Ohio Lake Erie Buffer Initiative- Final Report
  Conclusion

The Ohio Lake Erie Buffer Program has been successful beyond the vision of the original concept of the project. Since 1997, at least 44,701 acres of new conservation buffers have been established within the Lake Erie Watershed. Trees and wetlands account for 26% percent of the acres installed, which represents twice the projected rate at the start of the project. The rate at which buffers are adopted accelerated during the project and the attitude of landowners within the watershed towards buffers has substantially changed for the better. A majority of the action items in the strategic plan were successfully completed and some new items were added. The Lake Erie CREP project was funded, and combined with the regular continuous CRP program, thus providing a long-term incentive for landowners to continue the adoption of conservation buffers. The Lake Erie Buffer Program provided marketing tools, technical training, and staff personnel to local conservation field offices to accelerate the buffer activities. The program was able to operate with a minimum of administrative overhead so the majority of grant funds went to buffer projects and activities. The program has received national and international attention. Numerous landowners within the Lake Erie watershed have been recognized both at the county level and statewide, for their conservation buffer accomplishments. The 50,000 acres goal established by the team should be realized by fiscal year 2005 as envisioned by the buffer team. This goal should be viewed as a starting point however, and not as a level which represents adequate treatment for the watershed. Much more can and should be done.

            Grass Filter Strips, Sod Waterways, and Riparian
                        Forest Buffers in Seneca County

Ohio Lake Erie Buffer Initiative FINAL REPORT- March 2004

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