**Riparian Forest Buffer**

***Vermont Conservation Practice Job Sheet 391***

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height="1.6923611111111112in"}

Definition

A riparian forest buffer is an area of trees and shrubs located adjacent
to streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands.

Purpose

Riparian forest buffers of sufficient width intercept sediment,
nutrients, pesticides, and other materials in surface runoff and reduce
nutrients and other pollutants in shallow subsurface water flow. Woody
vegetation in buffers provides food, cover and connectivity for
wildlife, helps aquatic life by lowering water temperatures by shading
the stream or waterbody, and slows out-of-bank flood flows. In addition,
the vegetation closest to the stream or waterbody provides litter fall
and large wood important to fish and other aquatic organisms as a
nutrient source and structural components to increase channel roughness
and habitat complexity. Also, the woody roots increase the resistance of
streambanks and shorelines to erosion caused by high water flows or
waves. Some tree and shrub species in a riparian forest buffer can be
managed for timber, wood fiber, and horticultural products.

Where used

Buffers are located along or around permanent or intermittent streams,
lakes, ponds, wetlands, and seeps in a variety of settings, such as
cropland, rangeland, forest land, and urban areas.

Operation and maintenance

Replace dead and dying woody species in newly established plantings.
Trees and shrubs in a riparian forest buffer can eventually become
crowded slowing their growth and the growth, survival and composition of
understory species. As the buffer matures, periodic harvesting of some
of the overstory trees and shrubs becomes an important activity for
maintaining plant health and buffer function. To maintain proper
functioning of a planting, excessive water flows and erosion must be
controlled upslope of the riparian forest buffer (filter strip,
diversion, critical area planting, residue management). New plantings
must be protected from grazing during establishment (prescribed grazing,
use exclusion) period, as well as pests, including competing vegetation
and animal pests (deer, beaver and mice).

Specifications

Site-specific requirements are listed on the specifications sheet.
Additional provisions are entered on the job sketch sheet.
Specifications are prepared in accordance with the VT NRCS Field Office
Technical Guide. See practice standard Riparian Forest Buffer, code 391,
Tree/Shrub Establishment, code 612, and Forest Site Preparation, code
490 where appropriate.

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A riparian forest buffer includes zone 1, the forested area closest to
the stream or waterbody, and zone 2, the forested area adjacent to and
up gradient of zone 1. Zone 3 is established if periodic and excessive
water flows, erosion, and sediment from upslope fields or tracts are
anticipated. Zone 3 generally consists of herbaceous plants or grass and
a diversion or terrace, if needed.

**Riparian Forest Buffer -- Job Sheet**

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| *For:*                            | *Farm #:*                         |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| *Field(s):*                       | *Tract #:*                        |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| *Designed By:*                    | *Approved By:*                    |
|                                   |                                   |
|                                   | *Signature:*                      |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| *Date:*                           | *Date:*                           |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| ## Purpose (check all that apply) |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| ## Create shade to lower wa       | ## Provide a harvestable cr       |
| ter temps/improve aquatic habitat | op of timber, fiber, forage, frui |
|                                   | t, or other wood-tree related cro |
|                                   | ps consistent with other purposes |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| ## Pro                            | ## Provide protection against sc  |
| vide detritus/large woody debris  | our erosion within the floodplain |
| for aquatic/terrestrial organisms |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| ## Create wildlife habitat        | ## Restore n                      |
|  and establish wildlife corridors | atural riparian plant communities |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| ## Reduce ex                      | ## Moderate winter                |
| cess sediment, organic material,  | temperatures to reduce freezing o |
| nutrients, pesticides in surface  | f aquatic over-wintering habitats |
| runoff and excess nutrients/chemi |                                   |
| cals in shallow ground water flow |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
|                                   | ## Increase carbon storage        |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+-----------------------+-----------------------+---------------------+
| ## Layout             |                       |                     |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+---------------------+
| Water body/course     |                       |                     |
| type and name, other: |                       |                     |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+---------------------+
| Minimum buffer zone   |                       |                     |
| widths (ft) --        |                       |                     |
| specify left and      |                       |                     |
| right of stream       |                       |                     |
| \[facing              |                       |                     |
| upstream/downstream   |                       |                     |
| (circle appropriate   |                       |                     |
| one)\] for a two-side |                       |                     |
| buffer; use left only |                       |                     |
| for water bodies,     |                       |                     |
| such as lakes and     |                       |                     |
| ponds; include        |                       |                     |
| herbaceous species in |                       |                     |
| zone 3 notes or refer |                       |                     |
| to other jobs sheets. |                       |                     |
| Refer to VT Standard  |                       |                     |
| 391 General           |                       |                     |
| Specifications, page  |                       |                     |
| 6 for appropriate     |                       |                     |
| buffer width          |                       |                     |
| determination.        |                       |                     |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+---------------------+
| **Zone 1 (min. 15     | **Zone 2 (min. 20     | **Zone3 (min. 15    |
| feet)**               | feet)**               | feet, when          |
|                       |                       | needed)**           |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+---------------------+
| Left: Right:          | Left Right:           | Left: Right:        |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+---------------------+
| Notes:                | Notes:                | Notes:              |
|                       |                       |                     |
|                       |                       | Refer to Filter     |
|                       |                       | Strip Job Sheet     |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+---------------------+
| Buffer zone length    |                       |                     |
| (ft):                 |                       |                     |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+---------------------+
| Additional location   |                       |                     |
| and layout            |                       |                     |
| requirements:         |                       |                     |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+---------------------+

