It's a Riparian (not Michael) Buffer EarthCache
It's a Riparian (not Michael) Buffer
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What is a Riparian Buffer?
The term riparian buffer is used to describe lands adjacent to streams where vegetation is strongly influenced by the presence of water. They are often thinlines-of-green containing native
grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees that line the stream banks. They are also called vegetated buffer
zones. A healthy riparian area is evidence of wise land use management.
Coordinates are for the entrance to the Flint Creek Trail. It is intended for you to take the hiking trail into the area and observe what is involved between Highway 67 and the backwater of the Tennessee River. This area is by definition a Riparian Buffer.
Definition/noun
A strip of vegetation (trees, shrubs, grasses, etc.) that grows along the edges of a bank or a waterway. Its major role is to provide shade and protect the nearby ecosystem from the impact of adjacent anthropogenic land use.
(visit link) (Spoiler, link will give you the 3 zones)
Supplement
Riparian buffers act as a cushion protecting the more sensitive ecosystem from the impact of anthropogenic land use. For instance, a riparian buffer near a roadway reduces traffic noise, air and water pollution, as well as provides a space for organisms to abound in the area.
(visit link) (Spoiler, link will give you the 2 zones)
Both links are SPOILER's but will only give you the names of the 3 zones, but not the answer to what is in each zone. You MUST visit the area to get those answers.
What are their values?
Riparian buffers are important for good water quality. Riparian zones help to prevent sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides and other pollutants from reaching a stream. Riparian buffers are most effective at improving water quality when they include a native grass or herbaceous filter strip along with deep rooted trees and shrubs along the stream.
Riparian vegetation is a major source of energy and nutrients for stream communities. They are especially important in small, headwater streams where up to 99% of the energy input may be from woody debris and leaf litter. Overhanging riparian vegetation keeps streams cool.
Riparian buffers provide valuable habitat for wildlife. In addition to providing food and cover they are an important corridor or travel way for a variety of wildlife. Forested stream sides benefit game species such as deer, rabbit, quail and non game species like migratory songbirds.
Riparian vegetation slows floodwaters, thereby helping to maintain stable stream banks and protect downstream property. By slowing down floodwaters and rainwater runoff, the riparian vegetation allows water to soak into the ground and recharge groundwater. Slowing floodwaters allows the riparian zone to function as a site of sediment deposition, trapping sediments that build stream banks and would otherwise degrade our streams and rivers.
What happens if we lose a Riparian Buffer???
Loss of Riparian Areas
Degraded riparian buffers reduce water quality values, reduce wildlife and fish populations, cause serious property damage (bank erosion) and loss of valuable agricultural lands. Removal of riparian vegetation results in increased water temperatures and decreased dissolved oxygen. The loss of shade exposes soils to drying out by wind and sunlight and reduces the water storage capacity of the riparian area. Loss of riparian vegetation causes stream bank erosion. Eroding banks contribute to sedimentation and lead to a wide shallow stream with little habitat value. These factors result in significant reductions in aquatic stream life.
Some ways to restore and maintain the Riparian Buffer areas are:
Restoring and Managing Riparian Buffers
Rehabilitating the riparian buffer is key to restoring natural stream functions and aquatic habitats. There are many economic benefits derived from increased riparian habitat, channel stabilization, improved water quality, improved wildlife and fish populations, improved aesthetics, and other associated values. Depending on the surrounding land use and area topography, riparian buffers should range from 25 to 100 feet wide on each side of the stream.
Recommended Riparian Management Practices
•Protect or establish native shrubs, trees, or other vegetation along streams to help prevent bank erosion, trap sediment and filter other pollutants.
•Manage livestock grazing in riparian zones to avoid damage to existing plants.
•Plan developments, forestry activities and other land disturbing activities to protect riparian zones.
Practices to Avoid
•Straightening sections of streams.
•Removing streamside shrubs, trees and other vegetation.
•Farming up to the edge of a stream.
•Allowing livestock access to the riparian zone.
•Operating heavy equipment in the riparian zone.
Enjoy the area and be observant. The buffer zone actually begins at the roadway on your way into parking, this is not an internet find, all Riparian buffer zone areas are different. You must visit the area to get the correct answers to the questions.
To claim credit for this find you must:
1) Identify what the three zones of a Riparian Buffer are???
2) Tell me what those 3 zones separate (2 specific things, 1 on either end of the buffer)???
3) Tell me one thing from each zone you encountered while on the trail through the area???
4) Post a picture of yourself (only if you want to) due to the ALR mess... (I would appreciate a photo, Thanks)
Permission has been given by Dwight Cooley for this earthcache. Text and images are not owned by me. Information came from 2 sites:
bae.ncsu.edu & Wikipedia
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