FOMR member, Booker Moritz, wrote a reminder for members about financial help available for the purpose of improving local riparian buffers.

Recent flooding in Staunton highlights the importance of managing stormwater runoff. Storms and flooding have been increasing in frequency and severity. However, stormwater runoff can be mitigated through changes in land use. Roads, cities, lawns, and tilled agricultural fields all have poor soil permeability, which allows water to flow into streams faster than they can discharge. One effective strategy to increase soil infiltration and slow runoff is adding riparian buffers—a strip of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants growing along the stream, ideally at least 50-100 feet wide. The above-ground vegetation and leaf litter slow and absorb surface water runoff while deep roots promote infiltration into the soil. Other benefits include:

·       reduced soil erosion

·       filtering of sediment and pollution

·       increased groundwater during droughts

·       cooler stream water

·       improved wildlife habitat and wildlife corridors

While buffers are traditionally forested, homeowners may not want trees obstructing their view of the river. In this case, aesthetics can be preserved, and even enhanced, by planting native grasses, sedges, and wildflowers. Finally, at a minimum, avoid mowing or tilling close to the stream edge.

If you own property with stream access and would like to create or improve your riparian buffer, financial assistance is available through programs such as the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. Funding is currently available and now is a good time to apply. Contact our local Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District for more information. 

~ submitted by Booker Moritz