What is a Riparian Buffer Zone?

A vegetated strip or zone along a stream that protects the stream from impacts of our land use. A healthy riparian zone consists of a combination of trees, grasses, shrubs, and perennials.

Water quality benefits start at just 10 feet of buffer width from the streambank and improve with recommended widths of 15-30 ft, up to 100 ft as space allows.

STAY TUNED FOR UPCOMING WORKSHOP DATES!

Funding Guide

State and Federal funding available for:

  • Streamside Buffer Plantings (Riparian Area Protection)
  • Limiting Livestock Access to Streams (Fencing and Stream Crossings)

Funding Option:

Kentucky State Cost-Share Program (Kentucky Soil Erosion and Water Quality Program)

Agency Contact:

Local Conservation District Office

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Local Natural Resources Conservation District Office (NRCS)

Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

Farm Service Agency (FSA)
Local USDA Service Center

Riparian Buffer References:

Native Plant Selection for Streamside Buffers in Central KY
Central Kentucky Backyard Stream Guide
Living Along a Kentucky Stream
Planting a Riparian Buffer 
Plant by Numbers (guide to landscaping for beginners)

Invasive Species:

Removing Invasive Species

Invasive Species Control Methods

Who should I contact with questions?

Chris Howard
Watershed Coordinator
859.266.1572
chrish@bggreensource.org

 

This work was funded in part by a grant from the U.S. EPA under §319(h) of the Clean Water Act.