Huron, SD, October 1, 2024—The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in South Dakota is announcing the final enrollment period for the Big Sioux River Project as part of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The scope of the Big Sioux River Project is the Middle and Lower Big Sioux River watersheds in Eastern South Dakota.

While applications are accepted year-round, the application review date for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) is November 1, 2024. Landowners and producers are encouraged to visit their local USDA Service Center for more information and to enroll in the program.

Since 2013, the primary focus of the project has been to decrease fecal coliform and total suspended solids in impaired streams within the watershed area. The practices implemented as part of this project aim to improve water quality, soil quality, and reduce soil erosion. The Big Sioux River Project has protected over 88 miles of rivers and streams since the start of the of the project. “Our partnership with NRCS has been a valuable part of our efforts protecting water quality in the Big Sioux watershed.  Through this close working relationship, the Big Sioux River Project and NRCS have successfully worked to recommend and implement programs that divert significant levels of nutrients, sediment, and E. coli from entering our watershed; improving water quality for all,” said Amber Lively, Watershed Education Program Manager for the Big Sioux River Project.

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 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

To learn more about technical and financial assistance available through NRCS conservation programs, use the service center locator to locate your local USDA Service Center. To learn more about the Big Sioux River Project and its partnership with NRCS, visit www.bigsiouxriver.com.