IDALS STREAMSIDE BUFFER PILOT PROJECT

Project Expanded to Include Greater Des Moines Watershed

Farmers and landowners in the Greater Des Moines, Middle Cedar and Turkey River watersheds are invited to participate in the IDALS streamside buffer initiative. The cost-share pilot project encourages farmers to establish perennial buffers on fields running along creeks and streams to prevent nutrients from entering our water sources. Farmers and landowners are encouraged to pair streamside buffers with saturated buffers or bioreactors for additional water quality benefits.

 

PROGRAM DETAILS

  • This state-funded cost-share initiative is intended to be more flexible than existing federal cost-share programs to encourage even more farmers and landowners to participate. 

  • Enrolled buffers must be, on average, at least 30 feet wide and can be up to 100 feet wide on one side of the stream.  

  • Payments will only be made on new acres taken out of row crop production.  

  • Streamside buffers must be maintained for at least 10 years.   

  • Strips of land running alongside creeks, drainage ditches, lakes, rivers and streams are eligible for this cost-share program. 

  • Harvested buffers will receive a one-time payment of $250 per acre for establishment costs and $1,500 per acre for foregone income (total $1,750 per acre). Non-harvested buffers will receive a one-time payment of $500 per acre for establishment costs and $3,000 per acre for foregone income (total $3,500 per acre). 

 

Eligible FARMERS & LANDOWNERS

Farmers and landowners in the following watersheds are eligible for the IDALS streamside buffer pilot project: 

  • Greater Des Moines watershed 

  • Middle Cedar watershed 

  • Turkey River watershed 

  • Dubuque County 

If you’re interested in trying conservation practices on your farm but live outside these counties, there are other state and federal cost-share programs available to help you get started. Apply now at costshare.iowaagriculture.gov.