Riparian Protection Program
Riparian Protection Program
Benton County has long understood the importance of supporting protection of stream sides, riparian areas and properties. Since 2009 Benton County has worked to inventory and evaluate priority riparian (streamside) corridors, while developing and implementing outreach and education to support protection and enhancement of riparian resources. Riparian Buffers provide fish, wildlife, water quality and many other natural resources benefits to people and our environment.
Program Activities & Efforts Taken by Benton County
- Determine Priority Riparian Areas
Voluntary advisory groups composed of local residents, natural resources professionals, and others will work with county staff to shape the work of the project and evaluate significant riparian areas. - Protection of Priority Riparian Areas
Monitoring of development within Priority Riparian Areas, outreach and education to streamside landowners, and partnerships with local organizations
- Updated Inventory for Riparian Areas
Analyses of newly acquired map data (GIS, LiDAR), state and county stream and wetland maps, and other databases. - Implement Incentives to Enhance Riparian Areas
Benton County will work to establish partnerships with organizations, and other opportunities to connect willing landowners within the Priority Riparian Areas and other stream areas of Benton County to improve their riparian resources.
Now Accepting Volunteers
The Riparian Protection Program is accepting volunteers to join advisory boards that will work alongside Benton County staff to shape the work of Benton County’s Riparian Protection program and evaluate riparian areas.