How do I use a polygon to clip OUT data?

[AngelaSnyder1]

I need to remove area from polygons that fall within a buffer of a stream. How do I clip the polygons using the buffer, saving the area OUTSIDE of the buffer?

[DanPatterson_Retired]

you can use the erase tool if you have the license Erase—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

or you could union, then manually remove the bits you don't want in an edit session

[ChrisDonohue__GISP]

As Dan mentioned, the Erase geoprocessing tool is the way to go, assuming you have an advanced license available. 

If you don't, another option is XTools Pro, a third-party add-on to ArcGIS.  They have an Erase function that works with lower license levels.  You can always try the demo version to check it out.

Erase Features | XTools Pro

Chris Donohue, GISP