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Watersheds protected under programMUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP)--Landowners are being encouraged to set aside buffer zones near streams and rivers as part of a program to protect the Illinois River and Spavinaw-Eucha watersheds in northeastern Oklahoma. Scotty Herriman, president of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, said more than 200 landowners have already participated in programs to prevent water pollution by creating buffer zones and better management of pastures, poultry litter and septic tanks. More than $20 million in government funds are being made available to boost these programs. Herriman said landowners have been able to help reduce the amount of phosphorus entering northeastern Oklahoma streams and lakes by more than 30 percent during the past five years through better land management practices. Ed Fite, Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission administrator, said commissioners secured 17 agreements in 2007 from property owners who have set aside 416 acres for riparian buffer zones. Fite said that is the equivalent of about two miles of river bank that will be protected for the next 30 years. Fite said scenic river commissioners will consider another 17 applications in a special business meeting. The applicants, Fite said, are offering to set aside another 510 acres as riparian buffer zones. Under the Scenic Rivers Commission's riparian programs, landowners are compensated for acreage that is removed from agricultural production and future development. For every dollar OSRC spends for riparian protection leases, Fite said, the Oklahoma Conservation Commission receives four federal dollars through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. 10/6/08 Date: 9/26/08
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