April 4 Deadline for Glacial Lakes RCPP Applications

Huron, S.D., Feb. 24, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in South Dakota has announced the enrollment period for the Glacial Lakes project as part of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The project focuses on the glacial lakes and streams in northeast South Dakota including the counties of Day, Deuel, Grant, Marshall and Roberts.

The goal of the project is to protect and improve the water quality of glacial lakes and streams to meet all the beneficial uses as assigned by South Dakota and protect the water quality of lakes and streams that are not impaired. Additional concerns include erosion, wildlife habitat, degraded plant conditions, livestock production limitations, and soil quality limitations. Interested landowners and agricultural producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center for more information and to apply. While applications are accepted year-round, the review date for Fiscal Year 2025 funding is April 4, 2025.

“The RCPP brings together partners to tackle resource concerns at a regional and local level. The NRCS can leverage its resources along with the resources of partner organizations to maximize outcomes and impacts within their project area” said Matt Morlock, RCPP coordinator for South Dakota. Partnering with NRCS, the Roberts Conservation District sponsored the Glacial Lakes RCPP project, in addition to Ducks Unlimited, South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and other partner organizations contributing to help conserve South Dakota’s natural resources.

The RCPP promotes coordination between NRCS and its partners to deliver conservation assistance to producers and landowners. The NRCS aids producers through partnership agreements and through program contracts or easement agreements. Assistance is delivered in accordance with the rules of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. To learn more about technical and financial assistance available through conservation programs, visit your local service center.

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