Natural vegetation within the riverfront area also maintains the water quality for fish and wildlife. Land along rivers, in its natural state, has a high infiltration capacity which increases the yield of a water supply well. The capacity of a riverfront area to filter pollutants is equally critical to surface water supplies, reducing or eliminating the need for additional treatment. By providing recharge and retaining natural flood storage, as well as by slowing surface water run off, riverfront areas can mitigate flooding and damage by storms. The root systems of vegetation along the riverfront keep soil porous, increasing infiltration capacity.
Vegetation also removes excess water by evaporation and transpiration.
The removal of excess water provides more storage when flooding occurs, reducing peak discharge and minimizing flood damage. Riverfront areas are important wildlife habitat, providing food, shelter, breeding, migratory and overwintering areas. Some predominantly upland species use Riverfront areas seasonally. Riverfront areas promote biological diversity by providing a wide variety of habitats. Large dead trees provide nesting sites for birds that typically nest in the same place year after year.