What is one primary reason for using vegetative buffers on ROWs?

Using vegetative buffers on rights-of-way (ROWs) primarily serves the critical function of filtering runoff and enhancing water quality. When rain falls on roads and adjacent areas, pollutants such as sediments, nutrients, and chemicals can be washed into nearby water bodies, leading to degradation of water quality.

Vegetative buffers consist of strategically planted trees, shrubs, and grasses that can absorb and filter these pollutants before they reach water sources. The root systems of these plants help to stabilize soil, reducing erosion, while the vegetation itself captures and utilizes nutrients, thereby decreasing the amount of contaminants entering waterways. This not only protects aquatic ecosystems but also contributes to overall environmental health, which is vital for community sustainability.

While creating wildlife habitats, blocking highways from view, and utilizing land more effectively may be secondary benefits provided by vegetative buffers, the foremost goal in many ROW management strategies is to address water quality concerns.