Michigan farmers in the Western Lake Erie Basin are encouraged to apply for USDA conservation financial assistance for implementing a variety of conservation practices to help address water quality concerns in the region.

Conservation funding to producers in the Western Lake Erie Basin area in southeast Michigan is available through the Tri-State Western Lake Erie Basin Collaboration, administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Farmers must submit applications by Dec. 2 to be considered for the current round of funding.

Funding is targeted to improve water quality and soil health. The portion of the Western Lake Erie Basin in Michigan includes Lenawee and Monroe counties and portions of Branch, Hillsdale, Jackson, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

USDA conservation financial assistance must be used for implementing designated conservation practices. Some of these include cover crops, nutrient management plans, grassed waterways, drainage water management, amending soil properties with gypsum products, filter strips and residue management. Farmers are encouraged to begin the application process as soon as possible.

The Tri-State Western Lake Erie Basin Collaboration was selected for funding through the USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program. The partnership includes a number of public, private and nonprofit partner organizations, led by NRCS and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Partner organizations will assist in promoting conservation to landowners and monitoring the impact of conservation practices implemented through the initiative.

For more information about conservation financial assistance available through the Tri-State Western Lake Erie Basin Collaboration, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center.

Source: Natural Resources Conservation Service