Featured Article

Field Borders Increasing on the Landscape

Submitted by Dick Erickson, Resource Conservationist, Ritzville

While driving from Reardan to Davenport, Harrington to Tokio, or along the Paha Packard Road, trained eyes notice that Field Borders are becoming more visible on the landscape.  Field Borders are strips of perennial vegetation along the edge of a field.

In 2005, 100 feet of field border was reported by the West Palouse Team.  Field borders increased to 2,700 feet in 2006.  By 2007 that number jumped up to 33,940 feet.

Protracts shows future field border installation at 61,000 feet scheduled for 2008 and 53,000 feet in 2009.  That is roughly ten miles per year.  Not all of them are scheduled to be installed along roadsides.  Many will be placed on the south and west edges of fields in wind erosion areas.  Field borders are often connected to other buffer practices.  Benefits include erosion reduction, improved water quality, wildlife habitat, and aesthetics.

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