What is the Buffer and how does it differ from the rest of the Critical Area?
A crucial part of habitat protection and water quality improvement is the establishment of a naturally vegetated, forested Buffer between human disturbances and sensitive land and water resources. A forested Buffer acts as a filter for the removal or reduction of sediment, nutrients, and toxic substances which enter adjacent waterways in land run-off. The Buffer also minimizes the adverse impact of human activities on habitat within the Critical Area. The Critical Area Act requires the establishment of a minimum Buffer of 100 feet of natural vegetation landward from the Mean High Water Line of tidal waters or the edge of tidal wetlands and tributary streams. Unless you can demonstrate unwarranted hardship and prove no negative impact to water quality, plant, fish or wildlife habitat, your local jurisdiction will not permit disturbance or new development within the Buffer except for access or water-dependent facilities. Any clearing that occurs for access or water-dependent facilities m
