Chester County Conservation District, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Stroud Water Research Center, Penn State Extension Summer 2016

The Chester County Conservation District’s mission is: “Conserving Soil for Clean Water” Since its creation in 1947, the CCCD has worked with landowners and land users to conserve the natural resources of the County. Today, the District works with a variety of local, state, and federal agencies to assist contractors, developers, farmers, and local citizens in developing and implementing conservation programs.

Sediments, nutrients, pesticides, and other pollutants that runoff into Pennsylvania’s waters present health risks to humans, herds, and the overall ecology of stream systems. Construction, farming, and urban/commercial areas can all contribute to harmful runoff in Pennsylvania’s waterways. Example: Chesapeake Bay and surrounding watershed sub- basins. Water Quality Issues: Source: Penn Extension

What is a riparian buffer? A vegetated area along streams, rivers, wetlands, and lakes that provides bank stabilization and protects water quality by trapping and filtering sediment, nutrients, pesticides, and other pollutants The most effective and passive tool to protect water quality, livestock, near streamside property, and all who use water downstream For farmers- a best management practice (BMP) consisting of 3 parts: 1. Forested/planted zone 2. Fencing 3. Livestock watering system

Why do farmers want to plant buffers and fence off streams? (Bobby Whitescarver, gettingmoreontheground.com) Increase herd health Increase access to clean water Eliminate calving risk areas Ease movement and grazing rotation Regulation fears

What can a complete buffer system do for me? Decrease:  probability of herd illness & injury  mud  black flies & geese  erosion  sediment & nutrient loading  flooding rate  water temperature Increase:  water quality  filter area  herd health  stream stability  habitat & wildlife  economic value  public and neighbor relationships  recreational use

1. Forested/planted zone Riparian zones consisting of native trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowering perennials – Examples: Red Maple, White Oak, Shagbark Hickory, River Birch, American Sycamore, Silky Dogwood, Spice Bush, Sedge, Switch Grass, Aster, Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, etc. Tree tubes should be used & mowing should be done around the trees to them from wildlife for first three years while the buffer gets established

Maintaining Your Buffer: Water: During the first growing season, newly planted trees and shrubs need water at least once a week until they become established. Check for damages due to heavy rain. Weed Control: Weeding may be necessary for the first few years until the trees are established. Organic mulches can help to prevent weed growth and retain moisture for newly planted trees/shrubs. * Herbicides may or may not be suggested depending on the planting program. Mowing: Zone 3 may need to be mowed periodically to keep it as a grassy-herbaceous patch. Prevents this zone from being overgrown with shrubs. Source: Penn Extension

2. Fencing & 3. Livestock Watering System These parts of the buffer work together to maintain animal health and ease grazing rotation by restricting livestock from the stream except at designated crossings Where a crossing or animal access point is not applicable a watering trough system may be established in the pasture from another water source

Octoraro-Main Branch

In Pennsylvania, if a single-sample E. coli count is between 235 and 1000 cfu/100 ml, a swimming advisory is issued. If a single-sample count is 1000 cfu/100 ml or greater, a swimming restriction is posted and swimming is prohibited.

Additional programs: EQIP, RCPP, Stroud’s Buffer Bonus Talk to the CCCD to find what is available in your watershed Eligibility: Most rural, unforested areas within 180-feet of streams, ponds, lakes, and wetlands with open water are eligible. Even very small and seasonal streams qualify. Requirements: – Forested buffers must be at least 35-feet wide, and buffers over 50-feet wide earn substantially more. – Contracts are through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for a period of 10 or 15 years. – Re-enrollment may also be applicable. You do not need to be a farmer to participate. CREP rental rates in Chester County range from $222 - $345 per acre depending on variables such as soil type.

Stroud Water Research Center Source: Stroud Stroud Farm Stewardship Program “Raising the bar” is the hallmark of this program, designed to provide financial and technical assistance to enable farmers to install conservation measures to protect water quality. In order to receive resources, participating farmers are asked to meet a high bar for conservation that includes: developing a current conservation plan to guide conservation efforts on the farm, addressing any runoff issues from barnyards or other animal concentration areas, complying with all state agricultural conservation regulations, and installing forested buffers at least 35-feet wide that exclude any livestock from streams. Current funding also enables farmers to receive a voluntary assessment of their ability to generate tradable nutrient credits. Nutrient trading holds the potential to use market forces to secure cost- effective water quality improvements to meet society’s needs for clean water. Low-Cost Methods for Buffer Plantings This project helps develop methods for streamside reforestation with potential to be more effective at lower cost than current methods. Regional plans to restore watersheds rely heavily on forested buffers. Current methods relying on tree shelters have some limitations and are rather expensive. This project develops and assesses alternative methods including natural regeneration, direct seeding, and use of live stakes (i.e., stem sections of species able to root and grow into new trees and shrubs). “Since 1967, Stroud™ Water Research Center has been focused on one thing — fresh water. Their freshwater research, education, and watershed restoration programs enable businesses, policymakers, landowners, and individuals to make informed decisions that affect water quality and availability around the world.”researcheducationwatershed restoration

Common CREP Buffer Questions: Earn $222 to $345 per acre per year in rental payment. Receive reimbursement for costs of installation up to 90 percent for buffers 35 feet wide and up to 140 percent for buffers 50 feet or wider. Get free professional design and construction management. Reduce streambank erosion and protect your property from soil loss. Secure reimbursements for paid professional help for key parts of post-planting tree care. Demonstrate good stewardship in a highly visible manner. Is it worth it? Am I able to do it? Will it obstruct my view? Can I choose the shape of my buffer? What if it limits my pasture? How do I care for the trees? Can I just give my stream back to the government?

Local success story: A Landenberg farmer along the scenic White Clay Creek who works with the CCCD and Stroud Water Research Center recently installed 2.5 acres of forested buffer on 2 separate properties, and over 1,500 feet of fencing to exclude cattle from the stream. He views his BMPs and stream buffer as a “tremendous asset” and claims if he could implement the buffer again he would make it 100’ wide on each side of the stream (rather than the current 35’ width). He’s made it clear that he trusts Stroud Water Research Center’s scientific opinion on the suggested width of the buffer. In his own words, the agricultural community is currently in an era where “agriculture is looked at in a negative light and we (farmers) can’t afford to do the wrong thing.” It does work!

Source: CBF