Belle Fourche Irrigation and Soil Health Project Announces Application Date
This project is to introduce irrigation pipeline and irrigation water management in addition to conservation tillage, cover crops, and conservation crop rotation.
HURON, S.D., June 5, 2023 – The Conservation Implementation Strategy (CIS) project Belle Fourche Irrigation and Soil Health will begin its next round of applications in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, serving the community and improving land and water quality. This three-year project was selected in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 and federally-funded through the Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) conservation programs in the 2018 Farm Bill. The purpose of this project is to introduce irrigation pipeline and irrigation water management in addition to conservation tillage, cover crops, and conservation crop rotation. This project will be implemented by the NRCS in collaboration with farmers, ranchers and landowners within the project areas who are eligible to apply for financial assistance. While applications are accepted year-round, the application date to be considered for FY2023 funding is July 7, 2023.
NRCS' conservation specialists and partners are coordinating these projects throughout the state. Through collectively focusing expertise and resources on the highest priority resource concerns in the highest priority areas, CIS projects can yield impressive returns. Collaborative funding and support from other agencies and groups create a coordinated community effort and focus on mutual issues of concern. The Belle Fourche Irrigation and Soil Health CIS Project partners with the Belle Fourche Irrigation District, Belle Fourche River Watershed Partnership, and the Butte Conservation District directly benefit the people of Butte County. Project sponsors identified inefficient use of irrigation water, soil erosion, degraded plant condition, and soil quality degradation as resource concerns and developed this CIS project to address the situation.
To participate in the project, find and contact your local NRCS Service Center at www.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/find-a-service-center, or contact Maggie Syversen, (605) 893-3368, Ext. 3075. For more information on the use of CIS in South Dakota, or if you have ideas for a project, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/eqip-environmental-quality-incentives/south-dakota/south-dakota-conservation, or contact Jeff Vander Wilt, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs at jeffrey.vanderwilt@usda.gov or (605) 352-1226.
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