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Trees, shrubs, and other plants that grow along the banks of a river are called
Riparian Vegetation. Areas of riparian vegetation that cover
a significant portion of land adjacent to the river can be considered a
riparian buffer. Riparian buffers play an important role
in maintaining wildlife and water quality by providing shelter for animals, reducing
river pollution, and minimizing erosion. Riparian buffers are most important in areas where
surface water runoff is likely to carry pollutants into the river. Such areas include city streets,
highways, agricultural areas, and privately owned waterfront property. The way in which
riparian buffers minimize pollutant access into the river is by interrupting the flow
of surface water and forcing it to slow down. When surface water has more time to infiltrate,
more pollutants soak into the soil rather than flowing directly into the stream. The
use of fertilizers in close proximity to the river can really affect the rivers
water quality and the organisms that
live there. Surface runoff from fertilized areas such as farms, gardens, and lawns is
typically high in nutrients. However, good riparian buffers located between the area
of applied fertilizer and the adjacent waterway can greatly reduce the amount of nutrients
that enter the river. In some forms, the nutrient pollutants found in fertilizers are taken
up by plants and used for growth. When nutrients are used by plants, fewer can make their way
into the river, and the river stays cleaner. In addition to increasing infiltration and
absorbing nutrients, riparian buffers also provide structure for the river by holding
the soil in place with their roots. In fact, studies have shown that areas with little
to no riparian vegetation have higher rates of erosion and sediment pollution than areas
that include vegetation. If you or someone you know owns land along the Chippewa River
and wants to maintain optimal riparian buffers, some suggestions include allowing areas of
native vegetation to grow up rather than keeping the lawn trimmed up to the waters
edge; and to avoid the use of herbicides
in close proximity to the river. If you want to find out more about how you as a citizen
can help establish and maintain riparian buffers, information can be found by contacting local
agencies such as the Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resource Conservation Service,
or the River County Resource Conservation and Development Council. Riparian buffers
play a vital role in minimizing pollution, reducing erosion, and providing habitat for
wildlife along the river. It is important that we dont destroy existing riparian
buffers, but focus on establishing and maintaining them so that they can continue to provide
these services for wildlife and water quality along the Chippewa River.