Custom Design Riparian Zones
Conventionally, fixed-width stream buffers are the standard across numerous regulatory agencies.
But, often on-the-ground conditions dictate that buffers are not uniformly fixed-width, but rather they vary in their widths and placement to encompass the heterogeneity of riparian environments.
NetMap contains a tool that allows one to custom design riparian protection zones reflecting a combination of riparian processes and landforms, such as
1) floodplains
2) in-stream wood recruitment
3) wetlands or wet areas and
4) shade.
Others could be added like slope instability.
The custom riparian zone is a composite of all selected riparian functions, although each process buffer is adjustable in width and level of protection.
There is left / right side channel distinction that is important for shade buffers on east / west flowing streams (see lower). Also see NetMap’s Smart Buffers.
Individual Riparian Protection Zones as Mapped in the Boreal Region of Alberta, Canada
Once Riparian Protection Zone is Delineated Then a Shade-Thermal Energy Check is Performed
