By Andi Anderson
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Indiana is seeking proposals to designate new priority watersheds for two major conservation initiatives.
The Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI) and the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) aim to improve water quality and support conservation efforts in agricultural areas. Proposals must be submitted by April 18.
The Mississippi River Basin, known as "America’s River," is vital to millions of people, providing drinking water, food, and recreational opportunities. It also supports over 325 bird species.
Through MRBI, NRCS works with landowners to implement voluntary conservation practices that reduce nutrient loss, restore wetlands, and enhance wildlife habitats. New proposals should align with state nutrient loss reduction strategies.
NWQI, a joint effort by NRCS and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), focuses on reducing water pollution from agricultural sources. It targets nutrients, sediment, and pathogens in priority watersheds.
The initiative also supports source water protection plans that identify critical areas needing treatment. New priority watershed proposals can be located anywhere in Indiana and should address nutrient and sediment concerns.
"We see a positive impact when we partner with producers to implement conservation practices in critical watersheds," said Indiana NRCS State Conservationist Damarys Mortenson. "These initiatives help improve water quality and benefit both landowners and natural resources."
Eligible projects must have a watershed assessment plan that meets NRCS guidelines. Approved projects can receive funding through programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
If a plan is not yet developed, planning phase funding is available to help partners create a strategy for addressing nutrient loss and water protection.
Partners interested in applying should contact Kim Lampert, Special Initiatives Coordinator for Partnerships, at kim.lampert@usda.gov. Application materials must be submitted by April 18.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy