Method for Designing Optimal Riparian Buffers
Maine State Planning Office
Augusta, ME
The objective of this project was to develop a science-based riparian
buffer management design to protect critical Atlantic salmon habitat from
potential land use impacts. Atlantic salmon populations have been declining
on several river systems in rural Maine that contain the last remaining
native runs of this species in the United States. These remaining runs
have been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
The Maine State Planning Office (SPO) selected Kleinschmidt to develop a science-based method to identify effective riparian buffer widths and characteristics for the conservation of Atlantic salmon spawning and nursery habitat. The basic framework of this method, which involves applying a predictive science-based model that uses basic data collection to determine optimal buffer widths and compatible land uses, can be applied to other resource protection initiatives.
This project received an Honors Award from the Consulting Engineers of Maine (CEM) for engineering excellence in the preservation of critical Atlantic salmon habitat. "This is user friendly, functional, and effective," concluded CEM judges. "This predictive model that uses 11 weighted physically and biologically-based attributes is scientifically defensible and globally applicable."
The method developed by Kleinschmidt utilizes a variable width, two-zone approach and sets buffer widths as a function of characteristics influencing buffer effectiveness. Riparian buffer characteristics such as surficial geology, soils, and forest cover affect buffer functions such as shading, sediment filtering and nutrient/pollutant removal.
Development of the method involved identifying eleven buffer attributes to predict optimal buffer width and identifying land uses that are consistent with desired buffer function. The project’s greatest challenge was to ensure that the method was scientifically defensible, effective in its purpose, and functional for the end users. End users include developers, timber companies, berry growers, and small private landowners occupying riparian areas along the target rivers.
Kleinschmidt worked with conservation groups, as well as with government agencies and industry, to develop and assist with implementation of this method. Kleinschmidt utilized technical personnel with a wide range of expertise since the project required a thorough understanding of issues including forest hydrology, river hydrology and geomorphology, terrestrial ecology, and salmon ecology. Kleinschmidt delivered a comprehensive method that is scientifically sound, readily applied, and effective in the conservation of crucial Atlantic salmon habitat.