Management of Pacific Northwest Riparian Forests - Riparian Reserves

Riparian Reserves

The riparian reserve is the designated width from the stream where restrictions on what can be done are placed in order to protect the functions of the land and water in that reserved area. There are three different riparian reserve widths:

1. Fish bearing stream widths are 300 feet (91 m) on each side of the stream.
2. Permanently flowing non-fish bearing stream widths are 150 feet (46 m).
3. Seasonally following or intermittent stream widths are 100 feet (30 m).

Some activities that are restricted or limited in the riparian reserve include:

1. Cattle grazing.
2. Mineral lease operations.
3. Chemical loading operations or similar toxic activities.
4. Disturbance of unstable banks and headwalls.
5. Operation of tracked equipment on slopes greater than 30%
6. Chemical applications
7. Timber harvest or fuel wood cutting ( except for salvage operations & management of stands)
8. Road construction.