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PUBLICATIONS
Forested Stream Buffers
Protecting the Natural Flow of Streams
What are Forested Stream Buffers and Why Are They Important?
Forested Stream Buffers are bands of native trees, shrubs and other vegetation, between 25 and 75 feet in width, planted or naturally growing on either side of a stream.
Before the first wave of European settlement nearly 300 years ago, the streams in Southeastern Pennsylvania flowed through an extensive forested landscape. The diversity of life within these streams, from algae to native brook trout to bald eagles, evolved in a natural environment relatively undisturbed over thousands of years.
Today, after centuries of timber clearing for agriculture and development, we have realized finally that forested streams provide services that benefit all life, including people. Forested streams are healthy streams with the highest quality waters, the most dependable flows for drinking, the widest diversity of aquatic life, and the greatest protection against floods and erosion. Forested Stream Buffers can help:
- stabilize eroding streambanks,
- support food and habitat for aquatic life,
- provide shade creating cool water on which native brook trout and other species require,
- filter out pollutants such as fertilizers, chemicals, and sediment,
- offer natural flood control to protect downstream neighbors,
- preserve natural corridors for wildlife,
- increase recreational potential for fishing, canoeing and hiking.
Southeastern Pennsylvania is currently at a turning point in its history. With more land converted to development in the last 30 years than in the last 300, our remaining agricultural land and natural open spaces are increasingly important. Now more than ever, it is critical to re-establish natural forests along our local stream corridors.
How Can You Start a Forested Stream Buffer?
Whether you have a stream running through your farm, your golf club, your local school, the common open space in your development, or even in your back yard, establishing a Forested Stream Buffer is a good idea.
If you own or manage streamside property in either the Red Clay Creek or White Clay Creek watersheds, and you've decided that establishing a Forested Stream Buffer is an idea worth exploring, the first step is to contact one of the organizations listed in this brochure.
A representative will speak with you about the size and location of your property and your goals and interests for buffering the stream. They will schedule a visit to meet with you at the property and to evaluate the details of the land, soils, the stream and the existing vegetation.
What Programs Can Help Establish a Forested Stream Buffer?
The Red and White Clay PL-566 project is a cost-sharing program created by federal, state and local governments to assist landowners with planting trees in critical areas and riparian zones, converting farmland to forest, and placing conservation easements on forested stream buffers. Foresters evaluate sites to determine needs, develop plans, and certify the completed work.
PL-566 protects watersheds and improves water quality by implementing ecologically-responsible land treatment practices and acquiring conservation easements to ensure healthy stream systems.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600. (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Ave, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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For more information send email to emc@brandywine.org, call 610-388-2700, or write to Environmental Management Center, Brandywine Conservancy, P.O. Box 141, Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Photos courtesy of Ed Camelli and Michael Kahn
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