The Role of Natural Resource Conservation Service Programs in Long-Term Watershed Protection

Flowing along Illinois’ borders and through its interior are more than 87,000 miles of rivers and streams. Many, if not most, of these waterways exist within or adjacent to agricultural land. This is not surprising as agricultural land covers 76.3 percent of Illinois’ surface area, with slightly more than 60 percent planted in soybeans and corn.

What do these statistics mean for watershed groups working to protect, conserve and restore their local/watershed and water resources?  In addition to working with citizens, small parcel landowners and local government, watershed groups need to engage more “non-traditional” groups to achieve long term watershed improvement.  In Illinois, farmers and ranchers are essential partners to include in watershed collaborative efforts.

In reaching out to the agricultural community, educational tools and incentive programs are as close as your area United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  Under the USDA, the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) administers a variety of voluntary programs designed to conserve and protect soil and water quality, restore and improve wetlands, grasslands and wildlife habitat primarily on agricultural lands.  In addition to a wealth of written program information, NRCS staff are invaluable technical partners in developing outreach efforts to farmers and ranchers.

Unfortunately, even with financial and technical assistance NRCS offers, only a small amount (635,000 acres) of Illinois’ agricultural lands are now being managed under Conservation Reserve Program plans which will protect, maintain and restore the quality of agricultural lands and their connected water systems.  Collaboration with farmers and ranchers presents a win-win solution to lessoning the adverse impacts agricultural activities have on riparian and other water-dependent ecosystems. Farmers receive financial incentives and technical expertise on improved practices that will preserve the natural resources they depend upon; these practices will then improve the quality of riparian ecosystems and waters for the benefit of the people, fish and wildlife in the watershed.

With all the benefits to be gained by enrolling in NRCS programs offer, there is little awareness of them among agricultural producers.  Watershed groups can play an instrumental role in education and ultimately participation by farmers and ranchers in these programs.

For more information about the history of the NRCS and program summaries click here.