Sponsored by the William Penn Foundation

Robust scientific evidence from decades of research demonstrates the effectiveness of forested riparian buffers in mitigating water pollution from agricultural runoff. Many grant programs support farmers to plant forested buffers along streams to mitigate this source of pollution. But even with grant support, many farmers can’t afford to take land out of production, especially small family farmers.

This webinar will explore a developing idea: riparian buffers that are also working forests. Funders are invited to participate to discuss the following:

How farmers can earn income from forested riparian buffers without compromising the buffer’s conservation function
The potential for working buffers to be aggregated across multiple farms, offering a spectrum of management options for landowners
What state and federal programs exist that could support the development of working buffers.

This webinar will highlight organizations in Pennsylvania (the location of the 2019 SAFSF Forum!) and beyond that are working to break down the structural barriers between conservation and profitability in agriculture.

Moderator:

Chris Kieran, senior program associate, Watershed Protection, William Penn Foundation
Speakers will include representatives from:
USDA National Agroforestry Center
PENNVEST
PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Propagate Ventures
Resource: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources pamphlet describing a vision for multifunctional working riparian forest buffers