Riparian Corridors

What is a riparian corridor?

A riparian corridor (or riparian zone) is the strip of vegetation along a river.  This vegetation acts as a filter between landscape areas and the river’s ecosystem.

The challenge for the Olentangy River

This habitat area is especially in need of protection along the Olentangy River in Delaware county.  The riparian corridors are often removed in neighborhoods to create a highly groomed look and to give a better view of the water.  If this practice continues in Delaware county, the Olentangy is at a greater risk of losing its exceptional habitat status

Some of the benefits that a riparian corridor provides include:

➢Reduced fertilizer and other chemical and sediment runoff

➢Food source for instream wildlife

➢Cooler water

➢Corridors and beneficial habitat for terrestrial wildlife

➢Minimize use of pesticides and fertilizers.  Only use pesticides approved for near-water areas in the riparian zone.

➢Keep pet waste out of the riparian zone.

➢Establish a no mow zone.

➢Control for invasive vegetation.

Ohio Invasive Plants Council

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Invasive

➢Plant native vegetation along corridor.

Midwest Native Plant Society

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Natives

➢Keep and maintain natural rock structures.

➢Keep downed woody debris, a vital habitat to many organisms.

➢Use erosion and sediment controls such as silt fences and sediment traps during construction.

➢ Avoid building stream crossings. If they are necessary, do not disrupt stream flow, channel meandering, or fish passage.

➢Limit the clearing of vegetation.

➢Minimize heavy machinery use near the riparian corridor.

➢Avoid removing woody debris unless absolutely necessary.

➢After construction, plant native trees, shrubs and grasses in the riparian area.

A healthy riparian corrider provides landowners with:

➢Aesthetically pleasing fall colors, spring flowers, and summer shade

➢Birdwatching

http://watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/scenic-rivers/program/stream-life/riparian-corridor-birds

➢Educational opportunities

➢Community interaction through invasive removal and native planting projects

➢Increased property values

➢Flood protection

➢Lower costs for mowing, fertilizing, and watering

Healthy riparian corriders provide:

Water quality benefits

➢Effectively removes pollutants before they reach the stream

➢Provides bank stabilization

➢Filters sediments, preventing muddy water

Benefits to instream wildlife

➢Moderates stream temperature extremes, which can be harmful to fish

➢Provides cover to protect stream organisms

➢Provides leaves, branches, trunks, and insects that fall into streams, where they feed organisms

Benefits to land wildlife

➢Serves as corridors for mammals and birds

➢Provides nesting habitat for birds and amphibians

➢Protects pollinators because fish eat creatures that prey on pollinators

You can protect existing riparian habitat

➢Save money by using existing native vegetation and seed sources

➢Remove any disturbances from the area, including logging and soil compaction

➢Remove invasive species

➢See the Maintenance section