By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $1.5 billion in funding for 92 conservation projects under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
Among these is the Wabash River Project, which will receive $15.75 million to advance conservation and climate-smart agriculture across the central Wabash River Basin in Indiana and Illinois.
This significant investment supports collaborative efforts to address resource challenges in the region.
This initiative is bolstered by funding from the Farm Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act, which has enabled USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to expand its conservation impact.
The Inflation Reduction Act marks the largest investment in climate and conservation action, dedicating $19.5 billion to enhance USDA programs like RCPP.
The Wabash River RCPP Project, led by The Nature Conservancy, aims to implement critical conservation practices to improve water quality, enhance habitat, and address climate needs.
The project will focus on reducing sediment and nutrient pollution in the Wabash River Basin, which spans 44 watersheds. Conservation strategies include in-field and edge-of-field practices to decrease runoff and sediment load, improving habitat quality for diverse freshwater species.
Progress will be measured by annual biological assessments and monitored through Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) models and data.
Damarys Mortenson, NRCS State Conservationist for Indiana, highlighted the program’s impact, saying, “The Regional Conservation Partnership Program is a powerful public-private partnership that increases our conservation reach, supporting Indiana’s farmers while protecting natural resources.”
Nationwide, other RCPP-funded projects address various conservation needs, such as reducing methane emissions from livestock and restoring wildlife habitat. Additionally, USDA has set aside $100 million for Tribal-led conservation initiatives, supporting Tribal communities through projects that protect and restore native lands.
Through this funding, the Wabash River Project and other RCPP initiatives work to achieve sustainable conservation practices, benefiting agriculture, local ecosystems, and climate resilience across Indiana, Illinois, and beyond.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy