Streamside Management Areas
Streamside management areas (SMAs), also commonly referred to as riparian
areas, are land and vegetation areas next to lakes and streams where
management practices are modified to protect water quality, fish and
other aquatic resources. These areas are complex ecosystems
that provide food, habitat and movement corridors for both aquatic
(water) and terrestrial (land) communities.SMAs help minimize nonpoint
source pollution impacts to surface waters.
Streamside management areas help to:
- Filter sediments and nutrients from runoff. This improves
water quality for aquatic life and for human use (recreation and
drinking).
- Allow water to soak into the ground, reducing flash floods and
allowing for groundwater recharge.
- Stabilize streambanks and lakeshores, minimizing bank erosion.
- Shade streams, allowing for cooler water temperatures which
are better for aquatic species.
- Provide food and habitat for aquatic organisms, resulting in
a healthier stream.
BMPs For SMAs
- Eliminate grazing of domestic livestock within the SMA.
- Locate roads outside the SMA unless necessary for stream crossings.
For stream crossings,follow recommendations in the Stream Crossing
section of Appendix C: Woodland Roads.
- Locate landings outside the SMA.
- Minimize harvesting in and around the SMA.
- Limit wheeled equipment within the SMA.
- Do not move slash into or pile slash within the SMA.
- Keep slash out of lakes and stream channels and away from areas
where it may be swept into the water.
- Minimize soil exposure and compaction to prevent erosion and
protect ground vegetation and the duff layer.
| Stream Width SMA |
Width (minimum) |
| Less than 20 feet |
50 feet per side |
| 20 feet to 40 feet |
75 feet per side |
| More than 40 feet |
150 feet per side |
Note: On steep slopes or on areas of highly erodible
soils, you may wish to widen the SMA.
SMAs in Agricultural and Urban Areas: Streamside management
areas are as valuable in agriculture and urban areas as they are in
wooded areas. Runoff from cultivated fields, as well as city
streets and lawns, can contain sediment, pesticides and fertilizer.
Plants in SMAs can filter out these contaminants, reducing the amount
of pollutants entering waterbodies.
Landowners in all agricultural and urban areas should maintain
or restore streamside management areas. Do not allow livestock
to graze in forested SMAs.
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