Milton’s Stream Buffers
Stream buffers (riparian buffers) are those vegetated strips of land along the banks of our streams, lakes and rivers. There have been numerous scientific studies conducted which have evaluated the effectiveness of these buffers and their impact on surface water quality. The findings of these studies indicate the following benefits:
- Stabilize stream banks and reduce channel erosion
- Trap and remove contaminants
- Store flood waters, thereby reducing property damage
- Improve aesthetics
- Improve recreational and educational opportunities
- Improve aquatic life
- Provide habitat for wildlife (also reduce undesirable species such as geese
In Georgia, stream buffers are required along all perennial (normally flowing) and intermittent (flowing during wet seasons) streams, as well as those ephemeral (only flowing after rainfall events) features that drain into trout streams.
In non-trout streams like those in Milton the state requires a minimum 25 foot vegetated buffer extending from the stream bank or the point of wrested vegetation. However, in the City of Milton these state standards have been extended to require a minimum 50 foot buffer with a 75 foot setback for any impervious surfaces.
These requirements can obviously be a source of conflict between regulatory authorities and those attempting to develop property. Despite the ongoing debates regarding the necessary width and extent of stream buffers, there is no denying the basic benefits derived from these natural features. One only needs to compare the waterways we find in nature to those we find in our urban centers to see the difference.
Fortunately, at this point, the City of Milton's stream buffers are largely undisturbed. In order to preserve these valuable resources, we need to continue our efforts to educate the public about their benefits.
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