Last week, Indiana's NRCS announced that it will make available $2.9 million in financial and technical assistance through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Private landowners, tribes, and other eligible entities must submit applications for the current funding pool on or before May 15. More information is available on the NRCS website.
Request for Proposals for Grant Funding through Conservation Partners Program
The Conservation Partners Program (CPP) will be awarding $2.45 million in NRCS funds, leveraged by up to an additional $3.7 million in NFWF funding to eight geographic areas. Typical grant awards will range from $50,000-$200,000 and require a 1:1 match of non-federal funds or in-kind contributions.
Four of the Geographic Priority Areas are: Freshwater Systems in California, Grassland Birds, Great Lakes and the Upper Mississippi River Basin.
Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations and local units of governments, including conservation districts.
The deadline for pre-proposals is May 12. For more information on the CPP and the specific priority areas, please visit the NFWF website.
IASWCD News
2015 River-Friendly Farmer Awards Applications Now Open
The IASWCD is now accepting applications for the 2015 River-Friendly Farmer Awards, and applications will be due on Wednesday, June 3.
Indiana NRCS to Help Clean Waterways in Mississippi River Basin
Targeted conservation work in the Mississippi River Basin will bring together the USDA's NRCS, farmers and local organizations to help clean waterways that flow into the nation's largest river.
NRCS is investing $10 million nationwide this year that will help improve water quality and strengthen agricultural operations. This investment is part of a commitment of $100 million over four years to address critical water quality concerns in priority watersheds while boosting rural economies. These projects, including three new watersheds and one existing watershed in Indiana, are funded through NRCS' Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI).
Eligible producers in the previously selected Middle Eel River watershed and the newly selected Big Pine Creek, Little Wea Creek, and Cicero Creek watersheds can invest in voluntary conservation actions to help provide cleaner water for their communities. More information about the selected watershed projects in Indiana is available here.
CCSI News
Prominent No-Till Supporter Passes Away
Ed Winkle. Photo: No-Till Farmer Magazine
Ed Winkle, a long time supporter of no-till and cover crops, passed away this week. Ed pushed for adoption of conservation and soil health practices and assisted with soil health meetings in southeastern Indiana. No-Till Farmer magazine featured a thoughtful article about Ed and his legacy; read it online here.
NACD has launched a new section of its website devoted to Soil Health. The new pages are loaded - with information and resources to help districts and partners raise awareness about the benefits of soil health practices on many landscapes. The materials are arranged in four categories:
Resources for Districts and Partners
Education Materials for Soil Health
Soil Health Calendar
Emerging Research
Soil Health News
Each contains district-focused material. Included are links to helpful webinars, videos and other materials from districts and state and national partners, breaking news on soil health, and NACD's excellent soil health education materials.
The resources can be used by districts and partners planning workshops, tours, training and other activities. These pages will be updated regularly. If you have an item or information you would like NACD to include, contact Bill Berry at billnick@charter.net.
In the next Conservation Update, a social media toolkit for the pollinators theme (with sample tweets, Facebook posts, infographics, and more) will be included.
Legislative Update
Have you been keeping up with conservation legislation during the state legislative session? The Senate Appropriations committee will vote this Thursday, April 9 on the budget, so make sure to keep contacting your state senator to express the importance of funding for conservation! Read up in the latest IASWCD Bill Tracker.
For Sale
Scott County SWCD has a Tye no-till drill for sale by sealed bid. Drop the bids off or mail them to the USDA Service Center:
656 S. Boatman Road Scottsburg, IN 47170
Bids will be accepted until 4/16/15 at 7pm. For more information call Matt at 812-595-0713
Job Openings
Please email job descriptions, instructions for applying, and a deadline in a single PDF file to emily-neitzel@iaswcd.org to be included.
