depos- gen demand, the dissolved oxygen levels in the ited from streamside vegetation is a food source stream drop abruptly, causing fish and other that supports various forms of algae (i.e. dia- aquatic life to die. toms) that are preferred by fish and other plant- Another factor affecting the amount of dis- eating stream organisms. As leaves accumu- solved oxygen in a stream is water temperature. late on the surface, they form leaf packs that Cold water is able to hold more dissolved oxy- provide habitat for small stream organisms that gen. Therefore, increases in water temperature are are food for larger organisms. a form of thermal pollution due to the direct ef- Recent studies by the Stroud Water Re- fect on aquatic life. Shading of the stream by a search Center and the University of Idaho have forested riparian corridor will help to keep the found that loss of headwater streams can ad- stream cool, increasing the potential level of dis- versely affect downstream conditions. The solved oxygen and lowering stress on fish (espe- small, first and second order streams appear to cially trout) and aquatic macroinvertebrates. The be conduits for organic material to enter the impact of forest buffers on water temperature is stream system. The insects and other organ- also supported by a Study of the White Clay Creek, isms that are dominant in these streams begin which found that the amount of heat reaching a the nutrient cycles that support downstream or- forested stream is only 17 percent of that received ganisms. When first and second order streams by a meadow stream. are culverted or otherwise lost through devel- Riparian corridors also reduce the amount of entering the stream directly or via shal- low groundwater flow. Nitrogen applied to farm- land or lawns as fertilizer or found in animal waste is water-soluble and transforms to nitrate in run- off. Since nitrate does not attach to soil particles (as phosphorus does), it can leach into ground- water and streams. Excessive nitrates in a stream can also contribute to eutrophication. As a con- taminant nitrates can increase water treatment costs. A riparian corridor will impede and inter- cept runoff from rain events and shallow ground- water flow. Once the runoff or shallow ground- water flow enters the riparian corridor, the nitrates are transformed by bacteria in the soil for con- sumption by the corridor’s vegetation. Finally, the trees and plants that consti- Roughly 73% of a watershed‘s total stream length consists of tute the riparian corridor also contribute to the first and second order streams.

BENEFITS OF RIPARIAN CORRIDOR CONSERVATION 5 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation opment, much less organic material enters the helps to support aquatic life. Finally, the natural stream, and downstream populations of fish help the stream channel resist degrada- suffer. This underscores the importance of pro- tion and downcutting by retaining organic mat- tecting the small streams in the headwaters area ter and inorganic . of the watershed. The streamside forest is home to a vari- HABITAT PROTECTION The disap- ety of mammals, , amphibians and reptiles. pearance of habitat for a variety of species is The forested edge between land and water is one of the problems caused by suburban de- prime habitat; berries, buds, fruits and nuts of- velopment. Riparian corridors, and fer a varied menu and there are plentiful places greenways in general, offer wide swaths of for nesting. The riparian corridor offers a con- land, allowing various animals to move more tinuous transportation corridor for the migra- safely among developed portions of a munici- tion of plant (via seeds) and animal species. pality and between larger open space habi- CLIMATE MODERATION The trees tats (i.e., parks and land preserves). In addi- within forested riparian corridors add moisture tion, the riparian corridor serves as a critical to the air and create shade, significantly reduc- interface for many animal species that live and ing air temperatures in the summer. This will breed along streams. Plants also have specific benefit nearby residents as well as the stream. needs that are dependent upon the larger Scientific studies have also shown that groups areas of natural surroundings often found of trees can reduce wind speeds by sixty to along streams. For example, various spring eighty percent, depending upon the planting ephemeral flowers and understory shrubs de- density. Trees also help to purify the air by fil- pend upon shade and filtered light caused by tering dust and as well as absorbing larger trees within forested riparian corridors. carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. To meet these needs, for- ested areas must be wide enough to contain a broad Native brook trout require canopy that fully shades the ground. water temperatures below 68 Also, when riparian degrees to survive, and forested corridors are forested they add variety to the instream streams are as much as 10 habitat of the waterway via degrees cooler than streams the shedding of large stable debris from adjacent trees. that flow through meadows. This debris tends to accu- mulate, forming small dams, which beneficially affects the depth, flow, and texture of the stream. This debris also increases the physical surface area of the stream, which

Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 6 BENEFITS OF RIPARIAN CORRIDOR CONSERVATION costs of acquisition. Full ownership may also The Role be necessary when the resources contained on the land are highly sensitive and require careful of Acquisition management that only the municipality (or a land trust) has the capacity to provide. Introduction In some instances there may be a need to secure physical access to a property that can There are numerous ways to secure pro- only be accomplished via acquisition. This can tection of riparian corridors and their natural occur when the riparian corridor parallels a feature components. The two primary methods potential trail link or traverses a larger site use- of acquisition include fee simple acquisition, ful for active recreation. where all rights to the property are acquired, While land use controls can have a major and conservation easements that preserve only influence on conservation as a property be- specific rights and/or features within the corri- comes developed or changes use, they provide dor. Fee simple acquisition provides a munici- less protection for riparian corridors on land that pality with the highest level of protection, in- is part of a larger existing development. Lastly, cluding physical access. On the other hand, acquisition may be the last chance to secure a conservation easements protect a site’s impor- key parcel necessary to complete an intercon- tant natural features but don’t typically involve nected greenway or riparian corridor. physical access. Therefore, a municipality must balance its goals with its available resources, desired level of control Primary and requirements for access. Acquisition Strategies The Need FEE SIMPLE ACQUISITION The pur- chase of full ownership rights for the riparian for Acquisition corridor is the most direct way to protect the The value of protecting riparian corridors riparian corridor. In addition, municipal own- often times coincides with other municipal con- ership also guarantees that some form of pub- servation and recreation goals and can create lic access will be permitted and the riparian the need for acquisition. This is especially the corridor will be properly maintained. The case where multiple resources converge or main obstacle to fee simple acquisition is the highly sensitive resources are present. For ex- expense of purchasing the full rights to all the ample, stream corridors often traverse areas of land needed. In addition, the riparian corri- prime farmland or are found adjacent to steep dor may involve many different landowners, slopes. In these cases, the combined value of making identification and negotiation difficult. protecting multiple resources may justify the If a municipality chooses acquisition, there are

THE ROLE OF ACQUISITION 7 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation several alternative methods of purchase, such as installment buying, lease with option to buy, purchase and leaseback, and life estates that could be considered. EASEMENTS If a municipality does not want to pursue fee simple acquisition, ease- ments are a sound way to limit public expense while receiving open space protection and rec- reation benefits. Since easements provide a lim- ited right over land, which can be negotiated to include the specific rights desired (i.e. trail easement), the costs can be considerably less than fee simple acquisition. Once again, diffi- culty may arise due to the large number of land- owners that may have to be contacted. Ease- ments may also be donated to a municipality. The grantor of the easement receives tax ben- efits. However, municipalities should investigate the legality of purchasing easements that do not provide for public access.

Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 8 THE ROLE OF ACQUISITION vides a high level of legally permitted control, Land Use without municipal ownership. This method may be most suited for Control Montgomery County municipalities due to the varied type and function of streams. In addi- Strategies tion, there may be numerous types of land uses adjacent to a riparian corridor within one mu- Introduction nicipality. By instituting an overlay zoning dis- trict, specific/critical riparian corridors can be Although acquisition is effective for en- targeted for protection, while considering all suring public access and protecting key ripar- potential land uses. The next section of the ian lands, resources may not be available to Guidebook contains model zoning language. protect every mile of riparian corridor. Signifi- TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS cant protection can be afforded riparian corri- A transfer of development rights (TDR) program dors by limiting encroachment within the corri- allows municipalities to preserve, among other dor and/or controlling the removal of critical things, vulnerable or important natural re- vegetation. Therefore, it is essential to integrate sources (i.e., riparian corridors). This form of land use controls into any riparian corridor pro- overlay zoning would apply only to designated tection strategy. These controls can apply to lands that are developed, proposed for devel- opment, or remain undeveloped without any acquisition costs incurred by the municipality.

