Trees Forever, Pheasants Forever, and other organizations developed partnerships for funding and outreach to individual landowners and producers to showcase the many benefi ts of using trees, shrubs, and grasses as a natural buffer. An on-farm demonstration and research site was developed by researchers at Iowa State University with the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture.

Today, Iowa leads the Nation in the number of conservation buffers protecting streams and rivers. Iowa landowners signed more than 41,000 contracts, creating 330,715 acres of buffers under the USDA Continuous Conservation Reserve Program. Additional buffers were installed through the USDA Wetlands Reserve Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. Other accomplishments include education and outreach through demonstration sites and field days, enhanced financial incentives, statewide media relations, and publications and promotions. The buffers and related activities will improve water quality, wildlife habitat, and quality of life for all Iowans.