BUFFER
RESTORATION
GUIDE
Resources
OTHER BUFFER GUIDES
A Guide to Healthy Lakes Using Lakeshore Landscaping: Design templates and easy-to-use planting plans (VT)
https://dec.vermont.gov/sites/dec/files/wsm/lakes/Lakewise/docs/lp_VTlakescape.pdf
Buffer Zone Restoration Guidelines, Wellesley (MA) Wetlands Protection Committee
https://www.wellesleyma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6568/Buffer-Zone-Restoration-Guidelines-PDF
Don’t Just Plant Them and Leave Them Alone: Riparian Buffer Maintenance
https://landstudies.com/dont-just-plant-leave-alone-riparian-buffer-maintenance/
REGULATORY
Freshwater Wetlands Rules (RI DEM)
https://risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com/DEM/REG_11509_20211224112615.pdf
Freshwater Wetland Restoration Kit for Landowners (RI)
http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/water/wetlands/restkit.php
Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) Coastal Buffer Planting Guide
http://www.crmc.ri.gov/coastallandscapes/Coastal_Buffer_Planting_Guide.pdf
CRMC Invasives Checklist
http://www.crmc.ri.gov/applicationforms/BZGuidance_Invasives_Checklist.pdf
Rhode Island Certified Coastal Invasive Managers
http://www.crmc.ri.gov/invasives/Certified_IMs.pdf
MassDEP Wetlands Protection
https://www.mass.gov/wetlands-protection
Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, StormSmart Coasts, Coastal Landscaping in Massachusetts
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/stormsmart-coasts-coastal-landscaping-in-massachusetts
ASSESSING WQ BENEFITS
Pollutant Removal Credits for Restored or Constructed Buffers in MS4 Permits. “Technical Memorandum.” www.bit.ly/3h5hIyA
Pollutant Removal Credits for Restored or Constructed Buffers in MS4 Permits. “Final Report.” www.bit.ly/3l4JFJg
PLANT AND SEED MIXES
Conservation seed mixes for buffer plantings can be purchased online at:
https://newp.com/catalog/seed-mixes/
https://www.ernstseed.com/
https://grownativemass.org/Great-Resources/nurseries-seed
University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension’s Native Plant Guide:
http://cels.uri.edu/nativeplants/searchpage.aspx
Soil testing
https://web.uri.edu/mastergardener/soil-testing-service/
https://ag.umass.edu/services/soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory
USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural and forestry producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, and improved or created wildlife habitat:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ri/programs/financial/eqip/
MAINTENANCE
Vegetated Waterfowl Buffer Maintenance Guide & Inspection Checklist (Slater Park, RI)
BUFFER SCIENCE
The Science Behind the Need for Riparian Buffer Protection (PA)
https://conservationtools.org/guides/131-the-science-behind-the-need-for-riparian-buffer-protection
Riparian Buffer Zones: Functions and Recommended Widths
http://eightmileriver.org/appendicies/09c3_Riparian%20Buffer%20Science_YALE.pdf
Riparian Buffer Width, Vegetative Cover, and Nitrogen Removal Effectiveness
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-02/documents/riparian-buffer-width-2005.pdf
OTHER RESOURECS
R.I. DEM Yard Care Tips
http://www.dem.ri.gov/ri-stormwater-solutions/take-action/simple-steps/around-the-yard.php
R.I. DEM Yard Care Factsheet
http://www.dem.ri.gov/ri-stormwater-solutions/documents/3.LawnCareFactsheet.pdf
In the Weeds: A Guide for Maintaining Vegetation in Stormwater Treatment Systems in Rhode Island
http://www.dem.ri.gov/ri-stormwater-solutions/in-the-weeds/in-the-weeds-a-guide.php