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The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (“NRCS”) issued a December 21st news release announcing it will add 30 new watersheds in 2018 as part of its National Water Quality Initiative (“NWQI”).

Three Arkansas watersheds are currently part of the NWQI and an additional one has been added with this announcement.

The NWQI has been in place for seven years. The NRCS states that it focuses resources on watersheds with the greatest need and “where farmers, ranchers and forest landowners can use conservation practices to make a difference.”

The NWQI provides farmers, ranchers and forest landowners personalized advice and financial assistance through a program known as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Conservation systems addressed as part of the initiative include:

. . .practices that promote soil health, reduce erosion and lessen nutrient runoff, such as cover crops, reduced tillage and nutrient management; waste management systems that treat agricultural waste and livestock manure; irrigation systems that capture and recycle nutrients back to the field; and wetland restoration that increases wildlife habitat, mitigates flooding, and improves water quality.

NRCS states that such practices “not only benefit natural resources but enhance agricultural productivity and profitability by improving soil health and optimizing the use of agricultural inputs.”

Arkansas watersheds that are currently part of the program include:

• Cousart Bayou-Little Cypress Bayou
• Upper Deep Bayou
• Lower Deep Bayou

The additional site added is:

• Buffalo Slough-Cache River

A copy of the news release can be downloaded here.