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

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