What is a buffer strip/zone and why is it important?
Deep rooted vegetation such as tall grasses, shrubs, and trees, and aquatic vegetation such as reeds or cattails (freshwater) and eelgrass (saltwater), help buffer the shoreline. By reducing the energy of waves and currents, the buffer zone protects your shoreline from erosion. Vegetation covering your property, including in the buffer zone, provides protection from erosion damage caused by surface drainage. Because shoreline properties are on the receiving end of uphill drainage, this is a common problem; the more cover, the better for you. If properly established and maintained, a buffer zone can: remove up to 50 percent or more of fertilizer chemicals and pesticides remove up to 60 percent or more of some bacteria remove up to 75 percent or more of sediment (soil particles) Vegetation, logs and rocks along the shoreline also slow down flood waters, reducing damage to your property. In addition, these shoreline plants increase the soil’s ability to absorb water, which reduces the neg
