NRCS grants funding for conservation practices

By Andi Anderson

Damarys Mortenson, State Conservationist for Indiana’s USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), recently announced that applications are now being accepted for funding aimed at improving water quality in the Western Lake Erie basin, located in northeast Indiana.

Farmers interested in participating must submit their applications to their local NRCS office by December 6 to be considered for the current funding period.

Funding is available through the Tri-State Western Lake Erie Basin Collaboration Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).

This initiative is led by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, working alongside over 30 partners to assist farmers in enhancing soil health, reducing phosphorus and sediment runoff, and preventing harmful algal blooms in the Western Lake Erie basin.

The program's primary objective is to achieve a 40% reduction in dissolved phosphorus using various conservation practices. The partnership focuses on the Maumee watershed within the Western Lake Erie basin and includes areas in northeastern Indiana, covering parts of Steuben, DeKalb, Noble, Wells, Allen, and Adams counties.

While there is no single solution to eliminating nutrient runoff into Lake Erie, a comprehensive approach involving multiple conservation practices is essential for reducing nutrient loss both on the surface and below the soil.

NRCS offers several programs, including RCPP, which provide financial assistance to farmers to reduce the financial risk of adopting conservation practices. Additionally, NRCS provides technical assistance in developing conservation plans tailored to specific sites, helping to minimize nutrient and sediment transport.

Eligible conservation practices for farmers in the Western Lake Erie Basin through this project include nutrient management, pest management, cover crops, reduced tillage, and more.

“This project showcases how public, private, and non-profit organizations can come together to address local challenges,” said Mortenson. “By focusing RCPP funds and leveraging partner resources, we can make a meaningful impact on water and soil quality in the Western Lake Erie basin.”

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, but to be considered for this round of funding, applications must be submitted by December 6. For more information, visit your local USDA Service Center or check eligibility at https://www.farmers.gov/service-locator.

Photo Credit: grabowska