DEFINITION
Riparian corridors are a critical component of stream ecology and provide an important transition between upland areas and aquatic environments. Comprised of flood-tolerant trees, shrubs and herbs, riparian vegetation helps stabilize streams by holding soils, containing and distributing sediment, and attenuating floods, and reduces water pollution by filtering runoff from upland areas. Riparian areas provide critical habitat for a number of terrestrial wildlife species which depend on riparian areas for cover, food, and migration corridors.

AKA
riparian zone. Similar to wetland

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
The riparian corridor is determined by boundaries set by horizontal measurements.

ILLUSTRATION

Aerial Image of a riparian corridor in an agricultural landscape. From Ohio State EPA.


CASE STUDIES
Xochimilco Ecological Park, Mexico City
Parc du Chemin de l'Ile, Paris, France

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Riparian Planning Guidelines Manual
Design and recommendations for Riparian corridors and Vegetated Buffer Strips