Indiana NRCS accepting applications for Farmers Helping Hellbenders RCPP project – February 17, 2023
Applications are being accepted through March 31 from farmers and forestland owners in portions of Washington, Harrison, Crawford, and Floyd counties.
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 and soil resources on fields and improve their watershed.
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. Eligible producers and forestland owners who wish to implement conservation practices on their land should discuss their options with their local district conservationist.
While NRCS accepts program applications year-round, Indiana producers and landowners should apply by March 31, 2023, to be considered for the current RCPP-Hellbender funding cycle. Applications received after March 31 will automatically be considered during the next funding cycle. For more information or to submit an application, contact your local district conservationist by visiting farmers.gov/service-locator (https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator).