Locally-led conservation targets technical and financial resources to address state and regional resource priorities.
NRCS targets funding and technical resources to address local, state, regional, and national resource concerns. Within Michigan, NRCS works with partners including local conservation districts, state agencies, commodity groups, and non-profit organizations to identify resource concerns.
Special Initiatives
Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative
NRCS-Michigan's Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative provides funding for producers in Wayne and Genesee counties to purchase and install seasonal high tunnels to extend the growing season and maximize local food production. Funding is provided through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
Organic
NRCS sets aside funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program specifically for producers who are certified organic or who are transitioning to organic production. Funding is available for implementing conservation practices related to organic production.
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
GLRI funding targets natural resource concerns affecting the Great Lakes including threats to water quality, invasive species, and loss of wildlife habitat. GLRI funding in Michigan is available in designated watersheds through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
MAEAP Initiative
NRCS allocates a portion of its Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds to assist Michigan farmers to become environmentally verified through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program. Learn more
National Water Quality Initiative
Funding through the National Water Quality Initiative is available to producers in the Lake Creek Watershed in Ionia County.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide National Water Quality Initiative financial assistance to selected applicants for implementing conservation practices that benefit water quality such as cover crops, nutrient management, filter strips, animal waste storage facilities and conservation tillage. Applications are selected for funding on a competitive basis.