Aside from reducing sedimentation that degrades aquatic habitat,
shoreland buffer zones enhance this habitat through the deposition of
woody debris and leaf litter. For the avid fisherman, shoreland buffer
zones extending into the water are great habitat for fish. Aquatic
plants not only help stabilize bottom sediments,
but along with woody debris they
provide structure for insects, snails, and other critters that small
fish feed on. Larger game fish, the ones we enjoy catching and eating,
feed on the small fish, and seek refuge amongst the underwater
structure. Trees along the water's edge also help stabilize
temperatures by shading shallow water and cooling headwaters.
Increases in water temperature can have a major negative impact on fish
populations.
Shoreland buffer areas are also an extremely important habitat for
many species of wildlife. Birds, mammals, frogs, fish and turtles spend
some or all of their life cycle in or around the water. Many species
depend on this habitat for breeding, foraging, hunting, fishing, and
other essential uses. Trees and shrubs along the shoreline are important
feeding, nesting, and perching areas for songbirds. Standing dead trees,
or snags, also provide habitat for those species that use cavities for
nesting, such as the woodpeckers, black-capped chickadees, nuthatches,
wood ducks, mergansers, tree swallows, and saw-whet owls. Fallen tree
branches and logs provide habitat for fish, turtles, and numerous other
critters.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, nearly
80% of all the plants and animals on the Endangered Species List live
all or part of their in the littoral (near shore) zone. Additionally, a
United States Forest Service study found that there can be as much as
500% greater species diversity in the shoreline area than in the
adjoining uplands. Scientists examining biodiversity in the Willamette
National Forest found that the riparian forest area supported almost
twice as many species than the upland forest area (Gregory and Ashkenas
1990).
Although narrower buffer zones do provide habitat for wildlife and
birds, as well as beneficial functions for aquatic species, maximizing
and protecting diverse wildlife populations has been shown to require
buffer zones of at least 300 feet. Although this may not be practical in
all developed areas, it is at least worth recognizing and attempting to
retain this buffer width in some areas.
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