Got Nature? Blog

Morning AgClips, Indianapolis, Accepting Applications for Farmers Helping Hellbenders — Funding is now available to producers in the Blue River-Sinking Watershed to implement conservation practices on their land to assist with the recovery of Eastern Hellbenders and improvement of aquatic resources. This funding is provided through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) and will assist farmers in implementing practices designed to keep nutrients and soil resources on fields and improve their watershed.

The Farmers Helping Hellbenders RCPP project is led by Purdue University with assistance from 13 collaborating public and private organizations on the state and local level including NRCS. Eligible producers and forestland owners who wish to implement conservation practices on their land should discuss their options with their local district conservationist.

While NRCS accepts program applications year-round, Indiana producers and landowners should apply by March 31, 2023 to be considered for the current RCPP-Hellbender funding cycle. Applications received after March 31 will automatically be considered during the next funding cycle. For more information or to submit an application, contact your local district conservationist by visiting Farmers.gov/Service-locator.

The goals of the Farmers Helping Hellbenders project include improved water quality due to decreases in runoff, improved aquatic habitat due to decreases in sedimentation, increases in Hellbender and other aquatic wildlife populations due to improved habitat and water quality, increases in riparian and pollinator habitat due to implementation of riparian buffers and pollinator-friendly species, and increased protection of karst due to reduced runoff into sinkholes.

“The Farmers Helping Hellbenders RCPP project enables us to leverage partnerships to make a lasting positive impact on the habitat of the Eastern Hellbender salamander,” said Acting State Conservationist Dan Hovland. “This project will enable Indiana farmers and forestland owners to conserve the vital natural resources on their land while also protecting the habitat for hellbenders and other aquatic animals. It is a win-win.”

The total financial assistance to landowners over the three-year project is more than $1.9 million and is available for agricultural lands in portions of Washington, Harrison, Crawford, and Floyd counties, the only remaining area in Indiana where the Eastern Hellbender can be found and is currently being actively managed.

“This project is the perfect opportunity for land managers to help an imperiled species, while maintaining productive working lands,” said Brianne Lowe, Indiana NRCS state biologist. “Hellbenders are particularly susceptible to sedimentation in the water. Farmers and forest landowners that implement conservation practices can help improve water quality by keeping soil on the land and protecting aquatic nesting beds for the hellbender.”

Indiana eligible practices for farmers in the Blue River-Sinking Watershed for this funding period include conservation cover, grassed waterways, wildlife habitat planting, and nutrient management, riparian buffers and many others. Eligible farmers are encouraged to contact their local NRCS office before March 31 to apply for the current funding cycle. This funding will enable producers to improve the health and productivity of their operations.

Visit https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/indiana/RCPP to learn more about RCPP or click visit www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator find your local USDA-NRCS service center.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service