NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, Huron, SD, February 7, 2018– USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in South Dakota is holding a state-level signup for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) with the area of consideration in the Lewis and Clark/Lower James River Watershed. This area includes portions of Kingsbury, Jerauld, Sanborn, Miner, Brule, Aurora, Davison, Hanson, McCook, Todd, Tripp, Gregory, Charles Mix, Douglas, Hutchinson, Bon Homme, and Yankton Counties.

The batching date is March 16. Landowners and producers are encouraged to visit the NRCS office at their local USDA Service Center to find out more information and register early.

This program provides a new approach to conservation, said Jennifer Wurtz, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) program coordinator for the NRCS in South Dakota. “The RCPP offers a unique opportunity to harness innovation and welcome new partners into the conservation mission.  The program partners are in the driver’s seat, allowing them to find creative solutions to the conservation issues in their areas.”

“Emphasis will be placed on practices that will have a direct impact on improving water quality. Practices would include those that limit animal contact with flowing streams, practices that would increase infiltration rates in cropping fields assisting soil health, and those that would eliminate animal waste from impairing streams”, said Rocky Knippling, project coordinator.

The RCPP provides a way for private companies, Tribes, local communities, and non-government partners to collaborate and invest in cleaner water and air, healthier soil, and enhanced wildlife habitat. It will enable USDA to partner with third parties or work directly with producers in watersheds and other critical conservation areas to leverage private sector funding to maximize conservation investments.

To learn about technical and financial assistance available through conservation programs, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted or local USDA service center.