Why are buffers being used to protect endangered and threatened salmon?
As Judge Coughenour ruled, buffers are a “common, simple, and effective” strategy for protecting endangered and threatened salmon and steelhead from the effects of pesticides. Even when used as authorized by homeowners, farmers, or industry, pesticides travel into salmon waterways. By increasing the distance from pesticide application to Salmon Supporting Waters, buffers reduce the likelihood that a dangerous level of pesticides will reach these waters.