Zoning Controls OVERLAY ZONING Overlay zoning is the basic approach many municipalities have used to regulate floodplains to comply with the Federal Flood Insurance Program. When ap- plied to riparian corridors, the applicability of the overlay district is either defined within the zoning language or delineated on an officially adopted map. Various riparian corridor protec- tion standards are added to the zoning ordi- nance to regulate the use and intensity of ac- tivities within the corridor. If a municipality’s goal is to protect riparian corridors and the es- By clustering development in the upland areas, sential benefits they provide, this method pro- riparian corridors and vegetation can be preserved.

LAND USE CONTROL STRATEGIES 9 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation riparian corridors, requiring the land be pre- served in its natural state. To protect property values, landowners are permitted to transfer their right to develop, based on the underlying zoning district, to a portion of the municipality designated for more intensive development. This allows the riparian corridors to be perma- nently deed-restricted from development, while maintaining the value of the land. CONSERVATION SUBDIVISION/ CLUSTERING Conservation subdivisions, or clustering, is usually permitted as an option, or encouraged through density incentives, in some zoning districts and may be mandatory in others. The concept allows dwellings to be clustered on smaller lots on a portion of a An existing hamlet traversed tract, allowing the remainder to be set aside by riparian corridor as open space. By allowing cluster develop- ments, a municipality can identify certain site amenities, such as riparian corridors, to sat- isfy the open space requirements. In this way, the riparian corridor is protected as open space, and the landowner retains full devel- opment potential of the land under current zoning. If density incentives are used, the landowner may be permitted more develop- ment than is allowed under current zoning. PERFORMANCE ZONING Perfor- mance zoning expands upon the overlay con- cept by linking the permitted density of a de- velopment to the amount of developable land on a site. For example, in a performance sub- division, the applicant might be required to subtract all or a percentage of land in flood- plain, riparian corridor, road rights-of-way, or Under TDR zoning the riparian corridor is steep slopes before calculating the permitted Under conventional zoning the riparian corridor is preserved by transferring development into density. Performance zoning also includes partially cleared and extensively developed. designated growth areas.

Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 10 LAND USE CONTROL STRATEGIES extensive requirements for landscaped buff- by protecting existing trees and plants and re- ers between different land uses that could be quiring use of native trees and plants that are expanded to include the riparian corridor. tolerant of wet soil conditions. Landscape regu- lations could work in conjunction with one or more of the other protection methods described Subdivision and in this section. Land Development Standards STORMWATER MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS Stormwater management STREAMBANK SETBACK Similar to regulations are designed mainly to detain run- rights-of-way applied to roads or other utility off during rain events, decreasing the potential corridors, streams within a community could and level of downstream flooding. While these be protected through an established . regulations effectively maintain and lower the In the simplest form, the buffer strip would be peak flow of streams during storms, the outlets uniform for all streams. Stream setback require- of detention structures still discharge directly ments may be established within the subdivi- into local streams. This direct discharge has the sion and land development ordinance or as a potential to carry numerous pollutants and sedi- separate municipal code. This method, how- ments. Therefore, the outlets should be de- ever, does not provide the signed to drain into the riparian corridor, fol- authority to control use of lowing conversion to sheet flow. the corridor and may have less certainty than an overlay zoning district. LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS Gener- ally, landscaping has been used to maintain or en- hance views of develop- ment from roads, to buffer uses, and to improve the appearance of streets and parking lots. Landscaping regulations, found within a municipality’s subdivi- sion and land develop- ment ordinance, can also Stream setbacks can be used work to preserve and en- to prevent construction within the riparian corridor. hance riparian corridors

LAND USE CONTROL STRATEGIES 11 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 12 LAND USE CONTROL STRATEGIES sist of undisturbed forest to provide food Model and shade for the stream. The second zone should consist of managed woodland that Overlay allows for infiltration of runoff, filtration of sediment and nutrients, and nutrient uptake District by plants. Finally, flow into the buffer should be transformed from concentrated flow into sheet flow to maximize ground contact with Introduction the runoff. Given the importance of integrating land • Development within the riparian corridor use controls into a comprehensive riparian cor- should be limited only to structural facili- ridor protection strategy, a model zoning over- ties that are necessary for public health and lay district has been provided for municipal use. safety. Agricultural activities would be per- The model ordinance is not intended to be mitted within the outer zone of the riparian adopted “as is,” but should be modified as nec- corridor provided they were conducted in essary to meet the unique needs of a given conformance with recognized soil conser- municipality. The model ordinance is accom- vation practices. When construction activi- panied by sidebar commentary that can help ties occur within the riparian corridor, such guide the modification process and concludes as stream crossings, specific mitigation mea- with model subdivision ordinance language to sures should be taken. complement the zoning overlay district. Lastly, • The riparian corridor should be uninter- we have included an outline of riparian corri- rupted. This will help reduce concentrated dor conservation principles on which the ordi- flow from entering the stream and “short- nance was based and a brief discussion on the circuiting” the filtration and infiltration ben- legal basis for riparian corridor conservation. efits of riparian corridors. Uninterrupted corridors also provide continuous habitat Principles of Riparian for the passage of wildlife. • Forested riparian corridors should be main- Corridor Conservation tained, and should be encour- To obtain the many benefits that a ripar- aged where no wooded buffer exists. Trees ian corridor can provide, certain minimum prin- are the single most important element of ciples must be adhered to: the riparian corridor for removing nutrients from the soil, stabilizing the soil, modifying • Riparian corridors should extend at least 75 water temperature, and providing food for feet from the edge of the stream to perform aquatic organisms. properly. The 75 feet should include sev- eral distinct zones that perform specific • Recreation within the riparian corridor functions. Ideally, the first zone should con- should be balanced with the effect it may

MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT 13 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation have upon existing features. For example, vania zoning requirements) to provide flexibil- physical invasion of a riparian corridor may ity and reflect extraordinary circumstances. As be limited when it contains plant or animal with the adoption of any zoning language, mu- species of concern or steep slopes or sig- nicipalities should consult with their solicitor nificantly impacts adjacent landowners. during the development of any riparian corri- dor conservation ordinance. To date, no specific challenges to the con- Legal Basis for Municipal cept of riparian corridor preservation have been Riparian Corridor Protection found. It is interesting to note that the few re- lated legal challenges involve cases where the Power to protect streams and regulate the municipality has gone beyond reasonable re- use of adjoining lands can be found within the quirements. For example, a challenge was made Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. to an ordinance in New Jersey that required Specific authority for creating riparian corridors 300 feet on either side of a waterway be pre- can be found in the zoning provisions autho- served. Any property owner wishing to build rizing municipalities the power to protect many an impervious surface or structure within the riparian corridor features including woodlands, buffer zone would need a use variance in or- historic resources, wildlife habitat, wooded ar- der to do so. This is well beyond the 75-feet eas, and scenic vistas. See in particular Sec- science has identified as necessary to protect tions 603(b)(5), 604(1) and 605(2)(ii & vii). water quality and stream health. Additional authority to plan for and to protect water supply, found in Sections 301(b) and 603(d), further empowers municipalities to en- When certain act riparian corridor protection. minimum Riparian corridor ordinances that regulate principles are land within private ownership are similar to followed, the riparian corridor floodplain and steep slope ordinances which can prevent have typically been upheld due to the compel- degradation of ling health, safety and welfare benefits of such the environment a land use control. Furthermore, it is generally while protecting accepted that land use controls that provide flex- the rights of adjacent ibility and offer a “release valve” for unique situ- landowners. ations are less likely to take away all economic use of a property. Flexibility within riparian buffer ordinances that protect property own- ers’ rights include buffer averaging, density com- pensation, and variances. Our model overlay district uses both buffer averaging and the vari- ance (a standard “release valve” for all Pennsyl-

Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 14 MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT MODEL ORDINANCE Riparian Corridor Conservation District Section 1 Legislative Intent In expansion of the Declaration of Legislative Intent The legislative intent section provides the and Statement of Community Development Objec- rationale for the regulation, including the tives found in Sections 101 and 102 of Article I of applicable power to do so. This will dem- this ordinance, it is the intent of this article to provide onstrate that the regulation is reasonable reasonable controls governing the conservation, man- and related to a defensible public purpose. agement, disturbance, and restoration, of riparian cor- The authority to protect riparian corridors ridors under authority of Article I, Section 27 of the is contained within the Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Constitution, Act 247 the Municipali- Constitution and the MPC (Secs 301b, ties Planning Code as amended, and other Common- 603b5, 603d, 604(1), and 605(2)). wealth and Federal statutes, in conformance with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan, Open Space and Environmental Resource Protection Plan, and the fol- lowing objectives:

1.1 Improve surface water quality by reducing the The intent section also recognizes the sci- amount of nutrients, sediment, organic mat- entifically proven and published benefits ter, , and other harmful substances of riparian corridors. that reach watercourses, wetlands, subsur- face, and surface water bodies by using sci- entifically-proven processes including filtra- tion, deposition, absorption, adsorption, plant uptake, and denitrification, and by improving infiltration, encouraging sheet flow, and sta- bilizing concentrated flows.

