Federal, state, and privately supported incentive programs for conservation, forestry, or alternative products will vary in their requirements for vegetation type, minimum width, and management. Often, such programs require a greater land area than is provided by a 50-ft buffer width. This applies mainly to nutrient and pesticide runoff control and wildlife habitat. Be aware that there may be decreasing added benefit for each additional unit of width, such as is commonly observed for sediment filtration. Acceptable width for aesthetic benefits, such as visual diversity, is entirely a matter of the landowner's opinion.
Ephemeral streams have negligible aquatic resources.
Trees and shrubs are not needed for providing shade, shelter, and plant litter. Stream or lake is a warm-water fishery. Trees and shrubs are not needed for providing shade and temperature control, unless there remains a need to control algae blooms. Trees and shrubs may still be required for providing debris for shelter and food. Emphasize bank stabilization.