Apply before May 18 for Western Lake Erie Basin conservation fundingApply before May 18 for Western Lake Erie Basin conservation funding

Michigan farmers in the Western Lake Erie Basin will have another opportunity to be considered for conservation financial assistance from USDA in 2018.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will hold a second selection for conservation assistance applications received by May 18. Funding comes from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and can be used to implement conservation improvements that will protect water quality and reduce soil erosion.

Some practices eligible for financial assistance include cover crops, residue and tillage management, drainage water management, nutrient management and filter strips.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service held an earlier selection in January, but not enough applications were received to utilize funds targeted to the Western Lake Erie Basin. In Michigan, the Western Lake Erie Basin includes the counties of Lenawee and Monroe and portions of Branch, Hillsdale, Jackson, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

Conservation activities receiving financial assistance must be part of an agricultural or forest operation’s conservation plan. Successful applicants enter into a contract with USDA to implement conservation activities and are reimbursed for a portion of the cost. More information about conservation financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program is available at local NRCS offices and at mi.nrcs.usda.gov.

Source: USDA