1.2 Improve and maintain the safety, reliability, and The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has adequacy of the water supply for domestic, ag- invested over a billion dollars in water qual- ricultural, commercial, industrial, and recre- ity protection over the last two decades. ational uses along with sustaining diverse popu- Protection of riparian corridors helps to lations of aquatic flora and fauna. advance this large public investment.

MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT 15 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 1.3 Preserve and protect areas that intercept sur- face water runoff, wastewater, subsurface flow, and/or deep groundwater flows from upland sources and function to remove or buffer the effects of associated nutrients, sediment, or- ganic matter, pesticides, or other pollutants prior The majority of land within a watershed is to entry into surface waters, as well as provide drained by the smaller 1st and 2nd order wildlife habitat, moderate water temperature in streams. Therefore, regulation of riparian surface waters, attenuate flood flow, and pro- corridors must focus upon all streams vide opportunities for passive recreation. within a watershed and not just the larger 1.4 Regulate the land use, siting, and engineering more apparent creeks and rivers. of all development to be consistent with the intent and objectives of this ordinance and the best-accepted conservation practices, and to work within the carrying capacity of existing natural resources. There are other laws of the Common- 1.5 Assist in the implementation of pertinent state wealth that this ordinance complements laws concerning erosion and sediment control which should be referenced. practices, specifically , of the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law, Act 394, P.L. 1987, Chapter 102 of the Administrative Code (as amended October 10, 1980 Act 157 P.L.), Title 25, and any subsequent amendments thereto, as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Montgomery County Conservation District. Depending on a municipality’s goals for 1.6 Conserve natural features important to land or corridor preservation, recreational oppor- water resources such as headwater areas, tunities may exist and should be men- groundwater recharge zones, floodway, flood- tioned as part of the regulation’s intent. plain, springs, streams, wetlands, woodlands, prime wildlife , and other features that provide recreational value or contain natural amenities whether on developed or undevel- oped land. The ordinance should reference other 1.7 Work with floodplain, steep slope, and other existing municipal regulations regarding requirements that regulate environmentally sen- natural resource preservation. sitive areas to minimize hazards to life, prop- erty, and riparian features.

Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 16 MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT 1.8 Recognize that natural features contribute to the welfare and quality of life of the [Munici- pal] residents. 1.9 Conserve natural, scenic, and recreation areas within and adjacent to riparian areas for the community’s benefit.

Section 2 Application and Width Determination Scientific research has demonstrated that of the District the benefits of riparian corridors are maxi- mized when they extend at least 75 feet 2.1 Application. The Riparian Corridor Conservation from the streambank. District is an overlay district that applies to the streams, wetlands, and waterbodies, and the land adjacent to them, as specified in the fol- lowing table:

SURFACE WATER FEATURE MINIMUM CORRIDOR WIDTH A. Perennial Streams: All perennial Zone 1: Minimum width of 25 feet from Zone One should be a streams identified in the Soil Survey1. each defined edge of the watercourse at minimum of 25 feet (Perennial streams are shown as solid full flow, measured perpendicular from the streambank lines on the Soil Survey maps.) to the edge of the watercourse. and consist of undis- Zone 2: Minimum width of 50 feet from turbed forest and veg- the outer edge of Zone 1, measured perpendicular to the edge of Zone 1, or etation in order to sta- equal to the extent of the 100-year bilize the streambank, floodplain3, or 25 feet beyond the outer shade the stream, and edge of a wetland along the stream, provide food for whichever is greater. (Total minimum width of Zones 1 & 2 = 150 feet plus aquatic organisms. the width of the stream.) Zone Two is the “outer B. Intermittent Streams: Intermittent Zone 1: Minimum width of 25 feet from edge” of the corridor streams identified in the Soil Survey1 or each defined edge of the watercourse at and allows for infiltra- any stream otherwise identified on the bank full flow, measured perpendicular tion of runoff, filtration applicant’s plan that have an upstream to the edge of the watercourse. drainage area of 75 acres or more2. (In- of sediment and nutri- termittent streams are shown as dotted Zone 2: Minimum width of 50 feet from ents, and nutrient up- and dashed lines on the Soil Survey maps.) the outer edge of Zone 1, measured take by plants. perpendicular to the edge of Zone 1, or equal to the extent of the 100-year floodplain3, or 25 feet beyond the outer edge of a wetland along the stream,

MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT 17 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation The following notes SURFACE WATER FEATURE MINIMUM CORRIDOR WIDTH should accompany the whichever is greater. (Total minimum chart: width of Zones 1 & 2 = 150 feet plus 1Soil Survey shall mean the width of the stream.) the most recent edition C. Other Streams: All other streams with Zone 1: Minimum width of 25 feet from of the Soil Survey of an upstream drainage area of less than the centerline of the watercourse, 2 Montgomery County. 75 acres , including intermittent streams measured perpendicular to the centerline identified in the Soil Survey1. of the watercourse, or equal to the extent 2Upstream drainage area of the 100-year floodplain3, or 25 feet shall be measured from beyond the outer edge of a wetland where the stream exits along the stream, whichever is greater. the applicant’s site. (Total minimum width of 50 feet). 3100-year floodplain is Zone 2: Does not apply. identified on the Flood In- D. Wetlands and Waterbodies: Wetlands Zone 1: Minimum width of 25 feet from surance rate Map (FIRM) not located along a stream, and the outer edge of the wetland or prepared by FEMA, or as waterbodies, where the wetland and/or waterbody, measured perpendicular to calculated by the appli- waterbody is greater than 10,000 square the edge. For wetlands located at the feet in area. edge of a waterbody, the measurement cant where FEMA data shall be made from the outer edge of does not apply. the wetland. Zone 2: Does not apply.

Steep slopes are often found adjacent to 2.2 Zone Designation Adjustments for Steep waterways and may reduce the infiltration Slopes. Where steep slopes in excess of 25 and filtering benefits of the buffer. percent are located within 75 feet of a stream identified in 2.1, A or B, above, the area of steep slopes shall be designated as Zone One consistent with the following: Providing a Zone 1 designation to the A. If the extent of the steeply sloped area is steeply sloped areas will afford greater more than 75 feet, the Zone 1 designation protection for existing vegetation. Main- shall extend to 75-feet or to the full extent of taining vegetation on steep slopes is es- the steeply sloped area within the corridor. pecially critical for reducing erosion and If Zone 1 extends greater than 75 feet, as sedimentation. may be required in Section 2.1.C., Zone 2 shall not be required except as may be re- quired in 2.1, A or B for floodplains. B. If the extent of the steeply sloped area is less than 75 feet, the Zone 1 designation shall extend to the limit of the steeply

Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 18 MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT sloped area, and the width of Zone Two shall be adjusted so that the total corridor width (Zone 1 plus Zone 2) will be that required in 2.1 A, B, or C.

2.3 Identification and Width Determination. The ap- This ordinance requires the applicant to plicant shall be responsible for the following: designate the riparian corridor on the sub- A. Identifying the watercourses, wetlands, division or land development plan. This and/or waterbodies on and abutting the requirement is similar to the way wetlands applicant’s site, and locating these features and floodplains are designated. accurately on the applicant’s plans. B. Initial width determination of the riparian corridor(s) in compliance with Section 2.1, herein, and for identifying these areas on any plan that is submitted for subdivision, land development, or other improvements that require plan submissions or permits. The initial determination(s) shall be subject to review and approval by the [Municipal] Planning Commission, with the advice of the [Municipal] Engineer.

Section 3 The uses permitted within each zone are Uses Permitted in the Riparian Corridor directly related to the specific benefits the Conservation District zone provides and should be tailored to the community’s goals. The following uses are permitted by right in the Ri- parian Corridor Conservation District in compliance with the requirements of this Article:

3.1 Zones One and Two: At least half of any re- To ensure usable yard area is provided, at quired yard setback area, for any individual lot, least half of all yard setbacks shall be out- must be entirely outside of the Riparian Corri- side the riparian corridor. dor Conservation District.

