Planning Your Buffer Zone

Establishing a buffer zone is the core concept in the natural shoreline management approach. It is the physical space on your property where you will apply your efforts. Buffer zones serve to:

• Stabilize shoreland and reduce erosion
• Increase fish and wildlife habitat
• Provide corridors for wildlife
• Filter nutrients and pollutants
• Enhance water infiltration and storage
• Trap sediments
• Reduce lawn maintenance
• Naturalize property
• Discourage nuisance wildlife
• Create a natural aesthetic
• Control insects naturally
• Reduce the impact of water damage from upland sources
• Lessen the impact of wave action in causing shore erosion.