Riparian forest buffers should be continuous along Dutch Hollow Brook. A stream is not uniform in the role that riparian vegetation plays in maintaining its stability, or in its response to vegetative or structural restoration practices. However, riparian forests are able to improve water quality wherever they exist with sufficient density and width.

    Agriculture and residential land uses have removed thousands of feet of Dutch Hollow Brook's riparian forest cover. These areas need to be returned to riparian forest. There are several long lengths of streambank failure that need to be stabilized with proper soil bio-engineering techniques.

    A riparian forest buffer is an area of trees and other vegetation located in areas adjoining and upgradient from surface water bodies. It is designed to intercept surface runoff, wastewater, subsurface flow and deeper groundwater flows from upland sources for the purpose of removing or buffering the effects of associated nutrients, sediment, organic matter, pesticides or other pollutants prior to entry into surface waters and groundwater recharge areas. USDA.