FAQs on Wetland Buffers
What is a wetland buffer?
In the Town of Yorktown, a wetland buffer is the area that is a 100 foot measured distance from a delineated wetland.
Why are wetland buffers important?
This area of vegetation moderates the temperature of water after it runs off impervious surfaces such as hot pavement or rooftops and filters out excessive nutrients and other non-point source pollutants (like fertilizer, pesticides, or animal waste pathogens). Buffers also slow down the speed of the runoff which helps stabilize streambanks and alleviates flooding. Buffers are an important source of wildlife habitat diversity and provides leaf litter for animals at the bottom of the food chain.
A wetland buffer has three distinct zones:
- Streamside Zone - A minimum of 25 feet wide This is the zone closest to the stream or wetland and it protects the physical and ecological integrity of the stream and wetland. Activities should be highly restricted in this area.
- Middle Zone - A minimum of 50 feet wide, this zone borders the streamside zone. This zone can incorporate passive recreation (such as hiking trails) and certain stormwater management practices.
- Outer Zone - A minimum of 25 feet wide, this is the buffer's buffer, which may support turf but preferably native shrubs and trees which are more effective at removing pollutants or heat from stormwater runoff.
