Development of coastal vegetated buffer programs

Abstract

This article describes a multiple benefit/multiple use approach to implementing vegetated buffers, using as an example a program adopted by the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Program. The multiple benefit/multiple use approach capitalizes on the inherent ability of vegetated buffers to perform multiple functions, such as pollutant removal, habitat protection, scenic improvement, erosion control, and historic/archaeological site preservation. These benefits provide a more robust means for justifying vegetated buffer implementation, and should help develop a broader constituency for the adoption of vegetated buffer policies. Application of vegetated buffers for residential and other developing lands has not been adequately addressed in existing vegetated buffer implementation efforts. We present one solution to implementing vegetated buffers on residential and developing lands. The approach and background information should prove useful for the application of vegetated buffers outside of coastal ...