The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in South Dakota has announced an enrollment period for the Big Sioux River Project as part of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The scope of the Big Sioux River Project is the Middle and Lower Big Sioux River watersheds in eastern South Dakota.
While applications are accepted year-round, the application review date for Fiscal Year 2023 is Oct. 21. Landowners and producers are encouraged to visit their local USDA Service Center for more information and to enroll in the program.
"RCPP provides opportunities to work with partners at a regional and local level," said Jennifer Wurtz, Program Manager for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for NRCS in South Dakota. "The NRCS can work together with partners to address resource concerns at the local level." The Big Sioux River Project partners with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) to address resource concerns in the Big Sioux watershed.
The primary focus of the project is to decrease fecal coliform and total suspended solids in impaired streams within the watershed area. The practices implemented as part of this project aim to improve water quality, soil quality, and reduce soil erosion.
RCPP promotes coordination between NRCS and its partners to deliver conservation assistance to producers and landowners. The NRCS aids producers through partnership agreements and through program contracts or easement agreements. Assistance is delivered in accordance with the rules of EQIP.
To learn more about technical and financial assistance available through conservation programs, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov to locate your local USDA Service Center. To learn more about the Big Sioux River Project and its partnership with NRCS, visit www.bigsiouxriver.com.
Categories: South Dakota, Sustainable Agriculture