Water Quality Functions of Riparian Forest Buffer Systems in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Published:

August 1, 1995

Originator:

Chesapeake Bay Program

EPA Number:

903-R-95-004

Categorized in:

Report

Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania, USA, have agreed to reduce nutrient loadings to Chesapeake Bay by 40% by the year 2000. This requires control of nonpoint sources of nutrients, much of which comes from agriculture. Riparian forest buffer systems provide effective control of nonpoint source pollution in some types of agricultural watersheds. The expected levels of pollutant control by riparian forest buffer systems are identified for each of nine physiographic provinces of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Issues related to establishment, sustainability and management are also discussed.