Forestry Workgroup Publications

Riparian forests are integral to the health of the Bay and its rivers for many reasons. Their position in the landscape makes these forests excellent buffers between upland areas and waters that eventually enter the Bay. Riparian forests also offer a tremendous diversity of habitat and many benefits to migratory fish.

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This publication is a collection of case-studies that highlight accomplishments of local governments and citizen organizations to recognize the importance of forests to their communities and to take action to retain and restore those forests. It illustrates, in two separate sections, innovative riparian buffer and forest conservation programs initiated and implemented locally by the stewards of the Bay - its private citizens.

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This report contains the principal findings and recommendations of a Chesapeake Executive Council-appointed panel on riparian forest buffers. Background material which describes in more detail the technical basis for the recommendations and elaborates on the implementation options is available as a Technical Support document.

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Riparian forest buffers are essential components of maintaining long-term stream and watershed health and resilience in the Chesapeake Bay region. Riparian forest buffers also provide valuable ecological functions for wildlife habitat and biodiversity. This guide has been prepared as a resource to the many who wish to establish a forest buffer efficiently, effectively, and with a minimum of maintenance.

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