(KLZA)-- The Nemaha NRD partners with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to administer the Nebraska Buffer Strip Program.

This program pays landowners for using filter strips or riparian forest buffer strips.

These strips are placed next to seasonal or permanent streams,

wetlands and ponds.

These practices provide protection between cropland and waterbodies by helping to stabilize the environment and filter agrichemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides.

Contracts run from 5 to 10 years. State program payments vary from $20 to $250 per acre, depending on soil type, whether the acres are irrigated or not, and whether payments are received from other programs. In addition, there are incidental haying and grazing allowances through the Nebraska Buffer Strip Program.

This program can be partnered with the USDA CRP for additional incentives.

The program is designed to be used in conjunction with the USDA Conservation Reserve Program, Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, or other programs, however it can be used by itself, as well.

Interested landowners should contact their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office to learn more about the Nebraska Buffer Strip Program and to begin the application process.