Beltsville Agricultural Research Center – Paint Branch Riparian Buffer

Location: Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) – Beltsville, MD

Type of Buffer: Agricultural

Submitted by: Laura Connelly & Larry Quarrick 

Project Description: Located in the mid to lower watershed of the Paint Branch stream corridor these riparian buffer sites total several hundred acres of the Paint Branch stream valley. The sites are located on the south farm of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC). BARC is a world-renowned research facility comprising of more than 6,500 of agricultural research fields and open space. The area surrounding the riparian buffer is research agricultural use. Until recently, (the past 15 years) BARC previously mowed the area to the stream. After years of negotiation, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MCOG) was able to convince BARC to reduce mowing around a small strip of the stream and allow the area to naturally regenerate. Approximately 2 miles of riparian buffers have been added on the south farm.

Scope of Work: 150 foot wide no mow zone re-established a natural vegetation community along the middle Paint Branch stream thought the BARC property

Partners: Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission (Prince George’s County Dept. of Parks & Recreation), Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

Outcome: BARC benefited by reducing mowing costs and the re-establishment of the tree buffer resulted in improved water quality and a reduction of sediment transport and temperature.

 Participants of the CCLC Maryland Field Day got to see this project!

This post Is part of the first annual CCLC Riparian Buffer Month.

For more information check out our page 

If you would like to support professional training of landscape professionals in the design, instillation, and maintenance of riparian buffers, please donate today to the CBLP-Buffers scholarship fund. We believe that landscape professionals have a unique ability to directly affect the health of our landscapes- and your donation will directly assist a professional in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to pursue training.