HEBRON, Neb., April 20, 2021 – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is working with landowners in the Big Sandy watershed to protect water quality. Funds are available to landowners within this watershed through the National Water Quality Initiative to install conservation practices that improve water quality.
Landowners interested in applying for conservation practice funds should contact the Thayer County NRCS office and complete an application by June 16, 2021, to be eligible for funding.
This Initiative provides eligible landowners financial assistance to install conservation practices like cover crops, terraces, irrigation water management, and buffer strips to reduce soil erosion and improve water quality in the Big Sandy Watershed located in portions of Thayer and Fillmore counties (see map).
The targeted watershed was identified with help from the Little Blue Natural Resources District and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. According to NRCS, targeting this watershed through the National Water Quality Initiative will strengthen the overall effort to improve water quality in impaired streams in Nebraska.
District Conservationist Janet Valasek said, “The conservation practices available through this initiative work to improve soil health and prevent erosion, keeping soil out of streams and improving water quality.”
Interested landowners and operators should check with the NRCS office in Hebron, Neb., by calling (402) 768-6520 ext. 3 to see if their farm or ranch is in the area eligible to receive Water Quality Initiative funding.
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