USDA Announces Conservation Sign-Up for Ottawa County

EAST LANSING — Nov. 22, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for conservation financial assistance through the Farmland Water Quality Conservation Initiative. The initiative will provide financial assistance to farmers for implementing conservation practices that will help improve water quality in Ottawa County and small portions of Kent and Muskegon counties.

The Farmland Water Quality Conservation Initiative was funded through the USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program and is locally led by the Ottawa Conservation District. Some practices eligible for financial assistance include; soil health testing, conservation tillage practices, grassed waterways, nutrient management, cover crops, and windbreaks. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Applications received by Jan. 23, 2023, will be considered for selection for fiscal year 2023 funding.

The Farmland Water Quality Conservation Initiative was allocated $3.4 million in funding through the USDA Regional Conservation Program in 2021. The goals of the partnership initiative are to improve and protect water quality and aquatic and wildlife habitat. Additional application selection dates for funding through the initiative will be announced over the five-year term of the initiative or until all funds are depleted.

For more information about the Farmland Water Quality Conservation Initiative contact the Grand Haven USDA Service Center or the Ottawa Conservation District at (616) 842-5852.