Gilchrist watershed was selected by the Natural Resources Conservation Service for the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI).  There were only three watersheds nationwide selected.   All three watersheds are impaired due to sediment and turbidity.  The Gilchrist Lake watershed is also impaired due to nutrients.  In addition, all three watersheds have at least one impaired water body.  These watersheds are approximately 20,000 acres in size.  The Gilchrist Lake watershed is a tributary to the Chippewa River and is located in the southeast portion of Pope County.  The primary land use in this watershed is cropland and pasture.

Landowners in this priority watershed can be eligible for additional funding for putting conservation on the ground to improve water quality.

If you are in this priority watershed and are interested in completing a conservation practice contact the NRCS office at 320-634-5143.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) was reauthorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill) to provide a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land.

EQIP offers contracts with a minimum term that ends one year after the implementation of the last scheduled practices and a maximum term of ten years. These contracts provide financial assistance to implement conservation practices. Owners of land in agricultural production or persons who are engaged in livestock or agricultural production on eligible land may participate in the EQIP program. Program practices and activities are carried out according to an EQIP program plan of operations developed in conjunction with the producer that identifies the appropriate conservation practice or measures needed to address the resource concerns. The practices are subject to NRCS technical standards adapted for local conditions.

EQIP provides payments up to 75 percent of the incurred costs and income foregone of certain conservation practices and activities. However certain historically underserved producers (Limited resource farmers/ranchers, beginning farmers/ranchers, socially disadvantaged producers) may be eligible for payments up to 90 percent of the estimated incurred costs and income foregone. Farmers and ranchers may elect to use a certified Technical Service Provider (TSP) for technical assistance needed for certain eligible activities and services. The new Farm Bill established a new payment limitation for individuals or legal entity participants who may not receive, directly or indirectly, payments that, in the aggregate, exceed $300,000 for all program contracts entered during any six year period. Projects determined as having special environmental significance may, with approval of the NRCS Chief, have the payment limitation raised to a maximum of $450,000.

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For more information contact the NRCS District Conservationist at 320-634-5327

Enrollment into the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CCRP) can occur at any time throughout the year. Applicants are automatically accepted into the program provided the land and producer meets the eligibility requirements. The landowner can pick from a variety of specialized practices to meet their conservation goals:

• Riparian Buffers
• Filter Strips
• Wetland Restoration
• Farmable Wetlands
• Grass Waterways
• Shelterbelts
• Living Snow Fences
• Field Windbreaks
• Contour Grass Strips
• Duck Nesting Habitat
• Pollinator Habitat
• State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement
• Wildlife Food Plots

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/mn/programs/?cid=nrcs142p2_02365

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary program offered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) that helps protect environmentally sensitive land by converting the area to perennial vegetative cover. The goals of this program are to control soil erosion, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat.  CRP has also helped increase populations of pheasants, quail, ducks, sage grouse, the lesser prairie chicken, and other grassland birds. Landowners can enroll their land into the program for 10-15 years and in return, FSA will provide annual rental payments, possible incentive payments, as well as cost share for practice establishment and management.
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/index

General Conservation Reserve Program
Sign up for the general Conservation Reserve Program is announced periodically and landowners have to submit a competitive offer in order to enroll. These contracts are then ranked according to the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI). The practices offered in a general sign-up differ from CCRP and are better suited for larger tracts of land. These practices include:

• Native Grass, Forb, and Legume Establishment
• Softwood Tree Planting
• Hardwood Tree Planting
• Permanent Wildlife Habitat
• Flood Control Structure