Conservation Tools

An outline of general guidelines for the design & implemetnation of a riparian buffer. Produced for municipalities in Marquette County, Michigan.

Over 140 articles and books were reviewed to establish a legally-defensible basis for determining riparian buffer width, extent and vegetation. This document presents the results of this review and proposes several simple formulae for buffer delineation that can be applied on a municipal or country-wide scale.

The purpose of this handbook is to provide professional land managers and planners with the latest information on the functions, design, establishment, and management of riparian forest buffers. This handbook is intended for use by: agencies and private concerns that provide technical assistance in the field, local governments who want to use the handbook as a technical basis for decision making, policy makers, public/consulting or service/private foresters and professional land managers, both industrial and public.

This model ordinance is intended to assist municipalities in the Commonwealth with caring for the the quality of the environment and life of wildlife within their jurisdictions. Reproduction, circulation and other use of this document is permitted and encouraged.

This model document complies with the PA Municipal Planning Code and may be enacted as is, or modified to take local needs into consideration. This was compiled after extensive scientific review of buffer studies and a review of existing municipal ordinances.

Model ordinance from Montgomery County's Riparian Corridor Conservation District.

This webpage provides a model ordinance for stream buffers, as well as a link to a model ordniance for coastal areas

This model grant of conservation easement is designed for permanently protecting riparian buffers along waterways to protect water quality. The commentary explains the purpose behind each provision and provides alternative and optional provisions. Be sure to review the commentary before using the model.

Over 100 individuals and representatives of groups from throughout Pennsylvania contribute their experiences, ideas and advice for this comprehensive plan on restoring riparian buffers throughout the state. Includes a wealth of restoration information for novices as well as experts.

The purpose of this paper is to support the efforts of local governments in Georgia that have made policy decisions to develop riparian buffer programs.

A thorough example of New Jersey’s Model ordinance. Includes sections on permitted and prohibited uses in buffer zones, performance standards, etc. If you choose to follow this document to create your own ordinance, you will need to modify the content to conform to Pennsylvania laws.

A variety of preservation tools are available to interested communities and landowners to guide and limit development along stream corridors. These tools can be designed to fit local conditions.

A Review of Current Science and Regulations -- The goal of this report is to synthesize the existing scientific literature on the effectiveness of riparian buffers to improve water quality through their inherent ability to process and remove excess anthropogenic nitrogen from surface and ground waters. Due to this ability, riparian buffers often are employed as an environmental management tool by resource management agencies. Despite significant research effort toward understanding the ecological functions of riparian buffers, there remains no consensus for what constitutes optimal riparian buffer design or proper buffer width to achieve maximum nitrogen removal effectiveness.

An article studying the increased rate of forest restoration by reducing plant competition.

This booklet reviews simple stream stewardship tips that can help you reduce threats to water quality and fish and wildlife habitat, while protecting and enhancing your property.

This website is a step-by-step example of a demonstration project rebuilding a riparian buffer on a conserved farm, beginning in 1992 to the present. It offers an example of the necessary resources and planning that are needed in building a riparian buffer.