Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative Announces Additional Funding
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The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced additional funding to address conservation needs in the Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative Area. The focus will be to reduce soil erosion and improve fish and wildlife habitat on cold water streams, working lands, woodlands, and prairies.
“The Driftless Area is such a unique landscape, having been by-passed by the glaciers of the last Ice Age,” says Jason Thomas, NRCS District Conservationist for Green County. “However, our steep topography leaves it especially vulnerable to soil erosion. This special initiative is a great opportunity for us to focus on conservation activites that improve cold water stream habitat, forest management, water quality and wildlife habitat in this part of the state.” This Initiative is to restore, improve and protect the unique and diverse species found in the region’s working lands, forests, streams and prairies.
This 2015 signup is targeting specific watersheds in the Driftless Area. Across the southwestern part of the state six watersheds have been identified.
The eligible watersheds are: Buffalo-Whitewater; Trempealeau; Black; Kickapoo; Lower Wisconsin and Pecatonica.
Applications due by May 15, 2015
Farm and woodland owners in the selected watersheds may apply at any time, but applications need to be received by May 15, 2015, in order to be considered for funding at this time. Many practices are available depending on the land use and conservation need. For example: On cold water trout streams: streambank protection and stream habitat; On cropland: grassed waterway, field border, grade stabilization; On pasture: prescribed grazing, watering facilities, fencing; On forestland: forest stand improvement, forest management plan, tree/shrub establishment; On prairie/savanna: conservation cover, prescribed burning, brush management.
Interested landowners should contact the NRCS office at the local USDA Service Center, at 1627 4th Avenue West, Monroe, WI, or by telephone at (608) 325-4195, Ext. 101.