MSU Extension Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program

210 tons of ozone are removed from the atmosphere annually.

4 pounds of phosphorous per acre per year are removed.

21 pounds of nitrogen remains on the farm per acre per year by strategically placing riparian forest buffers.

Economic advantages

• Access for waterfowl hunting generally runs about $3 to $5 per acre for an annual lease, or as much as $80 per person for a single day.
• Provides clean drinking water for livestock by reducing contaminants like sulfates, which can contribute to decrease egg production in chickens.

Just the basics

A riparian forest buffer (RFB) is a corridor of trees and/or shrubs planted adjacent to a river, stream, wetland or water body to protect against harmful chemicals or sediment transported by surface and subsurface flows from adjacent land uses. Riparian forest buffers maintain riparian habitat conditions by providing cover and food for terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, lowers water temperature by shading water bodies, and stabilizes stream banks.

CREP policy guidelines

• CREP riparian forest buffers will be installed according to Riparian Forest Buffer (391) standard in the local Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG).
• Must extend a minimum of 50 feet and a maximum of -180 feet from the edge of an eligible body of water.
• Must consist of established trees and shrubs, except the last 20 feet may be planted with grasses for concentrated flow conditions.
• Tree and shrub species must meet the standards of the Conservation Tree/Shrub Suitability Groups in Sect. II of FOTG.
• Livestock must be excluded from forest riparian buffers. Cost-share is authorized for fencing, alternative water sources and livestock crossing.

What is the life cycle of a riparian forest buffer?

Site preparation

• Existing Vegetation can be removed using mechanical and/or chemical methods prior to planting.
• Use herbicide or tillage to eliminate competing vegetation. To reduce erosion, seed a temporary cover, if needed.
• If the field is currently in sod, begin weeding in the fall using a broad-spectrum herbicide, and again in the spring after green-up.
• Follow guidelines detailed in the CPS Tree/Shrub Site Preparation (490) standard in the FOTG for pre-planting weed control.
• Bank stabilization activities and additional practices (Filter Strip 393) that reduce pollution runoff may be needed before establishment of FRB.
• Additional site preparation methods could include Brush Management (314) and Access Control (472) standards found in the FOTG.

Planting guide

• Planting bare root stock and non-rooted stock cuttings plant in the spring after the ground thaws before June 1st or in the fall after October 1st.
• Containerized, balled, and burlap stock my be planted between October 1st and June 1st.
• Direct seeding should be completed from October 1st - April 30th.
• Trees may be established through natural regeneration, but no cost-share is available for this option.
• Until the practice is established, a 9ft. sq. weed and grass free area should be maintained around shrubs and trees.
• Cost-share is authorized for one weed control application within 24 months after trees are planted.
• Post-planting weed control must comply with Herbaceous Weed Treatment (315) and/ or Mulching (484) standard in the FOTG.

Landowner obligation

• Develop a Conservation Plan with USDA approved conservationist.
• Perform periodic management activities according to the conservation management plan.
• Replacement costs of dead trees and shrubs when less than 80% of the plants are living.
• Complete practice within 12 months of the effective date of the contract.
• Will maintain practice without additional cost-share payments.

Contract tasks

• Complete a soil test to determine appropriate site preparation and desired species.
• Order needed equipment such, as a disk, seed drill, cultipacker or roller, for site preparation.
• Complete standard criteria related computations and analysis with the land owner.
• Documentation of operation and maintenance for at least the first three years.
• Develop written plans, including sketches and drawings to adequately describe the practice installment.