Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 459

by Correll (2005) (Table 4). Figure 3 shows an idealized example for the establishment and
maintenance of riparian zones that can be adapted to natural resource parks and fragmented
areas.
Aim for continuous vegetation buffers on both sides of the streams, with several zones of
vegetation being ideal.

For larger streams and water bodies, protect the contiguous flood plains.

Narrow grass strips at upland edges will trap suspended particulates and phosphorus.

Wider zones of woody vegetation will trap nitrate and both cool and provide natural
organic matter for the aquatic ecosystem.

Aim to contour the buffer surface to avoid concentrated storm flows, being sure to
periodically remove sediment berms that develop.

Completely degraded riparian zones require soils of the right porosity and organic carbon
content; sub-soils need to be permeable as well.

Provide short-term protection from erosion and only add native species.
Table 4. Management guidelines for conserving and establishing riparian areas (Correl, 2005:
433).

Figure 3. Illustration of adaptable long-term riparian buffers (Tjaden and Weber, 1998).
In order to protect and establish riparian zones in natural resource parks and fragments,
and potentially all of Metro Parks and Recreation properties, certain management policies must
be considered.
Riparian Management Practice 1: Make wetland restoration a priority. In the past, Metro Parks
and Recreation has made good strides towards implementing projects that led to wetland
restoration. For example, in 1996, a wetland was created in Iroquois Park and has been
maintained. More recently, Metro Parks and Recreation teamed up with the Metro Sewer District
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