WILMINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will offer an opportunity for agricultural producers to improve water quality in the East Fork Watersheds. The watersheds encompass parts of Brown, Clermont, Clinton, Highland and Warren Counties.

NRCS conservation professionals will provide technical assistance to help farmers, with approved applications, determine which conservation actions will provide the greatest environmental benefits to improve water quality. Utilizing effective nutrient management will help reduce nutrients and sediment from entering East Fork Lake while cover crops keep the ground covered to prevent soil erosion, trap nutrients, and improve soil health.

To help install conservation practices, NRCS will provide financial assistance to approved applicants through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). EQIP is a voluntary conservation program that helps agricultural producers protect the environment while promoting agricultural production. With EQIP, NRCS conservation experts provide technical assistance to implement environmentally beneficial conservation practices on working agricultural land.

Individuals interested in applying for the East Fork Clean Water Initiative should make an appointment with the local NRCS conservationist as soon as possible.

To learn more about EQIP or other technical and financial assistance available through NRCS conservation programs, visit Get Started with NRCS or visit your local USDA Service Center at 111 S. Nelson Ave., Suite 5, Wilmington or call 937-382-2315.