a terrestrial area, other than a coastal area, of variable width adjacent to and influenced by a perennial or intermittent body of water —note 1. the riparian zone contributes organic matter to the river or stream and may be influenced by periodic surface or subsurface water —note 2. riparian zones provide a functional linkage between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through coarse and fine organic matter input, bank stability, water temperature regulation, sediment and nutrient flow regulation, maintenance of unique wildlife habitat, and in limiting or mitigating nonpoint source pollution —note 3. the management of a riparian zone is commonly constrained or modified to retain particular ecosystem values and functions; the term is used in management plans, legislation, regulation, and government policy in which riparian zone width is variably defined —synonym riparian area, riparian buffer zone, riparian habitatThis definition last updated 08/15/2008