Through proper design, riparian buffers can effectively address multiple needs and be tailored to fit specific situations, thereby creating more balanced land use systems. The design of a riparian buffer amounts to identifying its width, the vegetation it contains, and its management to produce and maintain desired benefits over the long term. Determine what benefits are needed. A landowner may have site-scale needs such as control of bank erosion and protection from flood damage. Identify the best types of vegetation to provide the desired benefits.
Some vegetation types are better than oth ers for providing certain benefits.
Determine the minimum acceptable width. Minimum acceptable width is one that provides acceptable levels of all desired benefits at an acceptable cost. It is determined by the specific desired benefit that requires the greatest width. For example, a narrow buffer may be adequate to stabilize banks and settle sediment from field runoff, but it must be wider to create an effective wildlife corridor and filter nutrients from runoff. Develop an installation and management plan.