LEARNING & EXPLORING

Taking Care of Our Watershed

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Riparian corridors are the lands adjacent to rivers and streams. They are the first line of defense for a river system, and protecting the riparian corridor is a critical first step towards ensuring the long-term quality of river and water resources. Activities in the riparian corridor that remove or alter the functionality of the natural, native vegetative cover can substantially degrade its ability to perform its many ecosystem functions.

Recommended Management Tool: River Protection Overlay Area

• An overlay area for all perennial streams and rivers in the watershed to protect and enhance the functions and values of the riparian corridor.
• 50 ft protection for small headwater streams.
• 100 ft protection on larger streams.
• Provides flexibility by respecting pre-existing uses and providing for uses consistent with protection of riparian corridor function.

Riparian Corridors:

• Preserve water quality by filtering sediment and other pollutants from runoff before entering a river, stream or shallow ground water.
• Protect stream banks from erosion by maintaining an intact root structure along the banks.
• Provide a storage area for flood waters.
• Provide food and habitat for fish and wildlife.
• Provide shade for rivers and streams to keep water temperature low and dissolved oxygen high.

Additional Resources

Connecticut River Joint Commission - Riparian Buffers Publication

Connecticut Coastal Conservation District - Publications

 

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