Originally posted on 08.15.16 by NRCS Wisconsin

Appleton, Wis. – August 15, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced conservation funds available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to agricultural producers and landowners located in the Lower Fox Watershed in northeast Wisconsin. The funds are available to help incorporate conservation activities to reduce phosphorus losses and improve water quality in this watershed and Green Bay.

The Lower Fox Watershed encompasses portions of Brown, Outagamie, Calumet, Winnebago, and Manitowoc County. Over the past 3 years, over $9 million dollars in financial assistance has been provided to farmers in the watershed to install conservation practices which reduce and control phosphorus runoff. A watershed map showing eligible area boundaries can be found on the WI NRCS website. This sign-up is focused on reducing nonpoint source phosphorus runoff from fields and pastures by prioritizing practices such as cover crops, buffers, grassed waterways, and no-till planting, as well as prescribed grazing.

“Reducing phosphorus is the key to cleaner water in Lake Michigan” said Jimmy Bramblett, State Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  “Reducing the amount of phosphorus entering the Great Lakes will improve water quality, aquatic and wildlife habitat, and recreation.”

Funding was provided through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and is available from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Wisconsin is one of eight states participating in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).

Producers in the Lower Fox watershed can apply at their local USDA Service Center for funding to install conservation systems to reduce phosphorus runoff and soil erosion. Applications received by Sept. 2, 2016 will be considered for 2017 funding.

For more information, visit www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov , or contact the NRCS office at the USDA Service Center serving your county.

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