3.2 Zone One: A. Open space uses that are primarily passive For Zone One to function properly it in character shall be permitted to extend into should remain relatively undisturbed. the area defined as Zone One, including: Therefore, the by-right uses are generally

MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT 19 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation passive and allow for the implementation 1. Wildlife sanctuaries, nature preserves, for- of streambank stabilization techniques to est preserves, fishing areas, passive areas minimize erosion. of public and private parklands, and re- forestation. 2. Streambank stabilization.

B. Forestry operations approved by the Mont- gomery County Conservation District.

To sustain and encourage agricultural op- C. Corridor Crossings: erations, crossings for farm vehicles and 1. Agricultural crossings by farm vehicles livestock are permitted by-right. and livestock. Invariably, driveways, roads, and other 2. Driveways serving one or two single-fam- types of corridor crossings will be re- ily detached dwelling units, provided the quired and are permitted by-right pro- mitigation requirements of Section 8.2 are vided specific mitigation and design stan- satisfied. The corridor crossing standards dards are satisfied. of Section 9 should be considered during design of the driveway. 3. Driveways serving more than two single- family detached dwelling units, or road- ways, recreational trails, railroads, and utilities, provided the mitigation require- ments of Section 8.2 and the corridor crossing design standards of Section 9 are satisfied.

The main purpose of Zone Two is to im- 3.2 Zone Two: pede the flow of runoff, allowing increased A. Open space uses including wildlife sanctu- infiltration to filter out nutrients for uptake aries, nature preserves, forest preserves, pas- by plants. sive areas of public and private parklands, recreational trails, and reforestation.

Existing agricultural uses should be allowed B. Agricultural uses conducted in compliance to continue, as long as best-management with methods prescribed in the Department practices are implemented. of Environmental Protection’s Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Manual, March 2000, as amended.

Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 20 MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT C. Corridor Crossings: 1. Agricultural crossings by farm vehicles and livestock. 2. Driveways serving one or two single-fam- ily detached dwelling units, provided the mitigation requirements of Section 8.2 are satisfied. The corridor crossing standards of Section 9 should be considered during design of the driveway.

3. Driveways serving more than two single- family detached dwelling units, or road- ways, recreational trails, railroads, and utilities, provided the mitigation require- ments of Section 8.2 and the corridor crossing design standards of Section 9 are satisfied.

D. Residential accessory structures having an The standards for accessory structures area equal to or less than 225 square feet. should be tailored to be consistent with existing municipal regulation. E. Forestry operations approved by the Mont- gomery County Conservation District.

F. Passive use areas such as camps, camp- The main purpose of Zone Two is to slow grounds, picnic areas, and golf courses. Ac- runoff. Therefore, concentrated runoff flow tive recreation areas such as ballfields, play- should be prevented. This may be particu- grounds, and courts provided these uses are larly important if impervious surface is in- designed in a manner that will not permit troduced into Zone Two. concentrated flow of stormwater runoff.

G. Centralized sewer and/or water lines and public utility transmission lines running along the corridor. When proposed as part of a subdivision or land development, the miti- gation requirements of Section 8.2 shall be satisfied. In all cases, these lines shall be lo- cated as far from Zone One as practical.

MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT 21 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation Section 4 Uses Specifically Prohibited in the Riparian Corridor District Any use or activity not authorized within Section 3, herein, shall be prohibited within the Riparian Corri- dor Conservation District and the following activities and facilities are specifically prohibited: Denudation of the buffer area is prohib- 4.1 Clearing of all existing vegetation, except where ited unless it is done to allow for construc- such clearing is necessary to prepare land for a tion of a permitted use, such as a utility use permitted under Section 3.1, herein, and crossing, provided the uses are constructed where the effects of these actions are mitigated and revegetated according to ordinance by re-establishment of vegetation, as specified specifications. under Section 8.1, herein. 4.2 Storage of any hazardous or noxious materials. The ordinance should specifically prohibit 4.3 Use of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and/or uses that may inevitably lead to erosion, other chemicals in excess of prescribed indus- sedimentation, pollution, and general dis- try standards or the recommendations of the turbance of the corridor, which may not Montgomery County Conservation District. be reasonably mitigated. Once again, this section should be modified to meet the 4.4 Roads or driveways, except where permitted goals of the municipality as corridor crossings in compliance with Sec- tion 3, herein. 4.5 Motor or wheeled vehicle traffic in any area not designed to accommodate adequately the type and volume. 4.6 Parking lots. Structures and uses that legally exist prior 4.7 Any type of permanent structure, including to adoption of this ordinance, which will fences, except structures needed for a use per- no longer be permitted, are considered mitted in Section 3, herein. nonconforming. It is important to recog- nize these instances, regulate their expan- 4.8 Subsurface sewage disposal areas. sion, and determine abandonment. 4.9 Sod farming. 4.10 Stormwater basins, including necessary berms and outfall facilities.

Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 22 MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT Section 5 Nonconforming Structures and Uses in the Riparian Forest Corridor District Nonconforming structures and uses of land within There may be disputes about the extent of the Riparian Corridor Conservation Overlay District the corridor on specific properties. This shall be regulated under the provisions of Article VII, section provides the applicant with the op- Nonconforming Status, herein, except that the one- portunity to justify a change in the bound- year time frame for discontinuance shall not apply to ary location. agricultural uses which are following prescribed Best Management Practices for crop rotation.

Section 6 Boundary Interpretation and Appeals Procedure 6.1 When an applicant disputes the Zone 1 and/or 2 boundaries of the Riparian Corridor or the defined edge of a watercourse, surface water body, or wetland, the applicant shall submit evidence to the [Municipality] that shows the applicant’s proposed boundary, and provides justification for the proposed boundary change.

6.2 The [Municipal] Engineer, and/or other advisors selected by the [Governing Body] shall evalu- ate all material submitted and provide a writ- ten determination within 45 days to the [Gov- erning Body], [Municipal] Planning Commission, and landowner or applicant.

6.3 Any party aggrieved by any such determination Similar to other zoning appeals, further or other decision or determination under this disputes should be handled by the zoning section may appeal to the Zoning Hearing hearing board. Board under the provisions of [existing Zoning Hearing Board Article] of this ordinance. The party contesting the location of the district boundary shall have the burden of proof in case of any such appeal.

MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT 23 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation Section 7 Inspection of Riparian Corridor Conservation District Once lands start being preserved, and a 7.1 Lands within or adjacent to an identified Ripar- contiguous system of lands begin to form, ian Corridor Conservation Overlay District will some degree of regular inspection will be be inspected by the [Municipal] Code Enforce- necessary. The inspection will determine ment Officer when: landowner compliance with the ordinance A. A subdivision or land development plan is provisions. submitted. B. A building permit is requested. C. A change or resumption of nonconforming use is proposed.

7.2 The district may also be inspected periodically by the Code Enforcement Officer and/or other representatives designated by the [Governing Body] for compliance with an approved resto- ration plan, excessive or potentially problem- atic erosion, hazardous trees, or at any time when the presence of, or possibility of, an un- authorized activity or structure is brought to the attention of [Municipal] officials.

Section 8 Management of the Riparian Corridor District Vegetation is one of the key ingredients to 8.1 Riparian Corridor Planting. Re-establishment of a healthy and useful corridor. Therefore, forest cover and woodland habitat shall be re- to encourage and aid in the establishment quired consistent with the requirements of the of the riparian corridor, specific riparian landscape regulation within the [Municipal] Sub- plantings should be required as part of the division and Land Development Ordinance. site’s general landscaping. 8.2 Mitigation Measures. Uses permitted in Section 3 involving corridor crossings or other encroach- ment within the riparian corridor shall be miti- gated by increasing the width of the corridor

Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 24 MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT as replacement for the area lost due to the en- When development encroaches upon the croachment or disturbance, so that the total riparian corridor, the function of the corri- corridor area (land area within Zone One and dor is compromised and mitigation will be Zone Two) for each applicable side of the required. stream or watercourse is equal to that required by Section 2.1. Corridor area is the product of the corridor A “buffer averaging” approach adds width width required by Section 2.1 and the total to portions of the buffer to offset reduc- length for each applicable side of the stream or tions in width due to corridor crossings or watercourse for which a riparian corridor is other types of disturbance. being established. Perimeter shall be used in place of length for determining wetland buffer area. The increased width shall be spread throughout the corridor to the maximum ex- tent possible. For streams and watercourses, the increased width shall be applied along the length of the stream in blocks of 1,000 feet or more, or the full length of the corridor on the affected property, whichever is less.

