Framing Public Implementation: How Landowners in New York State Perceive Riparian Buffers

Keywords: Riparian buffer, Landowner perception
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Saturday
Session Start / End Time: 2/26/2022 08:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/26/2022 09:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 24

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to consider landowners’ perception of vegetated riparian buffers on their property. We accomplished this analysis through survey responses and direct interviews with landowners in New York State who orchestrated riparian buffer planting operations on their land. Riparian buffers can be used to reduce erosion, enable habitat production, serve as buffers against livestock intrusion, and create a natural filter for agricultural pollutants. The ultimate goal of this study was to use the motivations of those who participated in this waterway restoration method as a way to assess how other landowners may be compelled to do the same. The results from our research indicated that a high majority of respondents planted buffers with the help of government funding. Livestock and agricultural farmers, of which our study primarily focused, primarily used the riparian buffers to limit streamside erosion and to limit livestock intrusion to adjacent waterways. Preliminary data also suggests that respondents older than 50 were less likely to agree with scientists regarding water quality issues compared to respondents under 50. With this research, we intend to demonstrate how local and state water officials could engage with waterway polluters to plant riparian buffers as a water quality method.