Riparian buffers are one of the best ways to enhance river and stream corridor habitats for a wide variety of wildlife species as well as providing improved water quality.
The tree and shrub component of a riparian buffer produces cover for numerous bird species, such as warblers and finches, wood ducks and herons. Mammals such as minks, raccoons, squirrels, and deer find homes here. The shade cover provided by older trees and deadfall trees also greatly enhances the in stream habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms.
Adding 30 to 60 feet of grasses and forbs to the outside of the buffer is an excellent way to sop field runoff from entering the river system. These grass strips also act as buffers between the river and trees and the cropped field when spraying chemicals, preventing them from entering the water or harming the trees. Grass strips are also great way to square up your fields making planting and harvesting much simpler.
Riparian buffers can also have positive effects on a producers bottom line. Many areas near rivers and streams frequently flood, have poor soils, or are difficult to till. Retiring this land can cut the cost of inputs into these poor quality areas. Couple that with the potential for annual CRP rental rates and 90% cost share and you have some good incentives to consider when making the decision to "Farm the Best and Buffer the Rest".
