Eric Banks, State Conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today that  funds are available for an edge-of-field water quality monitoring program under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).  Producers in Headwaters Grasshopper Creek in the Delaware River Watershed in southcentral Brown County and small portions of Atchison and Jackson Counties may apply.  Applications must be received by July 18, 2014. 

 Headwaters Grasshopper Creek is a 22,000-acre watershed that was selected in 2012 for the National Water Quality Initiative to improve water quality in small watersheds for nutrient, sediment, and pathogen concerns.

 “NRCS is seeking producers to monitor the water quality benefits of a variety of conservation practices, such as no-till, cover crops, and grassed waterways on their land,” said Banks.  “The data from the monitoring will show the impacts of voluntary conservation practices on water quality, and will be used to validate NRCS water quality modeling efforts that will benefit agriculture across the nation.”  The results will also be used to help farmers adapt their management to gain even greater water quality benefits that are compatible with agriculture production goals.  

 As monitoring progress is made, NRCS will be better able to focus conservation practices on the areas of greatest need using the most effective conservation systems.  EQIP contracts for edge-of-field monitoring may extend for a total of 10 years. 

 For more information about NRCS and its programs, stop by your local USDA Service Center or go to the Web site www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov.  Follow us on Twitter @NRCS_Kansas.  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.