Conservation buffer project in the Lower Chippewa Basin over a two year period involving installation of 1500 acres (124 miles) of conservation buffer strips within the basin over a two year period. Areas of concentration will include Cranberry, Coon, Rock and Elk Creeks.

install 1500 acres (124 miles) of conservation buffer strips

Final Report

Annual progress reports

The River Country RC&D Council will coordinate a conservation buffer project in the Lower Chippewa Basin over a two year period. Activities involved with this project include: hiring a conservation buffer specialist to coordinate volunteers, educate and provide technical assistance to farmers/landowners, and assist field office in the completion of CRP and CREP contracts. A broad goal for this project is to install 1500 acres (124 miles) of conservation buffer strips within the basin over a two year period. Areas of concentration will include Cranberry, Coon, Rock and Elk Creeks. Specific deliverables for this grant project will include: annual progress report regarding contact completions and buffer installations final report that summarizes the grant project activities and accomplishments.

In 2000- the Lower Chippewa River Basin Partnership Team determined that buffer strips are the most efficient methodd to reduce sediment and filter field run-off within the Basin. Research has shown that buffers remove up to 50% of the nutrients and pesticides- 60% of certain pathogens- and 75% of sediment; and provide various wildlife benefits. The goals and deliverables of this project are: 1. To install 1500 acres of conservation buffer strips within the Lower Chippewa River Basin in the next two years 2. Plant 50 acres of buffer to prairie grasses. 3. Contact 800 landowners with information about conservation buffers. 4. Buffer strips become an accepted on-farm practice within the Basin.