Restoring Buffer Zones for Lakes and Rivers
Jone Tiffany, Anoka County Extension Master Gardener
Many Minnesotans are lucky enough to have a cabin or home near water, but we don’t always think about the effect these properties have on our ecological system. In our quest for picture-perfect green lawns and exotic gardens, sometimes we inadvertently damage our delicate aquatic ecosystems.
During the last few years, I have been part of a project to restore the buffer zone in the area where I live. The shoreline had been taken over by invasive species such as purple loosestrife and buckthorn, which in turn had choked out native plants and grasses.
Restoring buffer zones around lakes and rivers is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of water resources. Often comprised of grasses, plants, and shrubs, these buffer zones act as natural barriers that filter pollutants, reduce erosion, and provide habitat for wildlife. Buffer zones are essential for preserving water quality and biodiversity, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and ensuring the sustainability of freshwater resources.
Here's a closer look at how buffer zones help our aquatic ecosystems:
Filtering: Buffer zones filter out sediments, nutrients, and pollutants from surface runoff before they enter water bodies. This natural filtration process reduces the levels of harmful substances such as nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides, and heavy metals, which can cause water quality issues.
Stabilizing: Vegetation stabilizes the soil with its root systems, significantly reducing the amount of erosion. This prevents sedimentation in water bodies, which can degrade habitats for aquatic organisms.
Supporting: Buffer zones serve as crucial habitats for a variety of species. They provide food, shelter and breeding grounds, supporting biodiversity and enhancing ecosystem resilience.
Mitigating: Vegetated buffer zones act as carbon sinks, taking carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping mitigate climate change. Additionally, they help moderate local temperatures and maintain humidity levels, benefiting both wildlife and human communities.
Steps to restoring buffer zones:
Create a plan: Assess the current condition and identify the primary sources of degradation. Map the area, evaluate the soil and water quality, and understand the local plants. A well-thought-out plan considers ecological, social, and economic factors. Check for any regulations regarding buffer zones in your local area.
Select plants: Plants should be well adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Native plants are more resilient, require less maintenance, produce better root systems, and provide better habitat for local wildlife.
Monitor: Invasive species can outcompete native plants and disrupt the ecosystem. Regular monitoring is vital to track progress, make necessary adjustments, and ensure the success of the restoration.
Maintain: Activities such as replanting and weed and erosion control measures should be part of the long-term management plan.
Restoring buffer zones offers numerous benefits beyond environmental protection. Buffer zones enhance the aesthetic value of the landscape and promote recreational activities like fishing and birdwatching. While rejuvenating them can be challenging, the environmental and economic benefits outweigh the costs.
For more information about buffer zone requirements and resources, visit: https://bwsr.state.mn.us/minnesota-buffer-law