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 2. Range of minimum widths for meeting buffer objectives.
| Water quality Objective | Buffer width (ft) | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient removal | 15-200 | Depends on hydrology, soils, loadings. |
| Sediment control | 30-300 | Depends on slope, soil type, sediment loadings. |
| Streambank stabilization | 25-55 | Choose deep-rooted species that readily resprout. |
| Flood control | 25-200 | Depends on stream order and flood patterns. Select sturdy flood-tolerant species. |
| Wildlife habitat | 25-300 | Depends on species of concern. Select native plant species for revegetation, particularly those that provide high value for food and shelter. |
| Aquatic habitat | 60-110 | Select native trees and shrubs for seasonal inputs of leaf litter and inputs of large woody debris. |
| Water temperature moderation | 50-110 | Depends on stream size and aspect, and the height, density, and crown size of the vegetation |
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