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Economic Opportunities with Conservation Practices
Best Management Practices (BMPs) - Conservation that works for you, your land, and the environment.
 Conservation practices allow agricultural producers and landowners to maintain the economic viability of their property. These practices will also help protect soil, air, and water, along with improving habitat for fish and wildlife.
What are conservation practices? Riparian buffers, filter strips , grassed waterways, and sediment basins are examples of conservation practices. The primary purpose of each of these practices is to control the flow of surface runoff before it enters a stream or lake. Through controlling and capturing of runoff, and planting grasses, shrubs and trees, these practices help control erosion, filter pollutants and manage other conservation concerns.
Where are conservation practices used? Conservation practices are typically used along streams, lakes and wetlands, or within fields and along field edges. The strategic placement of these practices keeps soil where it belongs and protects water quality.
What are the economic opportunities of conservation practices? Conservation practices provide economic opportunity because the protect property from erosion and protect the quality of water on which we all rely. They are also typically less expensive to install and maintain than practices that require costly engineering and construction. Financial incentives from a variety of federal and state programs are available for their implementation.
Conservation Practices
| Riparian Buffers are areas of transition between streams and upland areas consisting of native trees, shrubs, or other plants. The plant roots help stabilize stream banks to prevent erosion. Plant materials also catch pollutants in surface runoff and ground water. Riparian buffers provide valuable habitat for fish and wildlife. |
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| Filter Strips are areas of grass or other vegetation located between cropland or grazing land and environmentally sensitive areas. The strips trap sediment, fertilizers, pesticides and pollutants before they enter waterways. Filter strips also provide valuable wildlife habitat and watershed functions. |
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| Grassed Waterways are natural or constructed channels within cropland that convey surface water at a non-erosive velocity to a stable outlet. Controlling the runoff prevents the formation of gullies and keeps soil in its place. |
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| Sediment Basins are constructed to collect and store debris or sediment. They are most often employed in combination with other conservation practices. |
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Economic and Environmental Benefits
- Protect property, buildings, and roads by preventing erosion through stabilized stream banks and minimized flood damage.
- Protect property and crops by preventing soil from washing off cropland.
- Improve farming conditions and protect crops by channeling water to prevent gully erosion.
- Protect water quality by filtering fertilizers, pesticides, and animal wastes from entering creeks and streams.
- Protect water quality and preserve capacity of reservoirs, ditches, and streams by preventing mud-filled runoff from entering waterways.
- Enhance stream flows by absorbing and storing water in the spring, releasing it during the summer months.
- Shade creeks and streams, providing cooler water needed by fish.
- Provide food, shelter, and travel corridors for fish and wildlife.
Funding Opportunities There are several funding sources available for eligible conservation practices:
- The Spokane County Conservation District may have funds available from time to time for implementation of a variety of conservation practices. Learn more about the Water Quality Improvement Cost-Share Program.
- Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) - Annual payments for land set-aside for eligible practices, including riparian buffers, filter strips, and grassed waterways.
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) - Technical, financial and educational assistance.
- Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) - Technical and cost-sharing assistance.
For more information and assistance: The Spokane County Conservation District can provide additional information on each of these practices, assist in determining the most appropriate practices for your property, and help to identify potential funding sources to assist in project implementation. Contact Walt Edelen at (509) 535-7274.
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