USDA invests $19 million in Southern Illinois conservation project

By Andi Anderson

The USDA has announced a significant investment of nearly $19 million in a conservation project in southern Illinois, led by Ducks Unlimited. This initiative aims to help farmers in targeted watersheds reduce sediment movement and improve downstream aquatic habitats.

This funding is part of a larger $1.5 billion USDA investment through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which supports 92 conservation projects. The RCPP is a collaborative approach to conservation, addressing natural resource challenges on agricultural land.

Partners will contribute an additional $968 million to enhance the impact of the federal investment. These projects will assist farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in adopting and expanding voluntary, locally led conservation strategies to enhance natural resources.

The Illinois project, titled “Reducing Sedimentation to Improve Southern Illinois Aquatic Habitats,” focuses on the Mississippi River Basin. The goals include restoring approximately 130 acres of wetlands, establishing 977 acres of native vegetation buffers, and implementing 48,865 acres of no-till cover crops. These efforts aim to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus runoff and sequester carbon.

Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited, highlighted the benefits of the grants, stating that they will support farmers and ranchers in making their operations more sustainable while also improving habitats for waterfowl and other wildlife.

This project exemplifies the USDA’s commitment to conservation and sustainable agriculture, providing significant benefits to both the environment and the agricultural community in southern Illinois.

Photo Credit: usda