NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program – Glacial Lakes

The goal of the project is to protect and improve the water quality of glacial lakes and streams to meet all the beneficial uses as assigned by South Dakota and protect the water quality of lakes and streams that are not impaired. Additional concerns include erosion, wildlife habitat, degraded plant conditions, livestock production limitations, and soil quality limitations. Interested landowners and agricultural producers are encouraged to contact that local USDA service center for more information and to apply. While applications are accepted year-round, the review date for Fiscal Year 2024 funding is April 5, 2024.

“RCPP is an excellent way to deliver mission needs of NRCS and our partners with vital local knowledge coming from our partners. In this case, to improve the water quality of the lakes and streams in the Glacial Lakes region of South Dakota through a variety of practices aimed at improving runoff and erosion,” stated Matt Morlock, RCPP Coordinator, based out of Brookings, South Dakota. South Dakota NRCS is partnering with the Roberts Conservation District, who sponsored the Glacial Lakes RCPP project, in addition to Ducks Unlimited, South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and other partner organizations contributing to help conserve South Dakota’s natural resources.

The RCPP promotes coordination between NRCS and its partners to deliver conservation assistance to producers and landowners. The NRCS aids producers through partnership agreements and through program contracts or easement agreements. Assistance is delivered in accordance with the rules of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. To learn more about technical and financial assistance available through conservation programs, visit https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/find-a-service-center?state=46&county= to locate your local USDA Service Center.