Overview
The Lower St. Francis - Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI) Project is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers for addressing water quality concerns in the Lower St. Francis watershed. The project area encompasses 169,611 acres.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in partnership with the Crittenden County Conservation District has received funding for the initiative. This funding is available for landowners in portions of Crittenden, Cross and St. Francis counties.
Collaborating partners are the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture; Arkansas Natural Resources Commission; Arkansas Association of Conservation District; Cross County Conservation District; and St. Francis County Conservation District.
Project Goal
The goal of the project is to reduce nutrient loss from agricultural land in four adjacent 12-digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) watersheds in the Lower St. Francis Watershed by improving nutrient use efficiency and reducing runoff. Nutrient use efficiency will be gained by using variable rate fertilizer application rate technology. Reduced runoff will be gained by improved irrigation water management. Erosion control will also be accomplished by controlling runoff through land-leveling, planting cover crops and using residue and tillage management.
Conservation Practice Funding
Funding will be available to eligible landowners through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). NRCS will provide cost-share for a variety of conservation practices for the purpose of reducing the amount of nutrient runoff and soil erosion associated with agricultural production. Land and producer eligibility, adjusted gross income, and all other program criteria for participation in EQIP must be met to participate in this initiative. Agricultural lands are eligible for enrollment in the initiative.
How to Apply for MRBI
NRCS and associated conservation partners will deliver this program collaboratively. Applications may be obtained and filed with the Natural Resources Conservation Service at:
Crittenden County Marion FSC 1 Natural Resources Drive Marion, AR 72364 (870) 739-4464, ext. 3 |
Cross County Wynne FSC 810 Highway 64E, Suite 13 Wynne, AR 71396 (870) 238-3285, ext. 3 |
St. Francis County Forrest City FSC 4401 N. Washington, Suite A Forrest City, AR 72335 (870) 633-3055, ext. 3 |
Approved Conservation Practices*
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329 Residue and Tillage Management, No Till
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340 Cover Crop
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345 Residue and Tillage Management, Mulch Till
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410 Grade Stabilization Structure
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430 Irrigation Pipeline
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442 Irrigation System, Sprinkler
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443 Irrigation System, Surface and Subsurface
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449 Irrigation Water Management
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464 Land Leveling
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533 Pumping Plant
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587 Structure for Water Control
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590 Nutrient Management
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646 Shallow Water Development Management
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*Some restrictions may apply to some practices.
Contacts
Nancy Young
State Resource Conservationist
(501) 301-3134
Kenneth Lee
Assistant Conservationist for Programs
(501) 301-3165
Dianne Schlenker
Initiatives Coordinator
(501) 301-3152