The Buffer picture

• Maintain/Establish 100 foot wide, permanently vegetated buffer area between the locally designated water resource and the farming activity;
  
  
• Buffer area must be managed to prevent concentrated flows of surface water from breaching the buffer area and appropriate measures may be taken to prevent noxious weeds (such as Johnson grass, kudzu, and multiflora rose) from invading the buffer area
  
  
  
• Buffer may be used to produce perennial forage, provided that it meets the above functions;
  
  
• Buffer may be reduced for existing agricultural operations provided that agricultural BMPs are implemented on the adjoining cropland that, in the opinion of the local SWCD Board, equal the pollution reducing capabilities of the full 100-foot buffer.

Planning on bringing new land into agricultural production? Contact your county and SWCD before removing any vegetation.