In fact, the number of requests for filter strips exceeded the grant monies available, so the SWCD voted to use District funds to cover the additional requests. The SWCD has planned and installed 53,133 feet of filter strips on 57 acres in the Upper Tippecanoe River watershed. The filter strips consist of grasses and legumes, or tree seedlings. The vegetated areas must be maintained for five years as part of the agreement. Air observation via helicopter helped to identify critical areas where sediment was entering bodies of water.
Filter strips are an effective practice to improve and protect surface water quality.
The area can be used as a hay crop, wildlife habitat, and equipment turning and driving lane. In addition, reduced erosion into ditches will lessen the need for drainage ditch cleaning. Spring of 1996 was a time of weather extremes that caused severe conservation problems. Wind erosion was one of the most visible, and caused gray-out areas on many roads in northern Indiana. The blowing soil made it difficult to see for motorists, and drifts on the roadways caused several minor accidents.