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Examples of Buffers in New Hampshire

General Information on Buffers
Technical guidance on buffers

 

riparian forest buffer

 

  

Buffers come in many shapes, types, and sizes.  This page shows some of the buffers we promote and use here in New Hampshire.

To the left is a forest buffer.  It consists of native vegetation, and can be intensively managed, including limited timber harvesting, or left alone.  The key is to establish trees and shrubs in areas that will protect water bodies and reduce runoff.

 

 

 

Barnyard before buffer


Barnyard after buffer
Above is an area in need of a buffer to protect local water from barnyard runoff.  Adding vegetation in this area will trap sediment, collect excess nutrients, and improve water quality.

 

The same area after the installation of a buffer.  Often a buffer will naturally form if left undisturbed.  This can be done by fencing off areas that will reducing traffic by animals, people, and vehicles.

 

Eroding riverbank Students planting a buffer


This above area shows a streambank in need of a buffer to prevent the erosion of a farmer's land, and protect the river from sedimentation.

 

Above, students from a local school volunteer to plant Red Osier Dogwood and Streamco willow live stakes to help prevent further erosion.

 

Wildlife pond buffer


A grass buffer along the road.
These photos above and below all show the variety of areas that need buffers.  The top left photo shows a natural buffer of grasses and sedges between a wildlife pond and a commercial woodlot.  The top right photo is an example of a grass buffer along a road near Lake Winnepesauke.

 

Fall season photograph of a field edge buffer


Merrimack River riparian buffer
Above is a field border buffer that traps soil and nutrients before they enter a local river.

 

This riparian forest buffer between a corn field and the river helps protect water quality and also provides wildlife habitat.

 

 

Buffers are an economical and environmentally sound way to protect our water and prevent erosion of our precious soils.  To find out more about buffers and additional resources, visit our buffers page, the New Hampshire Riparian Conservation Quick Guide, or contact your local Conservation District/NRCS office.

For technical guidance on buffer designs, click here.