Ephemeral Streams

Whether or not an ephemeral stream needs an SMZ or not should be a site-specific determination made by a forester or other qualified professional.  Factors which may warrant a necessity for an SMZ on an ephemeral stream might include: soil type, slope of surrounding land, vegetative cover, and volumes of expected flows.  Some benefits of leaving an SMZ along an ephemeral stream include but are not limited to:

• providing travel corridors and habitat for wildlife.
• adds aesthetic quality to a harvest area.
• soil retention and stabilization.

Ephemeral streams usually flow less than 30% of the year or just after rain events.  If the flow of the stream can’t be determined, the presence of 3 or more of the following characteristics may help identify the stream as an ephemeral stream: