Progress Toward Two Million-Mile Buffer Goal

Nearly 31,000 buffer acres were added via the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program during December 2003.

* Prior to fiscal year 2001, a 20 percent credit was taken for acres under easement in the courthouse. Thereafter, actual buffer installations will be reported through the NRCS Performance Results Measurement System.

** Prior to fiscal year 2001, a 4 percent credit was taken for acres enrolled adjacent to water and producing significant environmental benefits. Thereafter, actual buffer installations will be reported through the NRCS Performance Results Measurement System.

Contact: Max Schnepf, Coordinator, USDA National Conservation Buffer Initiative and NRCS Public Affairs Liaison, phone: 515-289-2331, x15, max.schnepf@swcs.org.

(Image: Story County, Iowa, riparian buffer. NRCS image.)