Lincoln, Neb., March 25, 2024 –State Conservationist Robert Lawson announced today that the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the Big Sandy priority watershed through the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI). The goal of this initiative is to improve water quality in impaired watersheds located in eastern Nebraska. Interested participants have until April 26, 2024 to apply.

The Big Sandy NWQI watershed located in Thayer and Fillmore Counties is eligible for this application signup.

Lawson said, “USDA is committed to working hand-in-hand with farmers, ranchers, and landowners to address water quality issues and provide the tools necessary to ensure clean, safe water for communities and wildlife. This latest investment is yet another example of how voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs are benefiting both producers and our natural resources.”

The targeted watershed was identified with input from State water quality agencies, partners, and the USDA State Technical Committee. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy is working with the local Natural Resources Districts in these watersheds through the Nonpoint Source Water Quality Grants-Section 319 Program. Including these watersheds in NRCS’s National Water Quality Initiative will strengthen the overall effort to improve ground and surface water quality in Nebraska.

Lawson said, “Through this effort, eligible producers in these watersheds will invest in voluntary conservation practices to help provide cleaner water for their neighbors and communities.”

NRCS will provide funding and expertise to farmers and ranchers interested in installing conservation practices such as cover crops, filter strips, nutrient management, no-till and other conservation practices to improve water quality. NRCS staff will work with individual landowners to develop a conservation plan to apply practices that work best for their farming operation in each watershed.

Interested landowners and operators should check with their local NRCS office to see if their farm or ranch is in one of the targeted watersheds. Additional information about the National Water Quality Initiative, and detailed maps of the sign-up areas, are available at www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.

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