Project Gainer

Filter strips are sections of herbaceous vegetation designed to capture and remove contaminants from surface runoff. They're implemented to safeguard environmentally sensitive areas from sediment, suspended solids, and dissolved pollutants carried by runoff.

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Typically positioned along the lower edges of fields, filter strips act as protective barriers between agricultural areas and vulnerable ecosystems such as streams, lakes, wetlands, and other regions prone to damage from sediment and waterborne pollutants. Beyond their primary role as buffers, they can offer additional advantages when appropriate plant species are chosen and managed effectively. These benefits may include, but are not limited to, enhanced fish and wildlife habitats, better field access, and additional forage for livestock.