What is the importance of a buffer?

You may be wondering why we are putting such an emphasis on a vegetated buffer. Doesn't it look "messy?" We are challenging you to reimagine that "messy" vegetation as beautiful, rich habitat for countless species.
Healthy streams are home to diverse fish and wildlife, provide vital drinking water, create endless recreation and relaxation opportunities, protect us against floods, and bestow beauty upon us up and down our mountains and valleys. Streams and rivers  are impacted by our various land uses that disturb the native vegetation along their shores and pollute the water, putting our water quality and ourselves at risk. Streams need naturally vegetated buffers to protect streambanks, water quality, and wildlife. 
The pictures below show a stream with no vegetated buffer and the same stream with one (photo generated). 

Let your stream buffer grow wild!