Forested Stream Buffers

Forested stream buffers (strips of forested land along stream banks) are very important to the health of streams for a variety of reasons. They filter nutrients, sediment, and other pollutants from entering the stream, they protect the stream banks from erosion, they slow the flow of water during storm events, they shade the stream and prevent it from getting too warm for sensitive species, their dead leaves and branches provide essential habitat for many stream inhabitants, and many more. Healthy, wide, forested buffers are critical to healthy streams.