General Recommendations
There are some general guidelines to consider for riparian areas.
Some Beneficial Management Practices when interacting with riparian areas include:
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Minimize or avoid activities that disturb the bed and bank of waterbodies.
![General Recommendations icon-01.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3a48a1_967a3e7f4e224ac1a802b22ffb3ae51d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_126,h_92,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/General%20Recommendations%20icon-01.jpg)
Ensure that activities in riparian areas do not create exposed or bare ground. Maintaining plant cover increases shoreline stability, water filtration, and erosion control.
![General Recommendations icon-01.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3a48a1_967a3e7f4e224ac1a802b22ffb3ae51d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_126,h_92,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/General%20Recommendations%20icon-01.jpg)
Minimize or avoid activities that compact the soil, such as driving heavier vehicles in riparian areas or allowing grazing in these areas (especially during wet periods).
![General Recommendations icon-01.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3a48a1_967a3e7f4e224ac1a802b22ffb3ae51d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_126,h_92,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/General%20Recommendations%20icon-01.jpg)
Leave shorelines natural and don’t remove trees or plants.
![General Recommendations icon-01.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3a48a1_967a3e7f4e224ac1a802b22ffb3ae51d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_126,h_92,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/General%20Recommendations%20icon-01.jpg)
Encourage deep-rooted native riparian plants to reduce erosion. Disturbance-caused plants or invasive plants have shallow root systems that may not be able to prevent erosion.
![General Recommendations icon-01.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3a48a1_967a3e7f4e224ac1a802b22ffb3ae51d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_126,h_92,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/General%20Recommendations%20icon-01.jpg)
When using riparian areas for recreation, grazing, or other activities, ensure that you are not having a noticeable impact on these areas.