Turtle River
Watershed Conservation District #2
Incorporated
1975
Managing Natural Resources for Future Generations
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BUFFER STRIP PROGRAM (DRAIN PROTECTION)
Definition : A buffer strip is a permanent strip of either low maintenance (low dry matter production) or hay type forage, seeded a minimum of 10 feet to a maximum of 200 feet out from and along a designated Turtle River Watershed Conservation District (TRWCD) drain.Objective: The purpose of the buffer strip program is to prevent water erosion from occurring adjacent to a particular field along a designated drainage channel. Where a field borders a drainage channel, the buffer strip will eliminate field runoff from blocking drains and crossings with excess residue and topsoil. The TRWCD has all too often viewed local landowners tilling road allowances and district drains for that extra acre of land or to get those pesky weeds, only to see the next major runoff cause significant field erosion, depositing material in the designated drainage channels and transportation crossings. Adjacent landowners are encouraged to maintain the buffer strip utilizing the forages for hay purposes. The TRWCD is also planning a drain mowing program to reduce snow blockage, improve drainage and reduce weed proliferation. Eligibility: 1. Lands must be within the TRWCD 2. Proposed buffer strip land(s) must border a designated TRWCD drainage channel 3. Applicants are eligible for multiple buffer strips to a maximum 25 acres per year or a maximum single application of 200 feet x 1/2 mile = 12 acres 4. Priority will be given to those lands that are adjacent to open drainage channels (i.e. not adjacent to water storage dykes) 5. Landowners are eligible every year 6. Landowners are eligible for the forage seed assistance program; however, the proposed location cannot be on the same lands as the buffer strip locations 7. All applications must be made out by the owner of the land 8.Crown Land must be made out in the Leasee's name 9. Late applications will not be accepted 10. Cost-sharing varies between 75/25 and 50/50 (District/Landowner) depending on the number of applicants,and seed costs.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS Landowner Responsibility :1. Fill out attached application & return to Conservation District office prior to January 15 (mail applications must be postmarked no later than January 15); 2. Provide consent of entry for inspection; 3. Must seed buffer strip and if hay type forage mixture is chosen, mow or swath buffer strip at least once a year prior to freeze up; 4. Shall not break, pasture, burn, cultivate or in any way cause or permit to be caused damage to the buffer strip for a minimum of 5 years; and 5. Replace at 100% cost if damage is result of any of the above. Conservation District Responsibility :1. Inspect annually after spring run-off up to a period of 5 years of establishment. General Terms and Conditions :1. Subject to the above terms, the Agreement shall become effective and shall be binding upon both parties until terminated 2. If either party fails to meet the above mentioned responsibilities, the Agreement may be terminated by the other party via written notice 3. Said termination shall take effect as of five (5) years subsequent to the effective date here after described 4. This program will be subject to funds appropriated 5. The District reserves the right to establish priorities for providing such services and assistance; and 6. Failure of a landowner to meet Landowner Responsibilities may negate his eligibility for other District programs. PROJECT DESIGN A buffer strip 200 feet wide by 1 mile long is the equivalent to 24 acres or 9.6 ha of land. A buffer strip of 10 feet wide by 1 mile long is the equivalent to 1.2 acres (0.49 hectares). A. HAY MIXTURES Mixture #1 - For Well-Drained Soils Alfalfa (Algonquin) 6 lbs. Timothy (Climax) 2 lbs. Brome Grass (Carlton) 6 lbs. Mixture #2 - For Poorly-Drained Soils Alsike Clover (Canada #1) 4 lbs. Timothy (Climax) 2 lbs. Brome Grass (Carlton) 3 lbs. Mixture #3 - For Slightly Saline Areas Birdsfoot Trefoil (Leo) 3 lbs. Timothy (Climax) 2 lbs. Brome Grass (Carlton) 3 lbs. B. LOW MAINTENANCE MIXTURE Mixture #4 Boreal Creeping Red Fescue 4 lbs. Park Kentucky Blue Grass 4 lbs.
NOTE: Any variety may be substituted or deleted at the District's discretion due to cost, availability or other factors.
BUFFER STRIP PROGRAM APPLICATION NOTE: In the case of multiple buffer strip locations, please fill out additional diagrams and attach to main application Please Print
Name of Applicant:_________________________________________ Complete Mailing Address:_____________________________________________________________ Telephone Number: _________________________________ Legal Description of Home: Quarter Sec Twp Rge Legal Description of Land(s) to include Buffer strip: Quarter Sec Twp Rge
Landowner: Draw in fields, any roads, ditches, etc. and proposed location length and width of buffer strip(s). (This square represents a 1/4 section) Comments:
Date of Anticipated Seeding:______________________________________________ No. of Acres Mixture # _________ I hereby declare that I have read and understand the terms and conditions of the Buffer strip Program and do hereby agree to abide to said terms and conditions if my application is accepted. ____________________ ___________________________ Signature of Landowner Date
NOTE: Applicant to fill out, detach from program details & submit to TRWCD. A copy will be forwarded to you, if accepted.
OFFICE USE ONLY
Sub District Soil Drainage Soil Type Forage Type Total Cost of Seed
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