Nelson County
Water Quality: Riparian Forest Buffers
Virginia's stream corridors are an important part of overall environmental health. Riparian buffers, the forested area along stream banks, is the best land use type near streams.
Riparian buffers filter nutrients, sediments, and other pollutants before they can enter a waterway. Over 80% of nutrients and sediments are captured in a forest buffer.
Riparian buffers also offer a great habitat for plants and animals.
Several programs exist for landowners to plant or enhance their forest buffers. Contact your local VDOF office for information and technical assistance.
Learn more about the GIS data used for these maps.
Last modified 2006-05-09