West Virginia Success Story

Riparian Buffers Benefit Farm to Potomac

Program: Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA), Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)

Overview: Mr. Glenn Bensenhaver contacted the Natural Resources Conservation Service for technical and financial assistance during the drought of 1999, like many of his neighbors in the Potomac Valley who were also without water for their livestock. Mr. Bensenhaver also expressed an interest in maintaining or improving wildlife habitat on his property. NRCS staff worked with him to develop a Conservation Plan with the objective of improving wildlife habitat while maintaining viable cattle production.

NRCS staff suggested fencing Hutton Run to create a riparian corridor that would provide fish and wildlife habitat. Excluding livestock from the stream would also prevent stream bank erosion and reduce fecal coliform contamination. Tree planting was also recommended to stabilize a nearby shale point and to provide wildlife food and cover.

Accomplishments: Mr. Bensenhaver received cost-share through the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) in 2003 to install 4,950 feet of 2 strand high tensile electric fencing to protect 3.5 acres of riparian habitat, 1.2 acres of wetland, and 4.5 acres of upland forest from grazing by cattle. There are a couple of controlled access points for cattle to water out of the stream. These controlled access points prevent the cattle from trampling the entire length of the stream bank and grazing streamside vegetation. A ½ acre wildlife food plot and 100 Virginia Pine saplings were planted in 2006 to further enhance wildlife habitat.

Program Benefits to Landowner: Mr. Bensenhaver signed a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Wildlife which meant that their fencing crew built the fence for the cost allowed in the contract, so that Mr. Bensenhaver had no labor or out of pocket expenses for the stream fencing project.

Excluding livestock from the stream addressed his herd health concern over livestock loosing their footing while traveling the steep bank slopes, and eliminated any potential foot problems associated with cattle having access to swampy areas.

Glenn has seen more deer use the area—a plus for someone who “[enjoys] hunting and seeing wildlife”. He has seen a variety of duck species come into the area as well.

Program Benefits to Community: The water quality of Hutton Run, a tributary of the South Branch of the Potomac River, will not be compromised by fecal contamination or sediment from sloughing stream banks.

The property will help support a healthy fish and wildlife population for the area.

Mr. Bensenhaver can provide firsthand knowledge of the benefits of riparian buffers to other landowners in the community who may benefit from similar projects.

Contact:
Christi Hicks, Soil Conservationist
Christi.Hicks@wv.usda.gov

Moorefield Field Office—Serving Hardy County, WV
223 North Main Street
Moorefield, WV 26836
Telephone: (304) 530-2825
Fax: (304) 530-2086

Mr. Bensenhaver received cost-share through the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) in 2003 to install 4,950 feet of 2 strand high tensile electric fencing to protect 3.5 acres of riparian habitat, 1.2 acres of wetland, and 4.5 acres of upland forest from grazing by cattle.

< Back to 2006 Success Stories