Section 9 Corridor Crossing Standards 9.1 Corridor Crossing Criteria. All corridor cross- While the need for corridor crossings is ings permitted under Sections 3.1 or 3.2, herein, inevitable, the number and design of these shall incorporate, as required, the following crossings should be controlled in order to design standards. protect the integrity and functionality of the riparian corridor to the greatest extent A. The width of the right-of way should not be possible. greater than the minimum right-of-way width required by the [Municipal] Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. B. Crossings should be designed to cross the riparian corridor at direct right angles to the greatest extent possible in order to minimize disturbance of the corridor. C. Corridor crossings should be separated by a minimum of 1,000 feet of buffer length.

MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT 25 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation D. Bridges should be used in place of culverts when crossings would require a 72-inch or greater diameter pipe. When culverts are installed they should consist of slab, arch, or box culverts and not corrugated metal pipe. Culverts should also be designed to retain the natural channel bottom to en- sure the passage of water during low flow or dry weather periods.

Section 10 Use of Technical Terminology Technical terminology used in this article shall be in- terpreted to have the meanings used by recognized sources and experts in the fields of forestry, wood- land or meadow management, streambank protec- tion, wetlands management, erosion and sedimenta- tion control, or other relevant fields.

Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 26 MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT Model Landscape Standards for Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance: A. Purpose & Application Integration of the Riparian Corridor In areas within the Riparian Corridor Conservation Conservation Overlay District into the District as defined in Section ### of the [Munici- municipal zoning ordinance should be pal] Zoning Ordinance, the edge of water features complemented by the adoption of and stream corridors should be in forest cover to specific landscape standards within the further the ecological and environmental benefits, municipal subdivision and land devel- as stated in the Riparian Corridor Conservation opment ordinance. Overlay District (RCC). To promote re-establishment of forest cover and woodland habitat, new tree plantings shall be implemented in Zone One wher- ever existing trees do not meet the minimum tree planting requirements.

B. Planting Requirements 1. New trees shall be planted at a minimum rate of The required plantings will help to en- 15 feet on center or one tree per 225 square hance or re-establish a vegetated ripar- feet in staggered rows or an equivalent informal ian buffer, maximizing water quality arrangement within the area defined as Zone benefits. One by the RCC. 2. New trees shall be a variety of sizes rang- Plantings installed as part of the subdi- ing from a minimum 4 to 5 foot branched vision and land development process whip to an approximate 1 1/2 “ balled and will provide visual cues to future prop- burlapped planting stock. erty owners by providing a distinction 3. New tree plantings shall be composed of native between the riparian corridor and the tree species. remaining lot area. 4. Tree plantings shall be located along the streambank to provide shade for the stream, soil erosion control and stormwater benefits, accord- ing to accepted streambank restoration practices. If the riparian corridor is to be ulti- 5. Existing trees within Zone One shall be preserved mately managed by numerous private and retained. Existing tree cover should be surveyed owners, the municipality should pro- and inventoried to assess the need for any new vide or arrange for continued educa- plantings. Existing tree species included on the nox- tion of property owners regarding the ious/invasive plant species list, Appendix C, may benefits of riparian corridors and be removed where conditions warrant. proper management and stewardship.

MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT 27 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation Model Ordinance stream. However, disturbances to the cor- ridor, including corridor crossings, will ef- Implementation Guidance fectively reduce the 75 foot width neces- sary to secure the benefits of corridor con- Mitigation Measures servation. To offset this reduction in corri- While preservation is the goal of the ri- dor width in the area of the disturbance, parian corridor conservation district, there will the buffer should be increased in width in be cases where disturbance to a portion of the other areas so that the area of the buffer is corridor is unavoidable. These disturbances may the same as it was prior to the disturbance. include corridor crossings by farm vehicles and While increasing the width in other areas livestock, roads, recreational trails, railroads, of the corridor may not fully mitigate the centralized sewer and water lines, and electric, impacts of disturbance, wider buffers do gas and oil transmission lines. However, the sci- marginally improve water quality and pro- entifically proven benefits of riparian corridors vide additional benefits. can be significantly reduced when the corridor Add Layers of Vegetation is interrupted by crossings or vegetation re- In addition to wider corridors, the addition moval. Therefore, the ordinance only permits vegetative layers will improve the effective- disturbances when followed by mitigation. In ness of the riparian area. For general, mitigation works by increasing the effi- maximum effectiveness, the ri- ciency and effectiveness of one part of the parian area should have three buffer to compensate for a decrease in effec- distinct layers of vegetation, tiveness caused by disturbance. While there similar to those present in ma- are several methods to offset corridor distur- ture woodlands: (1) trees that bance, the model ordinance only offers one form an overhead canopy, (2) option for mitigation: buffer averaging. This is shrubs that provide an imme- the most basic mitigation measure and one of diate layer of cover, and (3) the easiest to apply. This method and two other herbaceous plants that serve options are discussed below: as ground cover. These lay- Buffer Averaging ers work together to provide Within the model ordinance, the riparian a roughness and diversity that corridor district is defined as 75 feet from increases filtration efficiency each defined edge of an identified water- and creates habitat for a wider course or surface water body at normal flow range of wildlife. or level, or the extent of the 100 year flood- Overhead Canopy – The plain, whichever is greater. This area is con- overhead canopy is com- sidered to be the minimum necessary to be prised of deciduous or effective in preserving water quality and evergreen trees with A mature riparian habitat will contain three distinct layers maintaining the general viability of the heights ranging between of vegetation.

Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 28 MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT thirty and one hundred feet. Typical bacteria, fungi, and macro inver- species include oak, hickory, maple tebrates which form the basis of gum, beech, sycamore, spruce, hem- the aquatic food chain. This ben- lock, pine, and fir. Major benefits of efit that riparian corridors provide this vegetation includes: becomes increasingly important • Improved Water Quality - The root for the survival of various animal systems of trees stabilize the soil, and plant species in the wake of preventing sediments and pollutants continued development. from entering the water body. Twigs Understory - The evergreen and de- and leaves from trees slow and trap ciduous shrubs (such as elderberry, sediments in stormwater runoff, al- viburnum, azalea, rhododendron, lowing the nutrients they carry to holly, laurel, and alders) provide habi- infiltrate into the ground where they tat and food for wildlife and are key may be stored or removed through to stabilizing the forest floor. The natural processes. Nutrients are small trees and understory vegetation stored in leaves, limbs and roots reduce the velocity of stormwater instead of polluting the waterway. runoff, while at the same time filter- • Reduced Erosion - The root systems ing out pollutants before reaching the of trees and shrubs stabilize stream. Reduced runoff volume from streambanks and can substantially trees upstream can reduce down- reduce erosion. Erosion is a progres- stream flood flows that erode the sive problem that is more easily channel. Roots and fallen logs slow corrected in its early stages. stream flow, reducing erosion along • Temperature Moderation - Tree the bank. The layers of under story canopy shades and cools the ripar- vegetation also provide habitat in the ian area along the stream, benefit- form of food supply, breeding areas, ing nearby residents as well as cool- and migratory corridors, making ing water temperature in the stream, these areas critical to the survival of critical for many aquatic species. many ecologically important species Shading moderates water tempera- that use the riparian corridor. tures and protects against rapid fluc- Groundcover - The ground cover tuations in temperature that can re- vegetation such as ferns, sorrel, tril- duce fish spawning and survival. lium, violet, Virginia creeper, nettle, • Enhanced Wildlife Habitat Protec- phlox, and aster mixes with decom- tion - Leaves, branches, and fruit posing leaves, organic litter, and de- that fall from streamside vegeta- bris from other layers and water to tion accumulate on the bottom of create a rich, moist forest floor es- the stream and provide food for sential to the sustenance of the other

MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT 29 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation layers. Ground cover can also help be an integral part of a comprehensive distribute the flow of runoff from ad- stormwater management strategy by helping to jacent land uses which might other- restore hydrologic conditions and purify runoff wise cut channels in the forest buffer. before it reaches the stream. In fact, riparian Lastly, ground cover can filter out corridors are recognized as a stormwater best non-point source pollutants (dis- management practice (BMP) in the Pennsylva- charged over a wide land area, not nia Stormwater Best Management Practices from one specific location) , such as Manual. As a best management practice, the nutrients, pesticides and sediments manual rates riparian corridors “very high” for which impair water quality. water quality benefits, and “medium” for vol- ume reduction and recharge. Convert to a More Effective Landscape Site constraints will influence stormwater Landscapes ranging from woodlands to management practices, but in general, meadows could exist within the riparian stormwater should be managed close to where buffer zones. However, the various land- it is generated. For example, roof drains should scape types are not equal in their ability to be connected to rain gardens, or discharged as filter sediment and enhance water quality. sheet flow across grassed areas. Parking areas For example, woodlands are more effective should contain bioswales or be bordered by than meadows in achieving the goals of the infiltration trenches. Where stormwater needs riparian zones. However, meadows are to be transported across the site, the convey- much more effective than lawns or de- ance should be by vegetated swale. Basins graded pastures. The following landscape should be curvilinear and landscaped with na- types are listed in order of effectiveness: tive trees, shrubs, and grasses, often referred to woodland, meadow, shrub, old field, and as “naturalized.” These practices will reduce pasture. Landowners and developers can the volume and velocity of stormwater drain- improve the effectiveness of their riparian ing through riparian corridors. If managed prop- buffer zones by converting the existing land- erly, stormwater runoff that flows through veg- scape to one that is more effective. etated management structures and then passes through the wooded riparian corridor will have Stormwater Management minimal adverse impact on the receiving stream. Particular attention should be paid to the Stormwater management is a changing upland edge of the riparian corridor when de- field and no longer is stormwater merely a veloping the stormwater management controls nuisance to be conveyed off site as quickly for a site. The benefits of the riparian buffer as possible. Stormwater is a resource; part can be bypassed if stormwater runoff is allowed of the hydrologic cycle that provides people to concentrate and form a channel through the with drinking water and sustains our land- corridor. Concentrated flow in such a channel scape and wildlife. can also lead to erosion within the buffer, add- A healthy, wooded riparian corridor can ing sediment to the stream and undermining

Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 30 MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT trees and vegetation within the buffer. Piping design of conservation systems can be obtained stormwater directly to the stream bypasses the at a local USDA Service Center. benefits of a wooded riparian corridor entirely. To avoid this, stormwater runoff entering the Stream Crossing - A stabilized area or struc- corridor should be diffused to sheet flow. One ture constructed across a stream to provide of the most effective measures for achieving this a travel way for people, livestock, equip- is the level spreader. Level spreaders are struc- ment, or vehicles. tures that are designed to uniformly distribute • Protects/improves water quality concentrated flow over a large area. Level • Reduces streambank and streambed spreaders come in many forms, depending on erosion the peak rate of inflow and the site conditions. A common form employs a shallow detention • Improves water quality by reducing basin whose down slope berm is graded to the sediment, nutrient, organic and inor- same elevation along its entire length. ganic loading of the stream. Stormwater flows over this berm at a uniform Crop Rotation – Crops grown in rotation rate. Regardless of type, the level spreader to maintain or increase soil productivity should operate in the following sequence: and fertility. • Concentrated stormwater enters the level • Reduces soil erosion spreader through a pipe, ditch or swale. • Helps control weeds, disease and in- • The flow is slowed and energy is dissipated. sects • The flow is distributed throughout a long • Improves or maintains health soil linear shallow trench that is typically paral- condition lel to the stream. • Water flows over the lip of the trench uni- Conservation Tillage – Any tillage or plant- formly along the entire length. ing system that maintains a minimum of 30 percent of the soil surface covered by Best Management Practices plant residue. (BMPs) for • Reduces soil erosion • Reduces volume and velocity of sur- The model ordinance permits agricultural face runoff crossings within Zone 1 of the riparian corridor and all other agricultural uses, provided they • Reduces fuel and time are conducted in accordance with best man- • Improves soil moisture agement practices, within Zone 2. Below is a • Improves wildlife habitat summary of BMPs for agriculture. While not an all-inclusive list, it does include those most com- Contour Plowing – Conducting field ac- monly used for agricultural operations. Techni- tivities such as tilling, planting, cultivating cal assistance regarding site-specific BMPs and and harvesting around a hill or slope as

MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT 31 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation near to the contour as is practical to re- • Increased profits through reduced duce erosion. costs and improved animal health • Reduces soil erosion • Can be used on lands not suited for • Reduces water runoff cropland (i.e. steep, stony or wet land) • Improves water quality • Increases moisture absorption into the soil • Most effective when used with con- servation tillage or strip cropping on moderate slopes of 3-8%

Grassed Waterway - A natural or con- structed channel or swale where water usu- ally concentrates as it runs off a field. • Improves field conditions • Reduces gully erosion • Protects/improves water quality

Terrace – An embankment, channel or combination ridge and channel con- structed across the slope to catch and store water runoff. • Reduces soil erosion • Permits more intensive use of cropland • Improves soil moisture • Works well with contour farming • Not suited to steep land

Prescribed Grazing – Managing grazing or browsing animals to harvest vegetation while protecting the environment. • Minimizes soil erosion • Improves water quality through in- creased plant nutrient uptake and ground cover

Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 32 MODEL OVERLAY DISTRICT or regulate activities within the corridor. Stewardship • Avoid placing roads next to streambanks. Pollutants picked up from roads in Strategies stormwater runoff are a cause of non- point source pollution which will impair Introduction water quality. When maintained in a natural state, ripar- • Limit road crossings. Crossings should be ian corridors have demonstrated their ability to designed to cross the riparian corridor at improve water quality, drain flood waters, con- direct right angles to the greatest extent pos- trol erosion and sedimentation, provide recre- sible in order to minimize disturbance of ational benefits, and contribute to wildlife habi- the corridor. tat. Stewardship of riparian corridors can be • The width of the corridor crossing right-of- defined as the careful and responsible manage- way should not be greater than the mini- ment of the land immediately surrounding the mum right-of-way width required by the or stream in a way that is beneficial to it municipality’s Subdivision and Land Devel- and the wildlife that depend on it. Proper stew- opment Ordinance. ardship of riparian corridors, including mainte- • Choose residential building sites wisely; pro- nance and re-vegetation of native plants when tect property and streams by not building necessary, must take place in order to continue within the floodplain. Delineate an ad- to realize the full benefits they provide. This equate yard area at least partially outside burden falls on municipalities, institutions, cor- of the buffer. It is recommended that the porations, farmers and residential homeowners yard encroach no more than 25 feet into – everyone who owns land with a river or Zone 2 of the riparian buffer. stream passing through it. • If agricultural activities are conducted along the corridor, they should only be permitted Stewardship Through the if they conform to recognized soil conser- Development Process vation practices. • When construction activities occur within When development does take place, it is the riparian corridor, specific mitigation important to have a tool like a riparian overlay measures should be taken in the form of district to protect riparian buffers, and assure improvements to the riparian corridor, such the development that does take place near them as landscape restoration, that would help does not impair them. The following design prin- mitigate the impacts of the development. ciples should be followed for development along riparian corridors: • Limit intensive recreation within the ripar- ian corridor. Multiuse trails can be placed • Preserve the riparian corridor as open space adjacent to the corridor without impairing

