Buffer strip management in forest operations: a review

Summary

Buffer strips form an integral part of contemporary forest management practices for stream protection and maintenance of water quality by providing an opportunity for detention of sediment-contaminated water orginating from roads and forest harvesting areas.

Formulae devised for making the required recommendations for stream protection areas can only provide a guide to the catchment manager. The most commonly recommended width for stream buffers is 30 m. However, this width should increase with increasing site limitations. Buffers should extend to the runoff confluence point or spring-head of any sub-catchment.

The costs associated with the provision of stream protection areas are significant and must be weighed against cost of water treatment and other costs to the community. The provision of stream buffers in catchment areas allows the optimal use of the land for timber and water production.