ClearWater finishes stream buffer project

WARRIORS MARK — ClearWater Conservancy recently completed a unique stream buffer planting on a farm in Warriors Mark, according to a press release. The new style of stream buffer, known as a multi-functional riparian forest buffer, is one of the region’s first to feature cash crops in addition to the native plants and shrubs planted on a typical stream buffer.

Like all stream buffers, the goal of a multi-functional buffer is to filter surface run-off before it enters the stream, stabilize the stream bank, maintain healthy water temperatures and many other benefits. Multi-functional buffers include the added benefit of providing landowners with potential cash crops like apples, chestnuts, elderberry, blueberry, blackberry, persimmon, hazelnut and paw paw. At harvest time, landowners can choose to use the crops for personal use or take the products to market.

Numerous partners were involved in the planting of this multi-functional riparian forest buffer including ClearWater Conservancy, Huntingdon County Conservation District, Native Creations Landscape Services, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PENNVEST, Chesapeake Conservancy, The WHM Group, Bud Snyder Excavating and Warriors Mark Fencing.