Riparian management practices in the United States : a summary of state guidelines.

Abstract

Individual states develop guidelines to protect and manage forest riparian resources. A review of 49 states’ forest riparian guidelines (e.g., BMPs, regulations) in 2000 revealed the primary focus is to protect the quality of water adjacent to perennial and intermittent streams and lakes. In only a few states do riparian guidelines address other riparian functions and values beyond water quality protection (e.g., wildlife habitat). Riparian guidelines typically contain three basic components: minimum riparian zone width, minimum residual trees for the riparian zone, and other guidelines for modifying management practices within the riparian zone. A commonly recommended riparian management zone is 50 feet wide with 50 - 75 percent crown closure (or 50 - 75 ft2/acre of residual basal area), although the specific guidelines in each state vary tremendously. While science cannot specify the management prescriptions needed to protect all riparian functions across every site, understanding site-specific conditions is critical to effective guideline implementation.