Wisconsin Ag Connection - NRCS Announces Farmland Conservation Funding Program

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NRCS Announces Farmland Conservation Funding Program
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 05/11/2012

More than $24 million is available to agricultural producers to improve and protect the waters in the Great Lakes Basin. State Conservationist Pat Leavenworth with the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service says farmers in the Lower Fox River, Manitowoc/Sheboygan, and the Milwaukee River watersheds may be eligible for this special initiative to help clean up the Great Lakes. Wisconsin is one of eight states participating in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

"Wisconsin will receive $4.1 million this year for the Great Lakes initiative, with much of that focused on reducing phosphorus runoff," Leavenworth said. "Reducing phosphorus is the key to cleaner water in Lake Michigan."

Two sub-watersheds are specifically targeted to reduce phosphorus and sediment load: the Upper Duck Creek in Outagamie County and the Upper East River in Brown, Manitowoc and Calumet Counties.

Producers in the eligible watersheds can apply at their local USDA Service Center for funding to install conservation systems to reduce runoff and erosion. NRCS specialists provide technical assistance to help determine the best conservation practices to improve and protect the land and water. Applications to install conservation practices through GLRI are being accepted now through June 8.

GLRI focuses on conservation practices that are most effective at reducing farm runoff, and practices that establish fish and wildlife habitat and control invasive species. Examples of these practices include waste storage facilities, crop residue management, no-till, nutrient management, tree planting, wetland creation, upland wildlife management, and brush management, among others.

Interested producers and landowners should contact their local USDA Service Center.

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