For many years the SWP has been developing a Riparian Buffer Implementation Plan for use of local municipalities and land use managers. This plan would assist land use managers and locally elected officials in making decisions about development and riparian corridor protection.

At a special Marquette City Commission meeting held on January 17, 2007, the city voted to take steps to protect streams within the City. View the Mining Journal Article.

The City of Marquette will be updating it's zoning ordinance during 2009. A section on riparian buffers will be included in the new version. The updating process will be lengthy but public input is encouraged. For more information please call the City Planning Office at (906)228-0430.

Riparian buffers can be various widths and consist of many different types of vegetation and still protect water quality. Take a look at a review of the current science and regulations concerning riparian buffers from the EPA. EPA Review for Riparian Buffers.

Download the official Riparian Buffer Implementation Plan.