By: Ryan Hill - Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center Intern 2018

Flooding has been a relatively common occurrence this summer which has caused significant damage to homes, roads, and businesses. Riparian buffer owners also need to inspect and repair their young forests.

Newly installed riparian forest buffer repair is not as pressing as repair on homes or businesses, but it is critical to conduct an inspection after significant storms and rainfall events occur.

The long periods of rainfall this summer has caused increased flow in many streams, and caused the water to run over the banks of the stream.

Newly established buffers are at extreme risk during these events because the shallow roots are contained within the range of erodible soil. Water and debris that flow through the riparian zones can also push stakes and tubes down, or completely remove them from the buffer, which leaves the trees exposed and vulnerable.

As soon as possible, walk through the buffer and look for stakes and tubes that are removed or bent over. It is helpful to pinpoint areas where the flow was greatest and the trees are at the most risk.

Stakes and tubes that have been pushed down can bend the young trees, causing irregular growth or death to the tree, so re-staking these tubes can help bring the tree back to its original position.

Any missing tubes should be replaced to prevent wildlife from foraging on the exposed trees.

It is also important to look beneath the tube at the soil surrounding the base of the tree. Since this area is typically free of weeds and other vegetation, the soil is exposed and vulnerable to erosion. It is crucial to replace any soil that has been washed away leaving roots exposed.

Lastly, water that is flowing around tree tubes can cause dead vegetation and other debris to build up inside and around the tube, so inspect inside the tubes and clear out any debris that may block the sunlight to the tree. This includes removing any debris caught on the limbs of the tree above the tube as well.

Inspection and repair to riparian buffers after significant rainfall or storm events helps ensure the success of the buffer. It is essential to repair any damages to the buffer when the area is safe to enter so the trees can continue to thrive.

While routine maintenance is conducted throughout the year, large rainfall events can cause significant damage to buffers and should be considered when planning for buffer maintenance.

NewsClips:

Hurdle: Delaware River Campaigners Assail Reservoir Releases Amid Summer Deluge

Flooding Closes Dutch Wonderland, Swamps Conestoga Creek In Lancaster 

Rainfall Records Fall, Flash Flooding Hits Lehigh Valley Overnight

August A Washout Of Near-Record Proportions In Lehigh Valley

Overnight Rains Cause Flooding In Some Parts Of Philly Area

Lycoming County Schools Deal With Mold Infestation, Heavy Rain

Gov. Wolf Establishes Hotline For Flood Cleanup

Schuylkill County Creates Website To Report Flood Damage

Too Much Rain Bad For Wells?

Boil Water Advisory Still Active In Old Forge

Take Steps To Reduce Stormwater Runoff At Your Home

Luzerne Flood Protection Authority Approves Projects

With Reservoirs At Capacity, Will Delaware River Flood?

New York Had 2 Sewage Discharges Into Susquehanna River During Flooding

Binghamton, NY Released 35M Gallons Of Untreated Wastewater Into Susquehanna

NY Officials Issue Public Safety Alert After 35M Gallons Of Untreated Wastewater Discharged Into Susquehanna

PA National Guard Responds To August Floods

As National Program Falters, Private Flood Insurance Takes Off

Related Articles:

Flood Recovery Considerations For Rural Pennsylvanians, Farms - Penn State Extension

Interpreting Your Drinking Water Test Report (Video)

Flood Insurance Roundtable Of Public, Private Partners On Closing The Insurance Gap In PA On Aug. 27 In Williamsport

How You Can Help

Want To Find A Watershed Group Near You? Try The PA Land Trust Assn. Watershed Association Finder

Take Action:

How Good Is The Water Quality In Streams In Your Community?  Take A Look, Then Act

(Reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds newsletter.)

[Posted: August 23, 2018]

8/27/2018