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391-1 <br />NATURAL' RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE <br />CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD <br />RIPARIAN FOREST BUFFER <br />(Acre) <br />CODE 391 <br />DEFINITION <br />An area of predominantly trees and/or shrubs <br />located adjacent to and up gradient from <br />watercourses or water bodies. <br />PURPOSE <br />• Restore riparian plant communities. <br />Reduce excess amounts of sediment, <br />organic material, nutrients, and pesticides in <br />surface runoff, and reduce excess nutrients <br />and other chemicals in shallow ground water <br />flow. <br />Dominant vegetation will consist of existing, <br />naturally regenerated, or seeded/planted trees <br />and shrubs suited to the soil and hydrology of <br />the site and the intended purpose(s). <br />The vegetation will extend a minimum width to <br />achieve the purpose(s). Measurement shall <br />begin at and perpendicular to the normal water <br />line, bank-full elevation, or the top of the bank as <br />determined locally. <br />Plan and maintain overland flow through the <br />riparian area as sheet flow. Do not allow <br />concentrated flow areas to establish through the <br />buffer. <br />• Reduce pesticide drift entering the water <br />body. <br />• Create shade to lower or maintain water <br />temperatures to improve habitat for aquatic <br />organisms. <br />Create or improve riparian habitat and <br />provide a source of detritus and large woody <br />debris. <br />Increase carbon storage in plant biomass <br />and soils. <br />CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES <br />Apply Riparian Forest Buffers to areas adjacent <br />to permanent or intermittent streams, lakes, <br />ponds and wetlands, which are capable of <br />supporting woody vegetation, and where the <br />applicable Ecological Site Description includes <br />woody vegetation. Do not apply Riparian Forest <br />Buffers to stabilize stream banks or shorelines. <br />CRITERIA <br />General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes <br />Design and position Riparian Forest Buffers to <br />achieve sufficient width, length, vertical <br />structure/density and connectivity to accomplish <br />the intended purpose(s). <br />Control sheet and rill and concentrated-flow <br />erosion with additional structural or <br />management practices, as necessary, in the <br />areas immediately adjacent to, and up gradient <br />from the buffer site. <br />Select tree and shrub species, which are native <br />and non-invasive. Substitution with improved <br />and locally accepted cultivars or purpose- <br />specific species is acceptable. Use only viable, <br />high quality and adapted plant materials for <br />plantings and seeding. <br />Select tree and shrub species that have multiple <br />values such as those suited for timber, biomass, <br />nuts, fruit, browse, nesting, aesthetics, and <br />tolerance to locally used herbicides. <br />Periodic removal of some forest products such <br />as high value trees, medicinal herbs, nuts, and <br />fruits is acceptable, provided the intended <br />purpose is not compromised by the loss of <br />vegetation or harvesting disturbance. <br />Complete necessary site preparation and <br />planting at a time and manner that will insure the <br />survival and growth of selected species to <br />achieve the intended purpose(s). <br />Conservation practice standards are reviewed periodically and updated if needed. To obtain <br />the current version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service <br />Colorado State Office or visit the electronic Field Office Technical Guide. <br />NRCS,CO <br />August 2006