Conservation Implementation Strategy (CIS) Project Clear Lake and Hidewood Creek Water Quality Project will soon be underway in Deuel and Hamlin Counties, South Dakota, serving the community and improving land quality. This three-year project is one of 12 selected in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 and federally-funded through the NRCS conservation programs in the 2018 Farm Bill.
The purpose of this project is to improve water quality and will be implemented by the NRCS in collaboration with farmers, ranchers, and landowners. Those within the project area are eligible to apply for financial assistance. While applications are accepted year-round, the batching date for applications is February 3, 2023.
The NRCS’ conservation specialists and partners are coordinating these projects throughout the state. Through collectively focusing expertise and resources on the highest priority resource concerns in the highest priority areas, CIS projects can yield impressive returns. Collaborative funding and support from other agencies and groups create a coordinated community effort and focus on issues of concern.The Clear Lake and Hidewood Creek Water Quality Project partners with farmers and ranchers to directly benefit water quality and soil health. Project sponsors identified livestock water and soil erosion as resource concerns and developed this CIS project to address the situation.
“Improving water quality within the Clear Lake and Hidewood Creek Watershed will have a lasting benefit for Deuel and Hamlin Counties,” says Amy Engels, District Conservationist, in Clear Lake.
To apply to be a part of this project, find and contact your local NRCS Service Center at www.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/find-a-service-center, or contact Amy Engels at (605) 874-8225, Ext. 3. For more information on the CIS in South Dakota, or if you have ideas for a project, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/eqip-environmental-quality-incentives/south-dakota/south-dakota-conservation, or contact Jeff Vander Wilt, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, at jeffrey.vanderwilt@usda.gov or (605) 352-1226.
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