Illinois
River
Watershed
Funded Research and Extension Conservation Projects
Poultry Practices
Phosphorus levels from poultry farming in the Illinois River Watershed have decreased recently because of appropriate management practices.
Phosphorus Removal
In the spring of 2014, an NRCS grant gave those involved in phosphorus removal in the Illinois River Watershed a grant to install a Phosphorus Removal Structure on a poultry farm in the watershed.
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Goals
The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) is a voluntary service provided to farmers across America by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This service gives farmers the opportunity to receive financial assistance, technical assistance and easements in order to aid crop production, as well as conservation efforts.
The overall goal of the NRCS is to work as a mediator between farmers and different forms of government in order to “maintain healthy and productive working landscapes.” Although the service originally focused on soils (as a result of the Dust Bowl in the 1930s), it has grown to include conservation practices for air, energy, plants and animals, people, soils, and water.
More information about the NRCS and its goals, practices and progress can be found on Natural Resource Conservation Service website.
Environment Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers through contracts up to a maximum term of ten years in length. These contracts provide financial assistance to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns and for opportunities to improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland. In addition, the purpose of EQIP is to help producers meet Federal, State, Tribal and local environmental regulations.
Follow this link for more information: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/
The Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program also provides practices for those interested in conservation activities and projects. Several of their standards have been put into practice in the Illinois River Watershed.