Indiana NRCS Accepting Second Round Applications Farmers Helping Hellbenders RCPP Project
Applications are still being accepted to assist with the recovery of Eastern Hellbenders and improvement of aquatic resources in southcentral Indiana.
Damarys Mortenson, state conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Indiana announced today that applications are still being accepted to assist with the recovery of Eastern Hellbenders and improvement of aquatic resources in southcentral Indiana. This funding is provided through NRCS’ Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) and will assist farmers in implementing practices designed to keep nutrients and soil resources on fields and improve their watershed. Eligible farmers are encouraged to contact their local NRCS office before May 10 to apply for the second round of funding.
The Farmers Helping Hellbenders RCPP project is led by Purdue University with assistance from 13 collaborating public and private organizations on the state and local level including NRCS. The goals of the project include improved water quality, enhanced aquatic habitat, increased aquatic wildlife populations, increased riparian and pollinator habitat and protection of karst topography. Indiana eligible practices for farmers in the project area include conservation cover, grassed waterways, wildlife habitat planting, nutrient management, riparian buffers and many others.
“The Farmers Helping Hellbenders RCPP project enables us to leverage partnerships to make a lasting positive impact on the habitat of the Eastern Hellbender salamander,” said Mortenson. “This project allows Indiana farmers and forestland owners to conserve the vital natural resources on their land while also protecting the habitat for hellbenders and other aquatic animals. It is a win-win.”
The total financial assistance to landowners over the three-year project is more than $1.9 million and is available for agricultural lands in portions of Washington, Harrison, Crawford, and Floyd counties, the only remaining area in Indiana where the Eastern Hellbender can be found and is currently being actively managed.
While NRCS accepts program applications year-round, Indiana producers and landowners should apply by May 10 to be considered for the current RCPP-Hellbender funding cycle. Eligible producers and forestland owners who wish to implement conservation practices on their land should discuss their options with their local district conservationist. Applications received after May 10 will automatically be considered during the next funding cycle.
Visit https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/indiana/RCPP to learn more about RCPP or click visit www.farmers.gov/service-locator to find your local USDA-NRCS service center.