Farmers Helping Hellbenders Project

Funding is now available to producers in the Blue River-Sinking Watershed to implement conservation practices on their land to assist with the recovery of Eastern Hellbenders and improvement of aquatic resources. This funding is provided through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) and will assist farmers in implementing practices designed to keep nutrients.

This photo is a map depicting the Blue River-Sinking watershed boundary and the 4 counties within that watershed that are part of the project area: Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, and Washington. Applications that fall within this watershed boundary are eligible to compete for funding.

RCPP FY23 FUNDED PRACTICES

Practices	Planned Amount	$
Cover Crops	5181.9 ac	$213,927.87
Critical Area Planting	4.4 ac	$2,625.00
Field Border	1.1 ac	$536.00
Mulching	5.1 ac	$5,784.00
Nutrient Management DIA	2 plans	$10,140.00
Nutrient Management	4820.4 ac	$292,485.00
Grassed Waterways	0.7 ac	$2,332.00
Lined Waterway or Outlet	564.7 CuYd	$60,316.00
Grade Stabilization Structure	376.8 SqFt	$5,091.00
Subsurface Drain	1727 ft	$3,161.00
Underground Outlet	30 ft	$2,162.00
Fence	700 ft	$1,246.00
Access Control	0.3 ac	$16.00
Total		$599,821.87

Improving Water Quality Around
Your Farm
FNR-526-WV

Improving Water Quality At Your Livestock Operation
FNR-528-WV

Improving Water Quality by Protecting Sinkholes on Your Property
FNR-537-WV

How Do I Apply?

Eligible producers and forest land owners who wish to implement conservation practices on their land should discuss their options with their local district conservationist. For more information or to submit an application, contact your local district conservationist.

USDA Farmers.gov