Environmental Benefits

Buffers Reduce Nutrient, Sediment and Pesticide.  Buffers can be tremendously effective in reducing the runoff of nutrients, sediments and pesticides. Although the actual percentage of reduction is specific to each site, according to information gathered by the USDA, properly installed and well-maintained buffers have the potential to:

• Reduce nutrient and pesticide runoff into water bodies by 50% or more
• Reduce sediment loadings by 75%
• Reduce pathogen loadings by 60%

Buffers Control Erosion.  Buffers control water erosion and reduce the amount of soil lost to wind erosion during periods of strong winds. Buffers also trap blowing snow in areas with severe winds.

Buffers Improve Water Quality and Stream Quality. Conservation buffers trap sediment, bacteria, fertilizers, pesticides, viral pathogens and other possible contaminants, minimizing the chances of these potential pollutants reaching surface and ground water sources. This allows buffers to slow water runoff and enhance water infiltration, thus improving overall stream and water quality.

Buffers Conserve Water and Reduce Floods. Conservation buffers help stabilize a stream and reduce its likelihood of downstream flooding. Buffers also offer a setback distance for agricultural chemical use from water sources.

Buffers Improve Wildlife Habitat. In addition to slowing runoff, buffers create havens for many different types of wildlife. For example, shady areas of a stream created by buffers can reduce sunlight intensity, lower water temperature and increase fish population. In addition, buffers provide excellent food sources, nesting cover and shelter for many wildlife species. They also provide connecting corridors that enable wildlife to move safely from one habitat area to another and protect wildlife from harsh weather conditions.

Buffers Increase Plant and Animal Diversity. As a result of installing a conservation buffer, fish spawning rates can improve, allowing for increased species diversity in a particular area. The diversity of native vegetation also increases.

Farmer and Landowner Buffer Benefits

Ohio Lake Erie Buffer Office ~ 3900 Campus Drive Suite A ~ Lima, OH 45804

Information on this site is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. The Ohio Lake Erie Buffer Program disclaims any liability for any errors or omissions. The Ohio Lake Erie Buffer Team prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or family status.

Modified by Benjamin Marckel, January 2003