Riparian Buffer Rules Education and Outreach

A riparian buffer is a vegetated area bordering a body of water, such as a stream, lake or pond. The North Carolina riparian buffer rules protect certain intermittent and perennial streams, lakes and ponds and estuaries throughout the state. These education and outreach resources are here to help locally delegated governments and other stakeholders learn about and implement the buffer rules, and to educate/share information with those who are interested in learning more about riparian buffers and the rules. The materials are downloadable for posting or printing.
 

What is a Riparian Buffer?

 

What are the NC Riparian Buffer Rules?

Where are the buffer rules applied?

 

 

 

 

Infographics and Images for Download and Use

   
  
 

 

 

 
 
 

 

Click the following links to download images:
Tab/Accordion Items

In April 2021 NCDWR and Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) hosted a training on the NC Riparian Buffer Rules. The training was created for locally delegated governments. Please find the recordings of that training here. These recordings are a great way to train new staff and to act as a refresher course. You can watch the entire full training, or watch the individual videos that cover one topic. As always, if questions arise, please contact DWR staff or your local government for more information. 

*Fact sheets coming soon!*

Brochures and Fact Sheets for Printing or Posting
General  Catawba River
Neuse/Tar-Pam Jordan Lake
Goose Creek Randleman Lake

​​​​​These presentations were created for and presented at the 2021 Buffer Rules Training. 

PowerPoint Presentations (PDF)
The Science of Buffers Ordinance Compliance and Enforcement Overview
What are the NC Riparian Buffer Rules (General Overview) Riparian Buffer Education Outreach Strategies
Buffer Authorizations Nutrient Management Strategies
Forestry Practices  

  • Train new staff using the recorded training
  • Print and distribute fact sheets and brochures to developers, realtors, new homeowners, engineers, architects, etc.
  • Post the video on your social media channels
  • Share these links/materials on your social media channels
  • Host a Riparian Buffer Awareness week or month as a social media campaign. Ask your staff and partners, and followers to post buffer selfies near waterways