Financial assistance available for projects in the Neosho River Basin Watershed and Elk City Lake

Gary O’Neill, state conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Oklahoma, is excited to announce a voluntary sign-up period for the 2018 Regional Conservation Partnership Program by April 20. NRCS in Oklahoma announces an opportunity for producers to apply for financial assistance to install conservation practices through the middle and lower Neosho River Basin Watershed and The Elk City Lake Water Quality RCPP.

Middle and Lower Neosho River Basin Watershed project will pool Kansas and Oklahoma state and federal resources to address water quality concerns in the middle and lower Neosho River Basin, which affects water quality at Grand Lake. Partners in the Middle and Lower Neosho River Basin RCPP will work with landowners in these watersheds to install conservation measures that reduce delivery of pollutants (nutrients, sediment and bacteria) that contribute to problems in the lake.

Elk City Lake Water Quality RCPP project will pool state and NRCS resources to address water quality concerns in the Elk City Lake Watershed. Originally built in 1970 for flood control, the lake is also used as a recreational spot for boaters and fisherman alike. The Lake has become impaired by excess turbidity, recent blue green algae blooms and fish kills that has increased its priority for rehabilitation. The partners in the Elk City Lake Watershed will work with landowners to help in reducing nutrients and sediment that help in contributing to problems in the Elk City Lake watershed.

For more information on applying for RCPP 2018 projects, interested individuals should contact NRCS as soon as possible to ensure they are eligible prior to the deadline of April 20. Should you have more questions or wish to apply, please contact your local NRCS field service center.