Funding Available for Producers within the Milford Lake Watershed

The Jewell County Conservation District office learned on Tuesday afternoon of a federal assistance program which may be of interest to land owners in some parts of the county.

Milford Lake Watershed Partners, in conjunction with the Milford Lake Watershed Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), this week announced financial assistance is available to help improve nutrient management within the Milford Lake Watershed. It is a partnership effort to improve water quality conditions within Milford Lake.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) have been an issue in Milford Lake for many years, including this year. To help improve nutrient management which can result in decreased runoff which contributes to the formation of HABs within the lake, Milford Lake Watershed Partners are providing this funding opportunity for cropland and livestock-related conservation practices above Milford Lake. Eligible areas for this funding includes portions of Jewell, Republic, Washington, Mitchell, Cloud, Clay, Riley, Dickinson and Geary counties.

Landowners interested in participating within the eligible areas are encouraged to contact their local county conservation district or Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) Coordinator to apply. A number of nutrient management-related conservation practices are eligible through this initiative, with a focus on nutrient management planning, no-till and cover crops, and livestock accessibility to riparian areas.

Applications for this continued round of funding will be accepted through the close of business on Sept. 8. It is not guaranteed that adequate funding will be available to provide financial assistance to all eligible applications.

State funding for the Milford Lake Watershed RCPP is supported by Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas Legislature through funding within the State Water Plan Fund to address priority water resource issues and projects recommended by the Kansas Water Authority.

For additional information on partner efforts within the Milford Lake Watershed, visit http://www.milfordwater shed.org.