STEWARDSHIP STRATEGIES 33 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation it, but play fields, parks, parking areas and nance by fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, lawns should not encroach upon the ripar- all of which will harm the stream. ian corridor. • Access points for boat launching, trails or Good Stewardship Practices scenic vistas should be sited on the more Avoid planting a lawn to the water’s edge. stable bank areas (not on stream curves), Lawns have little or no habitat value, put prop- be limited in size, and should be stabilized erty at risk for erosion, and deliver lawn chemi- immediately after construction to avoid ero- cals directly to the stream. Gradually replace sion. lawns with native trees, shrubs and ground cov- • Avoid channel narrowing and straightening ers. A lawn closer to the house can work as of the streambank. This will make the wa- part of the riparian buffer by catching sediment ter flow more quickly, inducing erosion and from driveways and bare ground. Do not mow making the streambank more susceptible within 15 feet of the streambank. An un-mowed, to flooding. If the streambank must be al- naturally vegetated streambank buffer helps tered, be sure to contact the Pennsylvania prevent erosion and filters out lawn chemicals Department of Environmental Protection which are damaging to stream life. Set mower first, as permits are likely required. blades between 4 and 6 inches high for lawns • Leave most logjams in place to slow river to slow runoff and reduce the need for fertil- flow, reducing velocity and flood impacts, izer. Check local weed ordinances and local decreasing erosion, and preserving habitat. homeowner’s association policy, if applicable, for rules about allowable height, especially if • Contact the local DEP office or county con- servation district if soil laden runoff is ob- this area is in public view. served leaving a construction site. Most people overfertilize their lawns. These chemicals easily find their way into the stream and can kill stream life, including veg- Stewardship and etation, insects, fish and birds. Soil should be tested by the local cooperative extension Existing Land Uses branch to determine if it needs fertilizing. Base Forested riparian corridors should be un- fertilizer use on soil conditions. Don’t fertilize interrupted. This is important for achieving soil plants near streams. Limit overall use of pesti- stabilization, water quality, moderating water cides and herbicides and fertilizers to only once temperature to lower stress on fish, and provid- per year, if at all and extreme caution should ing food and habitat for animals and aquatic be used when using them near streams. The organisms. In areas where no wooded buffer Environmental Protection Agency estimates that exists, reforestation with native vegetation homeowners apply 10 times as much chemical should be done and maintained. Native species to their lawns as farmers apply to crop- will not require significant chemical mainte- land. Excess chemicals run off with rainfall into

Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 34 STEWARDSHIP STRATEGIES local waterways. Native plants need fewer or Stewardship and the no fertilizer and pesticide applications and also filter out pollutants, absorb runoff and replen- Role of Municipalities ish groundwater supplies better than turf grass. It is important for municipalities to foster Only use pesticides on calm, dry days when no riparian corridor protection and stewardship in rain is forecast for at least 24 hours. Never ap- the long term by providing citizens with ripar- ply pesticides near wells or waterways. Com- ian management information and educating post yard waste. Don’t bag lawn trimmings; them on the benefits and importance of buff- leave them in place for effective recycling of ers. Community outreach and education, both nutrients. for acting public officials as well as community Manure, garden waste or grass clippings residents, is a necessary component in estab- should not be stored or dumped near streams. lishing and preserving riparian corridors. Com- Grass clippings in the stream will cause water- munity outreach about how to be good ripar- quality problems and will suffocate fish and ian stewards can be done in conjunction with other aquatic organisms. Never dump materi- conservation organizations (such as the Nature als, including trash, chemicals or other pollut- Conservancy or the Natural Lands Trust) and ants into streams, storm drains or sewers. Never may take the form of radio and television ad- store loose soil near a stream. Soil particles, or vertisements, brochures, workshops, public sediment, can reduce the stream width and in- conferences, information on the municipality’s crease the potential for flooding near the stream. website with supporting links, demonstration Do not remove stable, naturally occurring, projects, or presentations to school groups. If in-stream debris, such as fallen logs unless they many residents speak English as a second lan- pose a safety threat. Fallen debris traps leaves, guage, outreach materials should be produced twigs, fruits, and seeds, providing food and habi- in other languages. Consider pooling resources tat for fish and other stream dwellers. Don’t with other municipalities or non-profit organi- remove native vegetation growing adjacent to zations in the region to stretch the dollar and the streams. Trees and shrubs shade the stream create a stronger, more effective message. (trout require cool waters for survival) and pro- Brochures with information for what vide leaf litter which forms the base of the homeowners can do to supplement existing aquatic food web. Do plant native trees and buffers that give them various options, least shrubs along unvegetated areas of the expensive to most expensive, can be helpful. streambank. The root systems of woody veg- However, it is best not to rely on one medium etation stabilize streambanks and prevent ero- alone. Studies indicate that the most influential sion. Native trees and shrubs are especially mediums for delivering environmental messages important along steep slopes because they help to the average citizen are advertisements in TV, hold the soil with their deep root systems. radio, and the newspaper. Public Service An-

STEWARDSHIP STRATEGIES 35 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation nouncements on commercial television or tar- While encouraging others to be good geted messages on cable network channels stewards, it is important to show good examples have shown to have a much wider audience of riparian corridor stewardship on publicly than local community access cable channels. owned lands. Intensive training done in workshops and seminars can send more complex messages to smaller and more interested audiences. Many Process for Establishing organizations, including the Montgomery a Buffer County Lands Trust, Natural Lands Trust, Stroud Water Research Center, and local watershed DETERMINE BUFFER SIZE Walk along organizations typically offer a variety of educa- the stream to see what may be growing in the buffer area and if the banks are eroded (exposed tional programs describing the benefits of land soil). If the banks are actively eroding, then pro- preservation and managed growth which may fessional assistance will be necessary for be tailored to specific audiences, such as high streambank stabilization prior to planting. Af- school groups, farmers or municipal officials. ter the walk, outline the proposed buffer area They can work with municipalities to show them on the property with rope, flagging or spray the merits of good riparian corridor planning, paint. Consider the following questions: Will and the benefits of riparian buffers and control- there be enough room outside of the buffer area ling stormwater. Several also teach developers for recreation? Will the proposed area be man- about conservation design, a way of develop- ageable to maintain (both financially and physi- ing land that protects important natural features cally) in the next three years until it is estab- and open space. lished? Begin small, and in time add on. Creating or supporting citizen action PLANNING THE BUFFER Hand draw groups that focus on tree planting and preser- the proposed buffer area including waterway vation can raise the awareness of the benefits and existing plants, onto graph paper. Research of trees and be an effective form of public stew- the native plants that should be planted within ardship as well. These action groups are often the buffer. Visit a local natural area or state park to see what is growing in similar buffer condi- non-profit organizations that may focus specifi- tions (sun/shade, wet/dry) etc. cally on tree planting or have a larger range Make a list of the plants and determine such as a particular watershed. Members for where they should go using the drawing. Use these groups might include garden clubs, envi- different sizes of circles to show trees, shrubs, ronmental groups, or school groups. Citizen tree grasses, and flowers by using various coins groups can provide assistance to private land- as templates. A soil test done by the coop- owners on planting trees particularly when the erative extension (listed in the blue pages of community does not have an arborist or for- the phone book) will help in appropriate plant ester on staff. selection. The proposed buffer area may have

Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 36 STEWARDSHIP STRATEGIES different soils in different locations because ensuring plant establishment and ensuring of imported fill, so it is best to take samples long-term survival. Weeding and keeping tall from 2 or 3 areas. Check the property map grass away from new plants is also important. for public utility rights-of-way (sewer, electric, An application of composted mulch four natural gas, etc.) in the proposed buffer zone. inches deep will help the soil retain moisture If this map is not available, utilize PA One and hamper weed growth. Keep the mulch Call at 1-800-242-1776 for more information. from touching the base of the plant. Eventu- If utilities are present, plant wildflowers in that ally, the trees and shrubs will grow tall enough area, rather than shrubs or trees. to form a canopy that will shade out most of SITE PREPARATION Identify and re- the grass and weeds underneath. Avoid work- move all invasive, non-native vegetation from ing in the buffer zone between mid-April to the site. Currently, 11 plant species are on mid-August if wildlife is using the buffer to Pennsylvania’s control list: Canada thistle mate and raise young. Disturbance at the time (Cirsium arvense), multiflora rose (Rosa mul- can be detrimental. tiflora), Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense), Replanting and reseeding are important marijuana (Cannabis sativa), mile-a-minute maintenance practices during the first few years vine (Polygonum perfoliatum), kudzu vine after the buffer is established in order to assure (Pueraria lobata), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), the benefits of a contiguous buffer, as well as a musk thistle (Carduus nutans), shattercane combination of large trees, under story trees, (Sorghum bicolor ssp. Drummondii), jimson- shrubs and groundcover, necessary for wildlife. weed (Datura stramonium), and purple loos- An annual inspection should be made to iden- estrife (Lythrum salicaria). If a large expanse tify areas in need of replanting/reseeding. If of soil is exposed after removing the weeds, more than 4 consecutive woody plant seedlings plant a cover crop such as annual rye to help in a row died, replant them. Replanting is best prevent growth of new weeds or use weed done in the spring or fall. Pruning and thinning mats or landscape fabric. during the lifespan of the riparian buffer will best GENERAL MAINTENANCE GUIDE- assure an optimal growth rate. Consider har- LINES In general, it is ideal to maintain or vesting every second or third tree after 8 to 9 create forested areas in Zone 1 (within 25 years, to increase water and growth space for feet of the streambank), to have a managed the remaining trees. These trees can then be woodland in Zone 2, and to have a thick layer chipped and used for mulch around other trees of ground cover (such as a managed within the buffer. meadow) adjacent to Zone 2 in order to PRUNING AND THINNING GUIDE- maximize ground contact with runoff, and LINES Trees should be pruned during late fall, more effectively filter pollutants. No land- winter, or early spring while the plants are dor- scape is maintenance free, but once riparian mant. Only minimal pruning is required to de- corridors are established, (roughly 3 years) crease competition between trees. Overpruning they require very little maintenance. The first can stunt trees and suspend optimum growth year is the most critical. Water is the key to rates. When pruning, never cut out more than

