By Andi Anderson
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced that it is now accepting first-round applications for wetland easements aimed at improving water quality and storage capacity in the Kankakee River watershed.
Damarys Mortenson, State Conservationist for Indiana’s NRCS, emphasized the importance of this initiative, which seeks to establish 800 acres of wetland easements to address critical environmental challenges in the region.
This effort is part of the Kankakee Watershed Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), a multistate project led by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA).
The program brings together 43 partners from Illinois and Indiana to enhance the health of the Kankakee watershed, which spans approximately 3,000 square miles across northern Indiana counties including Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and others.
“This project showcases the power of collaboration between public, private, and non-profit organizations to solve local environmental issues,” said Mortenson.
The project aims to tackle pressing water quality and quantity issues within the watershed by strategically allocating RCPP funds and partner resources to make a significant impact on the region’s waterbodies.
The Kankakee River and its tributaries face frequent flooding, erosion, and sedimentation, posing major environmental challenges.
One of the primary goals of this initiative is to manage excess water by establishing voluntary wetland easements throughout the watershed. These easements will help store water, reduce flooding, and decrease nutrient runoff into the Kankakee River and its tributaries.
Don Lamb, Director of the ISDA, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are excited to lead this multistate initiative alongside our partners. By providing cost assistance for installing wetland easements, we can help landowners manage excess water and protect the surrounding areas of the Kankakee watershed.”
NRCS will cover all costs related to recording the easements, including fees for abstracts, surveys, appraisals, and title insurance.
The agency will also pay fair market value for the easement rights, determined by factors such as soil type, crop potential, location, and real estate values. Eligible land includes privately held farmed or converted wetlands that can be effectively restored.
While applications for this program are accepted on an ongoing basis, those seeking funding in this round must submit their applications by October 4.
Interested landowners should visit their local USDA Service Center and speak with an NRCS representative to determine eligibility and begin the application process. This initiative offers a valuable opportunity for landowners to contribute to the health of the Kankakee watershed while receiving financial support.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Indiana, General