By Andi Anderson
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the USDA-Indiana Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has announced plans to implement conservation practices on more than 1,700 acres of farmland in Indiana through the Western Lake Erie Basin Regional Conservation Partnership (RCPP).
The Western Lake Erie Basin Tri-State Collaboration Effort brings together Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio to collaborate with farmers, universities, and non-governmental organizations, providing financial assistance to producers. The primary objective of this multi-state initiative is to safeguard the western basin of Lake Erie by reducing phosphorus and sediment loading, thus addressing algal blooms through various conservation practices with the aim of achieving a 40 percent reduction in dissolved phosphorus.
"This funding is instrumental in our efforts to enhance and protect the Western Lake Erie basin, benefiting local communities, as well as the fish and wildlife inhabiting the area," stated Don Lamb, Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. "Collaborative projects like the Regional Conservation Partnership Program are invaluable as they allow us to pool resources, time, skills, and expertise to improve our environment."
For the year 2024, over $307,036 has been allocated to Indiana landowners within the watershed to implement a range of conservation practices. These practices include establishing over 125 acres of cover crops, applying Gypsum to more than 925 acres, and employing precision nutrient management on over 660 acres. The objective is to mitigate nutrient runoff and reduce algal blooms, thus safeguarding the Western Lake Erie Basin region.
Damarys Mortenson, Indiana NRCS State Conservationist, emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts, stating, "When partners unite to combine resources and networks, they create a stronger force, setting the stage for shared success." The Tri-State RCPP partnership aims to enhance ongoing efforts in the Western Lake Erie basin, delivering conservation measures at an unprecedented scale within the watershed.
Funding for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) stems from a 2021 agreement totaling $7.8 million. Each of the participating states—Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio—receives a portion of the funding to support producers in implementing best management practices aimed at reducing downstream runoff and mitigating harmful algal blooms and phosphorus levels. The Tri-State RCPP fosters coordination between NRCS and ISDA partners to extend conservation support to landowners in the Western Lake Erie Basin, covering counties such as parts of Adams, Allen, Dekalb, Noble, Steuben, and Wells.
The RCPP funding is made possible through the collaboration of USDA, partnering states, and over 40 public and private organizations at the state and local levels. Producers and forestland owners eligible for implementing conservation practices on their land are encouraged to discuss their options with their local district conservationist. NRCS accepts program applications year-round for consideration in the current RCPP-WLEB funding cycle. For more information or to submit an application, individuals can contact their local district conservationist through Farmers.gov/Service-locator.
Photo Credit: indiana-state-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Indiana, General