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The
riparian zone is the area where a body of water
and the land meet. A riparian buffer
consists of trees, shrubs, grasses, and
wildflowers along streams, lakes, and ponds that
provide a transition between waterways and human
use. These buffers play an important
environmental role in soil conservation and
water protection.
Benefits of Riparian Buffers
Hamilton County
Surveyor
We are faced with a
significant challenge in Hamilton County.
The Hamilton County Surveyor requires trees to
be removed near regulated creeks during
construction (as seen in the above photo).
This mandatory practice seems counterproductive
since water runoff and soil sedimentation in the
creek is a significant concern especially during
construction.
We were able to meet with the
Drainage Board on behalf of this landowner and
got the Board to grant the Conservation
Alternative for this property. This
alternative only requires clearing on one side
of the creek. While still not the best, it
is much better compared to clearing on both
sides. Given the benefits of maintaining
vegetation along the creek, it seems that the
Conservation Alternative should be the standard.
However, this is not the case in Hamilton
County.
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