STEWARDSHIP STRATEGIES 37 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 25% of the crown of a tree, and retain at least plants for ground cover. Fencing, tree shel- 2/3 of the tree height in live branches to pro- ters or flexible deer guards should be placed tect tree health. Trees grow most efficiently around trees for the first six months or until when there are enough canopy to provide they are established to protect them. Con- plenty of food for the tree. Entire trees can be tact the cooperative extension office or the harvested and removed at any time through- Pennsylvania Department of Conservation out the year. and Natural Resources Service Forester for Late spring is the ideal time to thin veg- a list of appropriate vegetation. etation. Thinning may be done by removing • Remove invasive trees last as they help every other row, or every other tree within rows. provide shade and keep invasive vines to Thinning can also be done by selecting the trees a minimum. Replace them with native tree to remain and removing the surrounding com- species. peting trees. RESTORATION GUIDELINES Restor- • Correct soil erosion by rerouting trails along ing woodland to a healthy state depends on the contour and/or by controlling the wa- the amount of and type of degradation. If the ter source. Fill gullies and plant with an an- woodland is healthy, the best management nual rye and/or oats (in spring or early fall) approach is to minimize disturbance. The site and native trees and shrubs. Avoid the use should be monitored on a regular basis for of standard conservation seed mixes as they the presence of invasive vegetation, reduced may introduce exotic species. levels of regeneration due to excessive brows- • Minimize the area to be cleared, establish- ing of deer and other herbivores, or increases ing a buffer between the streambank and in air or that harm existing areas of construction or use of heavy equip- vegetation. If these conditions are found, the ment. This will reduce the amount of soil woodlands should be treated as degraded. If exposed by construction that could wash the riparian corridor is degraded, follow these into the waterway. guidelines for the best results: • Inspect the riparian corridor annually (spring • Identify the source of degradation (vines, is a good time) to address further degrada- deer, soil, etc.) as soon as possible so that tion as it occurs. restoration costs can be minimized. If more than 75% of the canopy of trees • Eliminate the larger invasive vines on has been killed or deformed by vines or Nor- canopy trees first. Then, smaller invasive way Maple is the dominant species, it may be plants, such as tree seedlings and shrubs, preferable to convert part or all of the wood- should be removed. land to a meadow. If the degraded woodland is • Gaps in the woodlands should be replanted in Zone 1 (next to the streambank), it is best to with native trees for low maintenance. Lay- manage the area with as little landscape distur- ers of vegetation should be planted – over- bance as possible. Otherwise, follow these steps head canopy trees, shrubs, and herbaceous for best results:

Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 38 STEWARDSHIP STRATEGIES • First, eliminate all existing vegetation. Re- • Increased turbidity, or persistently muddy, move trees and shrubs and use herbicides cloudy or opaque water. and cultivation several times at two week • Loss of fish and other aquatic life. intervals to eliminate existing grasses and herbaceous plants. Avoid spraying herbi- A list of state noxious weeds is available cides within 50 feet of the stream. from the Pennsylvania Department of Agricul- • Plant native grass and wildflower species ture and a list of invasive plants in Pennsylvania appropriate for site conditions. Adding an- is available from the Pennsylvania Department nual rye or oat to the seed, (planted in spring of Conservation and Natural Resources. or early fall) to create a quick growth cover The Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry offers that will aid in controlling erosion. information and technical assistance to wood- land owners. Upon request, the Bureau will ex- • Mow the young meadow twice a year. amine woodlots; prepare management plans for The first mowing should be done as early riparian restoration and tree planting; mark tim- as possible in the spring (mid April is a ber for improvement cutting and firewood har- good estimate). The second mowing vesting; and provide advice on erosion and sedi- should be done between late May and mentation control, wildlife habitat improvement, mid June. This second mowing will act to and urban community forestry. There is no control thistle and other weeds and will charge for the service, but it is limited to four allow the warm season grasses and wild- days per ownership per year. For more informa- flowers to grow. No mowing should oc- tion, call (717) 787-2106. cur after that time and the grasses need time to grow and go to seed.

Monitor the condition of the stream peri- odically throughout the year. Healthy streams are cool, clean, oxygenated, and full of aquatic life. Streams under stress may exhibit the fol- lowing warning signs: • Gully erosion in the streambanks and flood- plain. Gully erosion is severe erosion in which trenches are cut to a depth greater than a foot. • Severely undercut banks. • Extensive bare soil on streambanks or in the flood plain (the normally dry land along the river or stream that is covered by water during a flood).

STEWARDSHIP STRATEGIES 39 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 40 STEWARDSHIP STRATEGIES Bibliography

Coughlin, Robert E., Joanne R. Denworth, John C. Keene, John W. Rogers, Guiding Growth: Building Better Communities and Protecting Our Countryside, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Inc., 1991.

Sweeney, Bernard W., Streamside Forests and the Physical, Chemical, and Trophic Characteristics of Piedmont Streams in Eastern North America, Water Science Technology, Vol. 26, No. 12, 1992, pp. 2653-2673.

Welsch, David J., Riparian Forest Buffers: Function and Design for Protection and Enhancement of Water Resources, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1992.

BIBLIOGRAPHY 41 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 42 BIBLIOGRAPHY References

1. “On Watershed Education” (article 127), Feature Article on Watershed Protection Techniques. (3):3 680-686, stormwatercenter.net

2. USDA Buffers – Common-Sense Conservation (brochure.) Site Planning for Urban Stream Protection

3. Managing Your Streamside Lands (brochure), RiverKeeper, Delaware Nature Society, and the Forest Stewardship

4. Farmland Conservation Guide: Ideas for Improving Your Land, USDA in conjunction with the Soil Conservation Service (Natural Resources Conservation Service), 1986

5. A Conservation Catalog, USDA in conjunction with Penn State University, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Pennsylvania, Chesapeake Bay Education Office, Penn State Cooperative Extension and Chesapeake Bay Program

6. Wildlands Conservancy of Emmaus PA

7. Iowa State University, Buffer Maintenance Brochure, March 2002

8. The Stream Corridor Restoration Guidebook, Montgomery County Planning Commission

9. Urban Watershed Forestry Manual, Center for Watershed Protection www.cwp.org/watershed_planning.htm

10. 25 Ways to Protect Your Streamside Property, (brochure) Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania in conjunction with River Keeper

11. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Stream Releaf Program

REFERENCES 43 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 44 REFERENCES Resources

Bureau of Forestry 610-469-6217

Center for Watershed Protection, Urban Watershed Forestry Manual, February 2005

Montgomery County Conservation District 610-489-4506

Natural Resources Conservation Service 610-489-6071

www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs

Penn State Cooperative Extension 610-489-4315

Consolidated Farm Servic Agency 610-489-4158

Conservancy of Montgomery County 215-283-0383

Natural Lands Trust – www.natlands.org

Penn State Cooperative Extension Gardening Section www.extension.psu.edu/Hort.html

RESOURCES 45 Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation Guidebook for Riparian Corridor Conservation 46 RESOURCES

Montgomery County Planning Commission Montgomery County Courthouse POB 311, Norristown PA 19404 www.montcopa.org/plancom