Forested Buffer Project
Got Trees? is the 2005-2006 Nanticoke Watershed streamside buffer restoration program for Sussex County, Delaware farmers, developers and existing subdivisions, and riparian landowners. Got Trees? will plant 35 acres of streamside buffers through 2007 with help from volunteers. Got Trees? is supported by DNREC Coastal Programs and a USDA Forest Service Northeastern Region Forestry Stewardship grant. Partners for this project include the DNREC Division of Water Resources, DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, the Delaware Department of Agriculture's Urban Forestry Program, NRCS, Sussex Conservation District, and the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance.
Why Buffers?
The Nanticoke River and the Little Assawoman Bay are the two largest watersheds in Sussex County, comprising many meandering tributaries, small streams and ditches. Without protection from streamside vegetation, these waterways become polluted by sediment, top-soil runoff, and excess nutrients that enter the water from agricultural fields, subdivisions, and back yards.
Luckily, sediment and nutrient runoff can be greatly reduced by installing streamside, forested buffers. Research indicates that almost 90% of sediment runoff and up to 70% of nutrient loading can be eliminated by properly installed and maintained buffers. Between fifty and a hundred feet of trees, shrubs and grasses keep streams as nature intended them, provide clean water, a living filter, erosion control, storm and rainwater management, and maintain biodiversity.
Streams as Nature Intended
Trees, shrubs and grasses along streambanks provide debris and organic matter that preserve a stream's natural characteristics: healthy streams are normally filled with branches, twigs and leaves providing places for animals and insects to hide, nest and feed. Forested streamside buffers also optimize light and temperature conditions for aquatic plants and animals.
Clean Water
Excess sediment and nutrients in streams and rivers contribute to algae blooms which block sunlight, interfering with photosynthesis of subaquatic vegetation and depriving wildlife of healthy food and habitat. Without these underwater grasses, fish and other wildlife have no place to spawn or grow, and are deprived of oxygen. This weakens the overall food chain and stresses the environment. Plus, polluted streams are no place to fish or swim.
Living Filters
Buffers improve water quality and maintain habitat for wildlife by providing nutrient and sediment "uptake," that is, by using trees, shrubs and grasses as filters. In addition, the effects of pesticides and other chemicals are lessened by buffers. Studies show that the amount of nitrogen in runoff and shallow groundwater can be reduced by as much as 80% after passing through a forested streamside buffer.
Erosion Control
Streamside vegetation is the most important element in a stable stream bank. Tree, shrub and grass roots hold the soil together, preventing erosion. Trees and shrubs also slow down currents along stream banks, reducing the force of the water against them, and leaving them in place.
Storm & Rain Water Management
Storms and heavy rains increase nutrient and sediment runoff. Buffered stream sides greatly improve the water holding capacity of soil. Runoff is intercepted, slowed and allowed to percolate into the ground, recharging the groundwater and moderating flooding.
Biological Diversity
Buffers increase biological diversity by helping streams maintain a variety of plant and animal life. Birds, mammals, insects and fish find the food, cover, water and nesting sites they need, as well as corridors and pathways for movement between natural areas.
Buffers for Farmers
- Protect precious soil
- Keep stream banks stable
- Filter excess nutrients & sediments
- Provide windbreaks
- Slow runoff
- Replenish groundwater
Buffers for Subdivisions & New Developments
- Enhance property values
- Make the neighborhood beautiful
- Reduce noise
- Improve air quality
- Lower storm management costs
- Support wildlife and recreation
Buffers for Riparian Landowners
· Create a sense of place
· Enhance property value
· Enhance wildlife habitat
· Reduce property loss to storms & runoff
· Absorb pollutants
· Improve water quality
Public Response/Measures of Success:
Got Trees? was kicked off on October 4th when students from Woodbridge High School's FFA (Future Farmers of America) Program and other volunteers planted the first forested buffer along the Nanticoke at the Seaford Public Boat Ramp (off Harrington Street, near Perdue Farms elevator office).
On November 5th, volunteers from both Maryland and Delaware planted approximately 400 saplings and shrubs at Janosik Park in Laurel, Delaware. An additional 600 saplings will be added along Broad Creek as soon as the site is ready for planting
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Project References:
For more information on buffers, visit Delaware Riparian Buffer Initiative
Project Funders & Partners:
The Got Trees? Initiative is supported by grants from the DNREC Division of Soil & Water Conservation, Coastal Programs, and the USDA Forest Service Northeastern Region Forestry Innovation grant. Partners for this project include the DNREC Division of Water Resources, DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, the Delaware Department of Agriculture's Urban Forestry Program, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Sussex Conservation District, and the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance.
