RICHMOND, Va. – Farmers in Lee, Scott and Russell counties now have more time and opportunities to implement conservation practices that will enhance agricultural productivity and local water quality with assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The agency has just renewed a five-year partnership project with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to help eligible farmers in Virginia and Tennessee (Hancock and Claiborne counties) plan and implement agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) in priority Clinch-Powell Watersheds. Offered through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), this project has already helped more than 45 producers support regional water quality protection efforts through streambank stabilization, alternative water systems and livestock exclusion practices.

The Nature Conservancy is using the most current data to prioritize projects within the five-county RCPP area while improving efficiencies in managing funds and staff time. This practice also helps guarantee that the farmers who receive financial assistance will have the greatest possible positive impact on water quality. Production farmers operating in the Virginia project area should submit applications by April 1, 2022, to be eligible for $870,000 in Fiscal Year 2022 funding.

“When talking to landowners about conservation practices, it’s important to show both the financial benefits and the conservation value of the BMPs,” said Ronald Lambert, TNC Land Protection Specialist. “Landowners know the problems and the RCPP managers provide options, technical designs and funding to correct the issues. The Nature Conservancy has taken a proactive approach to filling that gap and the project extension will allow us to continue working alongside local farmers to protect their water and increase production and herd health.”

The Clinch and Powell watersheds are critical natural areas with remarkable biodiversity. In addition to providing drinking water for local communities, the rivers are home to more than 48 vulnerable aquatic species, including 29 rare species of freshwater mussels. These rivers and their surrounding watersheds are also crucial to the region’s economy, supporting agriculture, outdoor recreation, tourism and other important industries.

“We’re pleased to continue writing this RCPP success story that clearly demonstrates the power of partnerships,” said Dr. Edwin Martinez Martinez, NRCS Virginia State Conservationist. “This committed team has implemented projects on 1,935 acres to keep nutrients and sediments out of the Upper Clinch-Powell Watershed and the five-year extension will allow us to provide an additional $10.6 million to support regional water quality protection efforts in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and Tennessee.”

Interested individuals can contact one the following NRCS offices to get more information on enrollment options:

• Jonesville, 276-346-1531 (Lee County residents)
• Gate City: 276-386-3951 (Scott County)
• Lebanon, 276-889-4650 (Russell County)

For more information on the Clinch-Powell RCPP project, visit the Virginia NRCS website. To learn about technical and financial assistance available through conservation programs, visit our Get Started with NRCS web page or your local USDA service center.