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What is a riparian area?

A riparian environment, as regulated by DuPage County, is the vegetated area within the regulatory floodplain that provides habitat for vegetation and/or wildlife dependent on the proximity to water. Riparian areas in DuPage County are often dominated by tree and shrub species.

What benefits do riparian areas provide?

• Vegetated riparian areas help to slow the water down to allow some infiltration. This also helps to remove sediment and pollutants that would otherwise make their way into the river system. Native vegetation benefits landowners downstream by slowing floodwater during a storm and reducing damage to property.
• Many native plants found in riparian areas have deep roots that help to prevent streambank erosion by holding the soils in place.
• These areas provide essential access to fresh water, food and safe travel for wildlife. These corridors are especially important in an urban environment. 
• Forested riparian areas provide cover that helps maintain cooler water temperatures and encourages fish and aquatic species to use these areas for spawning.

For more information about DuPage County regulation concerning riparian areas, please click here for an overview on regulations in Special Managment Areas.

Photo courtesy of www.nps.gov