With the retreat of winter snow, backcountry residents can finally enjoy the return of riparian buffers. No, these aren’t exotic migrating birds or cousins to the hedgehog. They are those all-important vegetated strips along lakes, rivers, brooks and wetlands. What makes them so special? They provide a safeguard against erosion and flooding while filtering potential contaminants from entering the waterways.
Many backcountry homes have such buffers adjacent to or directly located on their properties. Connecticut is the only New England state that doesn’t directly regulate riparian buffers, leaving responsibility to local jurisdictions. A working group within the General Assembly composed of state officials, home builders, real estate agents, urban planners, farmers and environmentalists are in the process of devising guidelines to protect these important tracts statewide. The group met in mid-January and will soon deliver their findings and recommendations.
As always, the Round Hill Association will be monitoring developments to inform our membership as to the potential impact that this may have and if there is a need for our direct involvement.
