Understanding the Science Behind Riparian Forest Buffers: Planning, Establishment, and Maintenance

Author: Julia C. Klapproth, Faculty Assistant-Natural Resources, Maryland Cooperative Extension; James E. Johnson, Extension Forestry Specialist, College of Natural Resources, Virginia Tech

Publication Number 420-155, Posted October 2001

Table 1. Site Assessment Checklist

Watershed Considerations Site Considerations - Riparian Area Site Considerations - Stream
Hydrology Hydrology Stream order and size
Geology Width of 50 and 100 year floodplain Flood frequency
Topography Soil characteristics Water velocity
Watershed size Slope Channel shape, width, depth, slope
Intensity and type of land use Riparian vegetation Streambank stability
Sediment and nutrient loadings Wildlife resources Presence of pools, riffles, runs
  Cultural resources Channel substrate
  Human disturbance Water quality
    Aquatic community

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