Riparian buffer zones on selected rivers in Lower Silesia - an important conservation practice and the management strategy in urban planning

Buffer zones are narrow strips of land lying structure. This will be used to develop clear along the surface water, covered with appro- criteria for the selection of the width of these priately selected vegetation. They separate zones based on land use land management. It aquatic ecosystems from the direct impact of can be used in the implementation of execuagricultural land and reduce the movement tive acts at different levels of space manageof nutrients in the environment. In 2008 the ment. Field research consisted of inventory European Commission established require- the extent of riparian buffer strips on selectments for the implementation of buffer strips ed water courses and photographic documenalong water courses. Poland committed to tation. Species composition of the vegetation the enforcement of these requirements un- forming a buffer zone was identified by ustil 1 January 2012. This was one of the rea- ing Braun-Blanquet method. There was lack sons of this study. The subject of the anal- of continuity of the riparian buffer zones on ysis included the following rivers in Lower investigated rivers. Buffer zones should have Silesia: Smortawa, Krynka, Czarna Woda carefully formulated definition and width beand the selected transects of Ślęza and Nysa cause they are element of the significant ecoŁużycka. Detailed studies were designed logical value, they perform important envito estimate the buffer zones occurring on ronmental protective functions and they are these watercourses and assess these zones’ also the subject of Community law.