Protect forest streams and wetlands: Maintain riparian and wetland buffers

Adaptation Strategies and Actions

Protect forest streams and wetlands: Maintain riparian and wetland buffers

Adaptation type:

Land and forest stewardship or restoration

Strategy:

Protect the ecological integrity of forest streams, vernal pools and wetlands

Action

Maintain or restore riparian areas and wetland buffers
Riparian areas are the lands adjacent to streams and rivers. Forested buffers along streams and around vernal pools and other wetlands play an important role in maintaining the ecological integrity of these water resources, a role that will be increasingly important in the future as we experience the effects of climate change.

As temperatures rise in response to climate change, maintaining tree cover in these areas helps to regulate water temperatures by shading the water, something that is especially important for streams that support cold water fish, such as brook trout. Buffers around headwater wetlands^? also play an important role in regulating water temperatures in the wetlands themselves, as well as the streams that flow out of them.

The banks of the Charles River. Photo credit: Emily Huff

When trees fall into streams, logs and branches slow the flow of water, something that will become increasingly important if we experience larger and more frequent storm events due to climate change. Fallen trees in the stream not only slow the water, they change stream hydraulics and create pool habitats. Trees also provide twigs, branches, fruits, seeds and leaves, essential food sources for many aquatic invertebrates that are in turn eaten by other insects, fish, reptiles, amphibians and birds.

Riparian^? forests and forested buffers around wetlands filter rain and overland flow before it reaches water bodies and also provide cover to animals both in the water and in upland areas nearby.

It is important to not mow these areas and instead allow forests to regrow. If having a timber harvest, follow the filter strip regulations and guidelines in the MA Forestry Best Management Practices.