If you have only a small area of land to put into a riparian buffer, consider planting species such as fruit-bearing shrubs or trees that will afford the most benefits for wildlife. The program publishes a handbook containing lists of resources that can help you in planning your buffer and places to look for money and technical advice. Amphibians also use these structures as cover. Larger nest boxes situated within more mature wooded areas can attract the great-crested flycatcher. Connecticut River WatershedProvides a useful 10-part fact sheet series, "Riparian Buffers for the Connecticut River" and details many aspects of riparian buffers for residential and agricultural landowners. Fallen trees can provide dens or shelter for some mammals. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural ResourcesPublishes a brochure, "Landscaping with Native Plants," which lists some plants native to Pennsylvania and their site preferences. Pennsylvania has more than 86,000 miles of rivers and streams. Eligible land must be set aside for at least 10 years. Pennsylvania has more than 86,000 miles of rivers and streams. • For further help in identifying and controlling noxious and invasive plants, you can refer to Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay’s Pennsylvania Field Guide: Common Invasive Plants in Riparian Areas Stream bank fencing can be used along a riparian buffer to help keep livestock from walking near and through a stream, thus preventing water pollution, bank erosion, and excess sedimentation. Some evidence suggests that providing such insects with native vegetation rather than exotic plants helps to create a more abundant and diverse aquatic community. There are a number of community and conservation organizations working to establish and maintain buffers. Riparian Buffer Systems; Visitor Survey; Suppliers of Plants and Seeds; Species That Benefit; ... the U.S. Forest Service Northeastern Area has a list entitled Eastern Resource List for Native Plants. USDA studies show that riparian buffers reduce nitrogen from agricultural runoff by 68 percent. Boxes placed near grassy areas and open fields (they can be near a forested edge) attract both bluebirds and tree swallows. Where sedimentation is a problem, a greater portion of the total buffer may need to be planted in grass, which will more effectively slow and trap sediment. This zone is usually a managed forest or mixed forest shrubland. Buffers are designed or managed for multiple benefits. Benefits and Functions of Riparian Buffers . Hummingbirds use certain wildflower species for nectar. While many different species will "find" your riparian buffer immediately after it has been planted, others will not use your buffer until it has a chance to mature, which may take several years to several decades. Pennsylvania’s Buffer Initiative . On December 21, 2014, amendments to Pennsylvania's Clean Streams Law, required by Act 162 of 2014, go into effect. Riparian Plants A short list of plants for your multifunctional riparian forest buffer. An Include a mixture of trees, shrubs and grasses within the buffer. Although geared toward forest managers, it still provides useful information for all landowners. While it would be hard to create a buffer with a particular species in mind, there are many things you can do to improve the overall quality of your riparian buffer. A lack of trees along the riparian zone can cause higher water temperatures, which may ultimately deplete oxygen levels in the water. Resident fish such as trout, as well as migratory fish like the American shad, depend on the quality of each "link" in the stream system. Large areas of grassy habitat can attract breeding grassland birds. A riparian buffer is an area of vegetation that is maintained along the shore of a water body to protect stream channels and banks. Both birds and mammals find shrubs that produce berries, such as holly, dogwood, and viburnum (there are many varieties). Many organizations are willing to donate time, money, seedlings, and expertise toward your project. U.S. Consider native plants that are available from local growers and nurseries, and avoid invasive species. As described more fully below, Act 162 eliminates the mandatory requirement of a 150 foot buffer between new real estate development and waterways that are classified as Special Protection Waters in Pennsylvania. For technical assistance, contact a For example, some smaller mammals such as the eastern cottontail, white-footed mouse, and meadow vole may be found in any riparian buffer as long as some cover is available. Other crops you can grow and harvest include black cherry (specialty wood), exotic mushrooms (e.g., shiitake), or herbal plants (e.g., ginseng). Landowners and farmers with waterways on their properties can improve water quality and wildlife habitat by planting stream buffers. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. Stream Releaf database. The commonwealth has a goal of planting 95,000 acres of riparian forest buffers statewide by 2025 to improve waterways in Pennsylvania and the Chesapeake Bay. This grant is first come first served. (See table below) If possible, plant species that are tolerant of full sun first and save understory or shade plants until after the first plantings have become established.