Riparian Beneficial Management Practices

Riparian areas are vital ecological strips bordering water bodies, rich in diverse plant and animal life. They stabilize shorelines, filter pollutants, regulate water temperatures, and support aquatic habitats. Agricultural riparian beneficial management practices (BMPs) are a critical aspect of sustainable farming, focusing on the interface between land and waterways. It involves the careful stewardship of riparian areas to maintain their ecological integrity and the services they provide. These efforts not only benefit the environment but also enhance the productivity and resilience of agricultural lands.

After engaging with five agricultural producers in the Thompson Watershed, Wayne and Rhonda MacDonald, Laura Neale, John and Kate Anderson, Cara Haywood-Farmer, and Haley Rutherford, there was an apparent need for a resource in the region that can assist producers with determining how to implement riparian BMPs and how to secure funding for riparian BMPs. Partnering with Amanda J. Miller; M.Sc., P.Ag., and Rachel Riley, M.Sc., TNCC compiled resources tailored to the Thompson Watershed to support management and enhance riparian stewardship of conservation values in the region.

Explore the Riparian BMP Resources

Riparian areas are the green buffers next to streams, lakes and wetlands where vegetation is influenced by high water levels.

Acreage Owners

Acreages or “hobby farm” operations may have a small footprint however many small farms along a riparian corridor have cumulative effects.

Ranchers & Agricultural Producers

Ranchers and agricultural producers are the most important conservationists of riparian areas.

Grazing Management

Grazing management provide a sustainable and renewable source of forage for livestock while supporting all the other ecological goods and services grazing lands provide.

Riparian Funding Opportunities

British Columbia’s agricultural sector is deeply intertwined with the province’s rich tapestry of natural ecosystems, particularly the riparian zones that border its waterways. Recognizing the importance of these areas for water quality, wildlife habitat, and overall ecosystem health, there are several funding opportunities available to support agricultural riparian management.

Funding Opportunities

This project was made possible thanks to support from the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

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