Through the CRP program, farmers receive payments from USDA to establish riparian buffers, grassed waterways, contour buffer strips, field borders and other buffers on private farmlands. The buffer initiative will provide funding for additional field office staff to prepare materials, contact prospective participants and process applications. Local government and private, non-profit organizations are being challenged to provide matching funds to further leverage the initiative. Conservation buffers adjacent to streams and strategically located in crop fields can reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and stabilize streambanks.
Buffers also provide excellent wildlife habitat and increase landscape biodiversity.
Research has shown that more than 30 species of birds can be found in established riparian buffers compared to 8 species in similar unbuffered areas. Fish habitat is improved by providing more diversity in the food chain and reducing sediment deposition.