Filter Strip

The purpose of the filter strip program is to encourage landowners to establish bands of vegetation adjacent to cropland that will improve water quality downstream by filtering out sediment and associated pollutants.

Eligible Areas: This practice applies only to existing cropland.
Option One: Cropland adjacent to rivers, creeks, seasonal streams (excluding sod waterways), lakes and wetlands.

Option Two: Cropland where contour buffer strips can be established on the contour and alternated with cropland.

Option Three: Cropland that will take the place of end rows or are adjacent to sod
waterways.

Process: First, the landowner works with NRCS on tentative filter strip locations. Then, the landowner submits an application to the LPSNRD.The LPSNRD then considers the application. The Landowner establishes filter strip and upon establishment, LPSNRD inspects and contract begins.Finally, the LPSNRD inspects and makes payments annually.

How to apply:

  1. Fill out the application form in this
    brochure.
  2. Include an aerial photo of the section(s) to be placed in the program. Maps can be obtained at the FSA/NRCS office.
  3. Mail this application with photo to the Lower Platte South NRD office.

 

Terms

-Contract begins on date of establishment
-Contract length- 10 years
-Grazing is allowed September 1 through March 31 (except in areas planted to trees)
-Haying is permitted once per calendar year after July 1
-Seed mixture: Switchgrass and/or Big Bluestem, Switchgrass and brome mixture.
-Minimum width- 20 feet

-Minimum total length per farm- 1/2 mile
-Maximum width- 66 feet
-Encroachment with tillage equipment or overgrazing will result in 50% or 0%
payment that year
-Annual payment
Option One: $75/acre/year with double
payment both first and last year
Options Two and Three: $55/acre/year with double payments both first and last year
-First year double payment to offset
planting and materials
- Last year double payment to encourage participation all 10 years
-Landowner would be restricted from
participating in other governmental programs except the USDA-FSA set-a-side program.