What are riparian zones?
Riparian zones, or areas, are lands that occur along the edges of rivers, streams, lakes, and other water bodies. Examples include streambanks, riverbanks, and flood plains. They’re different from the surrounding uplands because their soils and vegetation are shaped by the presence of water. Riparian zones may represent a relatively small percentage of the land area within Blaine County, but they support the highest density and abundance of plants and animals of any habitat type here.
Riparian zones provide many important functions and benefits, including:
Blaine County Riparian Setbacks:
Mowing, dredging, filling, construction, , installation of septic systems, scraping by motorized equipment, and removal of vegetation or root systems is prohibited within our riparian setbacks. All streams within Blaine County have associated setbacks. Refer to the following definitions for more information.
Class 2 Streams: 50' Setback
Streams and/or reaches of streams that flow year round during years of normal rainfall and have the potential for significant flooding and erosion. Such streams include the East Fork of the Big Wood River, Little Wood River, Salmon River (Upper), Smiley Creek, Trail Creek and Warm Springs Creek.
Class 3 Streams: 25' Setback
Smaller perennial or intermittent streams and/or reaches of streams that are prone to periodic flooding and erosion. Class 3 streams shall include, but are not limited to, the following: Beaver Creek, Broadford Slough, Croy Creek, Deer Creek, Eagle Creek, Greenhorn Creek, Purdum Slough, Fish Creek and Rock Creek.