When we think of the term buffer, by definition, we would think of some sort of protection, a defense against something. When we add the word stream to a buffer and we are protecting the stream from some sort of outside forces. Now we add a third term, a working stream buffer, now what does that look like and how does that work?

Let’s first look at what is the purpose of a stream buffer. One would think the stream buffer is protecting the stream from some outside detrimental effect. In some ways this is true, a buffer protects the stream from surface runoff entering the stream. This surface runoff carries sediment, chemicals, fertilizers, even seeds of invasive species. One can also argue a stream buffer also protects the stream from itself. Having that buffer provides a place for all of the aforementioned bad stuff to settle out during a flood event on that stream. Thereby not damaging or affecting man made (or planted) items that we humans determine as valuable.

The other positive affect of a stream buffer is the vegetation that is planted along the steam is usually a perennial plant that has the ability to hold soil and prevent further erosion along the stream. This concept utilizes native plants such as prairie grasses or trees/shrubs. This protection is evident during high water events on that particular stream, as the roots of the plants hold the stream bank and prevent further erosion. The other way to armor the stream to prevent further erosion is add large rock along the stream call rip-rap, but this is very costly and is this a natural way to protect the stream or river?

Now we come to the final term in our buffer program and that is to add the “working” component to the mix. This was the problem that SILT needed to solve as we entered the Working Buffers Initiative in Dubuque County in 2022. SILT was awarded a 5 year grant from Dubuque County to establish this Working Buffers Initiative and begin implementation of that program over a 5 year period.

This is where I come into the picture. I was hired by SILT in August, 2022. My first objective was to determine what the working buffers model was going to look like and how do I implement that program to be attractive to landowners and get them to buy into buffering their stream. One must remember, SILT’s mission is to grow heathy food for humans to eat. So I had to incorporate a food component into this buffer concept at the same time meeting the goals of improving water quality and helping with flood mitigation.  The first several months of work allowed me to develop the working buffers concept and then find partners within existing programs to assist me in getting the most bang for my buck and helping the landowner gain the most benefits as well.

The end result, was to utilize trees and shrubs as my perennial crop and specifically certain trees and shrubs that have nuts, fruit, or berries that provide an opportunity for food production. I then worked with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to utilize existing programs to accomplish the goal of planting these buffer site to trees and shrubs with a minimum of 25% of the planting to be food producing plants. This partnership allowed the landowner to enter into a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contract that allowed the landowner to receive an annual payment on the buffer for 30 years. This also allowed me to utilize existing cost-share dollars within the CRP program to offset the dollars coming from the SILT program.  The end result, was a win-win for everyone. Following this model, the landowner could plant a working buffer along the stream or river within Dubuque County. The entire process from site preparation to tree planting was covered 100% from FSA/NRCS funding and the SILT grant program. To ensure success of the planting 100% of the costs associated with maintenance and care of the planting was covered by the SILT program for the first 3 years of the planting, which is critical in the success of that planting. Finally, the landowner will receive an annual CRP rental rate for the term of the contract which is currently 15 years and renewable for an additional 15 years.

So how are we doing after 4 years of this program? I acknowledge it did take some time to establish the program and get all of the partners bought into the concept. The other factor, these buffer plantings take time to implement and to get all the pieces in place, it takes 1 year in planning before we put a tree in the ground. We planted our first buffer through this program in the fall of 2023. To date and including the buffer plantings planned for 2026, we will have 75 acres of buffer planted along streams and rivers in Dubuque County.

Most recently, the SILT team approached the Dubuque County Supervisors to request an extension on the existing grant program to continue to establish more buffers along streams in the county. Explaining to the Supervisors that by utilizing outside funding sources for the buffer program their local dollars are being leveraged allowing for more acres to be planted in the future. The Supervisors graciously extended the grant program through 2028.

The SILT team is excited about the future for buffers in Dubuque County and quite possibly has developed a model that can be replicated throughout the State. There are certainly some unknowns about existing programs that we have partnered in the past and what they will look like moving forward? We are excited about a new program from the Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and the Dubuque County Watershed Team that will accomplish the same goals and objectives for the working buffers concept in Dubuque County. We will be announcing that new program and how SILT is partnering with the Watershed Team in the next few weeks. Stay tuned as we continue to evolve in the “Working Buffers” world and what that looks like to protect our streams and rivers.

Daryl Parker, Eastern Iowa Regional Coordinator

SILT