Funding available for conservation practices

By Dec. 2 for West Lake Erie Basin agricultural producers and landowners

PUBLISHED ON November 21, 2022

LANSING, MI — The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced the availability of funding through the Tri-State Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) for agricultural producers and landowners interested in implementing conservation practices in the Western Lake Erie Basin ( WLEB). Applications are accepted until December 2, 2022. Application information is available online at www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov.

This funding is part of an effort by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), USDA-NRCS and more than 30 partners in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, led by the Indiana Department of Agriculture. The project will help participating farmers improve soil health, reduce phosphorus and rainfall loads, and prevent harmful algal blooms in the WLEB. The program aims to reduce phosphorus by 40 percent using a combination of conservation methods.

“In Michigan, we are defined by the Great Lakes. We must all come together to protect these precious resources for future generations and our state’s economy. This project exemplifies the commitment of public, private and nonprofit organizations to address nutrient loading in the Western Lake Erie Basin,” said MDARD Director Gary McDowell. This is one of many opportunities available to farmers in the area to receive technical and financial assistance to develop specific conservation plans and assistance in adopting conservation practices. These steps will help reduce nutrient losses and minimize future harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie.”

Michigan funding will prioritize implementation practices in Lime Creek, Niles Ditch, Stony Creek, Lapointe Drain, Covell Drain, and Silver Creek within the WLEB. However, all farmland within the Michigan portion of the WLEB is eligible to apply. Acceptable practices include, but are not limited to, nutrient management, waste storage structures, drainage management, and more.

Applications are accepted year-round; however, interested Michigan growers and landowners must apply by Dec. 2 for the current funding cycle. NRCS provides higher levels of financial assistance to beginning farmers and producers who have historically been underserved. More information about the RCPP and how to apply can be found at your local NRCS office or online at www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov.

— USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service