Buffer zones are areas of land, next to a waterbody, kept permanently in vegetation. Buffer zones slow the flow of water, trapping sediment, organic matter, nutrients and pesticides, which results in improved water quality. The plants in a buffer zone use some of the trapped nutrients for growth and provide habitat for various other species. Micro-organisms within the soil and vegetation of the buffer zone use the nutrients and organic matter. These micro-organisms can also transform some contaminants into less harmful compounds.
Buffer zones in PEI must be at least 15 meters wide, but larger buffer zones are encouraged, especially in certain areas.
This PEI Government website has more information about buffer zones, including the permit you need for doing work in buffer zones and a copy of the applicable act.
Our condensed Buffer Zones Fact Sheet
Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS)
Hedgerow and buffer zone planting program
http://www.gov.pe.ca/forestry/hedgerows
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