+------------------------------+-------+---------+----------+--------+
| **Woody Plant Materials      |       |         |          |        |
| Information** - Refer to     |       |         |          |        |
| Table 1 page 7, VT Standard  |       |         |          |        |
| 391 General Specifications   |       |         |          |        |
| for species to plant in      |       |         |          |        |
| riparian areas. For plants   |       |         |          |        |
| per acre and avg. spacing,   |       |         |          |        |
| refer to VT standard 391     |       |         |          |        |
| General Specifications, page |       |         |          |        |
| 5.                           |       |         |          |        |
+------------------------------+-------+---------+----------+--------+
| Species/cultivars:           | Pl    | Kind of | Planting | Avg.   |
|                              | ants/ | st      | dates:   | Spaci  |
|                              | acre: | ock^1^: |          | ng^2^: |
+------------------------------+-------+---------+----------+--------+
| # Zon                        |       |         |          |        |
| e \# 1 (minimum of two rows) |       |         |          |        |
+------------------------------+-------+---------+----------+--------+
| 1                            |       |         |          | Ft X   |
|                              |       |         |          | Ft     |
+------------------------------+-------+---------+----------+--------+
| 2                            |       |         |          | Ft X   |
|                              |       |         |          | Ft     |
+------------------------------+-------+---------+----------+--------+
| 3                            |       |         |          | Ft X   |
|                              |       |         |          | Ft     |
+------------------------------+-------+---------+----------+--------+
| 4                            |       |         |          | Ft X   |
|                              |       |         |          | Ft     |
+------------------------------+-------+---------+----------+--------+
| #                            |       |         |          |        |
+------------------------------+-------+---------+----------+--------+
| #                            |       |         |          |        |
+------------------------------+-------+---------+----------+--------+
| # Zone \# 2                  |       |         |          |        |
+------------------------------+-------+---------+----------+--------+
| 1                            |       |         |          | Ft X   |
|                              |       |         |          | Ft     |
+------------------------------+-------+---------+----------+--------+
| 2                            |       |         |          | Ft X   |
|                              |       |         |          | Ft     |
+------------------------------+-------+---------+----------+--------+
| 3                            |       |         |          | Ft X   |
|                              |       |         |          | Ft     |
+------------------------------+-------+---------+----------+--------+
| 4                            |       |         |          | Ft X   |
|                              |       |         |          | Ft     |
+------------------------------+-------+---------+----------+--------+
|                              |       |         |          |        |
+------------------------------+-------+---------+----------+--------+
|                              |       |         |          |        |
+------------------------------+-------+---------+----------+--------+

^1^[BA]{.underline}reroot, [CO]{.underline}ntainer,
[CU]{.underline}tting; include size, caliper, height, and age as
applicable. ^2^Spacing between plants to achieve plants/acre.

**Riparian Forest Buffer -- Job Sheet**

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Tempor                                                             |
| ary Storage Instructions (Refer to VT Standard and Specification 612) |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## *Planting stock that is dormant may                                |
| be stored temporarily in a cooler or cool, moist, darkened area up to |
|  3 days. For more than 3 days or for stock that is expected to begin  |
| growth before planting, dig a V-shaped trench (heeling-in-bed) suffic |
| iently deep and bury seedlings so that all roots are covered by soil. |
|  Pack the soil firmly and water thoroughly. Additional requirements:* |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Site Preparation (Refer to VT Standard and Specification 490)      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## *Remove debris a                                                   |
| nd control competing vegetation to allow enough spots or sites for pl |
| anting and planting equipment. The following method of site preparati |
| on is planned: \_\_\_Mechanical means such as plowing, disking or rot |
| otilling, \_\_\_\_Chemical control of vegetation, \_\_\_Hand scalping |
|  the area where trees are to be planted, \_\_\_\_Other: \_\_\_\_\_\_\ |
| _\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Additional requirements:* |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Planting Methods (Refer to VT Standard and Specification 612)      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## *For container and bareroot stock, plant                           |
| stock to a depth even with the root collar in holes deep and wide eno |
| ugh to fully extend the roots. Pack the soil firmly around each plant |
| . Cuttings are inserted in moist soil with at least 2 to 3 buds showi |
| ng above ground. Pest Management including weed control is required.* |
|                                                                       |
| Vegetation Mat-Size\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_#\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Tree |
| Shelter-Size\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_#\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Other |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_                          |
|                                                                       |
| Additional requirements:                                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Operation and Maintenance                                          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| *The buffer must be inspected periodically and protected from damage  |
| so proper function is maintained. Replace dead or dying tree/shrub    |
| stock to provide adequate plant densities as described in the 391     |
| standard and continue control of competing vegetation to allow proper |
| establishment for at least 3 years. Periodic harvesting of trees and  |
| shrubs in zone 2 may be necessary to maintain the health and vigor of |
| mature stands. Keep large dead and dying trees for cavity nesting     |
| birds and a source of large wood in aquatic habitats. Additional      |
| requirements:*                                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Questions regarding the planting or maintenance of the buffer planting
should be directed to \[name of technical specialist\], at \[phone
number\].

**Riparian Forest Buffer -- Job Sheet**

If needed, an aerial view or a side view of the practice can be shown
below. Other relevant information, complementary practices and measures,
and additional specifications may be included.

Scale 1\"=\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ ft. (NA indicates sketch not to scale: grid
size=1/2\" by 1/2\")

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  **Additional Specifications and Notes:**

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