15 Feet:Minimum Width for Zone 1

Zone 1 Functions:Bank StabilizationShading (water temperature control)Flood ProtectionStream Inputs:

Structural woody debris

Detritus and other organic material as food for organisms.

Zone 1 Vegetation:Unmanaged Woodland (trees and shrubs)

Additional Benefits:Corridor and/or stream access for certain wildlife species

Zone 1

35 FeetMinimum width of zones 1 and 2 combinedZone 2 Functions:Treat surface and groundwater by removal of :

NutrientsSedimentsOther

pollutantsZones 1 & 2

Additional Benefits:

Corridor and/or stream access and feeding areas for certain wildlife species

Zone 2 Vegetation:Woodland : Trees and ShrubsZone 2 woodlands may be managed

35 FeetMinimum width to the beginning of zone 3

Zone 3 Function:Zone 3 acts as an additional filter where needed for abutting land areas that pose a threat to water quality due to runoff, erosion, or contaminationThis zone provides treatment by trapping runoff, sediments, nutrients, and pesticides.

Zone 3 Vegetation:Grasses and Herbaceous Plants

Beginning of Zone 3

100 FeetUpper end of customary width for zones 1 and 2.

Zones 1 & 2

Zone 3 Vegetation:Grasses and Herbaceous Plants

Think About It !! NRCS Standards require that zone 1 and 2 have a combined width of between 35 and 100 feet depending on the size of a watercourse’s flood plain. You may have additional reasons for determining your buffer’s width including soil and site considerations; land use, management, and availability; wildlife; and the nature of the water body. Think about the functions you require and get as much information as you can about the area.

300 Feet:In addition to the water quality functions, you may want other benefits from your buffer. Perhaps you want to encourage certain types of wildlife in your area? Studies vary widely when it comes to estimating how much area a given species needs to survive and thrive. Here’s what 300 feet looks like on the ground.………