Overview
Riparian zones are lands adjacent to streams, lakes, rivers and other waterbodies. Riparian areas are important ecosystems that help prevent soil erosion, filter pollution runoff, provide habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, and absorb excessive floodwaters. Healthy and robust riparian areas play a vital role in climate resilience, which is why the RZRP was created.
The program’s goals include the preservation of cold water and cool water streams, management of streambank erosion, to improve and enhance water quality, extreme heat mitigation, management of stormwater runoff, flood mitigation, and enhancing riparian zone biodiversity. Together, these outcomes help reduce climate-related risks to both natural systems and downstream communities.
In alignment with the Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan (2025/2030), the Commonwealth has set a goal of planting more than 16,000 acres of trees in riparian and urban areas by 2030. The RZRP team has identifed riparian areas throughout the Commonwealth that are candidates for restoration efforts. The team is actively connecting with landowners and land stewards to establish partnerships to initiate restoration plantings in riparian areas that are currently undervegetated.
For more information about the program, please reach out to Hilary Dimino, EEA Tree Planting Manager.