A vital refuge where land meets water.

This is Pringle Creek, our community’s namesake. The “riparian zone” is the area along the edges of creeks like this one and other bodies of water. These areas have unique soils and vegetation shaped by the constant presence of water.

Protecting riparian corridors from development helps preserve fish and wildlife habitats, including migration routes.

Riparian vegetation helps preserve water quality by removing excess nutrients and sediments from surface runoff before they hit the water.

Healthy riparian areas prevent erosion, holding stream banks in place and reducing localized flooding, thanks to buildup of in-stream sediment.

Riparian areas typically have a buffer zone of about 50 feet from the waterway. They require permits for tree or native vegetation removal.