Riparian buffer
program
The Otsego Conservation District is offering free assistance to landowners interested in designing a buffer strip or greenbelt on their property.
What is a riparian buffer?Buffer strips, also referred to as greenbelts, are strips of native plants along the shoreline of a lake or stream. They are designed to create a more natural landscape and provide a number or benefits.
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what does the program offer?
Landowner assistance includes planning of a natural shoreline landscape including technical support. The Otsego Conservation District can provide design ideas to fulfill the needs of the landowner and education on how to implement the plan. Plant selection, plant stock, site preparation and overall maintenance are included in this program.
Provide free assistance & possibly cost-share for:
Provide free assistance & possibly cost-share for:
- Planning a natural shoreline landscape
- Design ideas for natural shoreline landscapes
- Plant selection, plant stock & site preparation
- Overall maintenance
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What are the benefits of a natural shoreline landscape?Riparian buffers minimize polluted runoff by trapping sediment, lawn fertilizer and other debris. The long root systems of native plants aid in filtering out contaminates and stabilize the shoreline, ultimately reducing erosion and runoff into the water body. Native plants also require little watering or fertilizer, as they are adapted to our climate.
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The planning process
The first step is determining the needs of the property owner. The wants and needs (including financial, legal, recreational and aesthetic) must be assessed to develop an appropriate plan. A site inventory will be conducted to understand the existing site conditions. A base map describing these conditions will be developed.
Shoreline plans can be designed to attract wildlife species, improve or control storm water management, provide shoreline stabilization and the creation of a riparian buffer zone. After developing a plan, site preparation and plant selection are the next steps. Plant selection is based on site conditions, the types of species desired by the landowner, cost and the design purpose of the property. Plan implementation includes finding professional help, access to resources for proper implementation, planting techniques and any other riparian buffer construction techniques including soil erosion control methods.
Shoreline plans can be designed to attract wildlife species, improve or control storm water management, provide shoreline stabilization and the creation of a riparian buffer zone. After developing a plan, site preparation and plant selection are the next steps. Plant selection is based on site conditions, the types of species desired by the landowner, cost and the design purpose of the property. Plan implementation includes finding professional help, access to resources for proper implementation, planting techniques and any other riparian buffer construction techniques including soil erosion control methods.
See Our Native Plant Catalog
Find a balance between waterfront recreational activities and a more natural shoreline.
Let us help you enjoy clean water and a beautiful waterfront landscape!
Please call the Otsego Conservation District at (989) 732-4021
Let us help you enjoy clean water and a beautiful waterfront landscape!
Please call the Otsego Conservation District at (989) 732-4021