Having a healthy stream buffer (the vegetated area next to a stream) helps to slow the movement of water carrying sediment, fertilizers, pesticides, and other pollutants. Improving the vegetation by planting trees and removing invasive species in these areas helps to decrease the rate at which stormwater runoff can carry harmful materials to the river. Buffer plantings and buffer restorations are an important part of RCA’s work to improve the water quality in the Rivanna River Watershed.
RCA and Ecosystem Services have partnered on a project to prioritize restoration work along the main stem of the Rivanna River corridor from the confluence of the North and South Fork to Moores Creek. The project, entitled the Rivanna Prioritization Study and Capacity Building Project will include drone surveys and development of a multi-criterion decision analysis tool to score and rank potential projects. RCA will also be coordinating stakeholders to involve community partners in the creation and use of the prioritization tool. The project is made possible with funding through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Technical Assistance Grant Program.