About the Program
A new 5-year conservation program is coming to the Maple River Watershed. Improving Stream Habitat in the Maple River Watershed project, part of the USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), is bringing nearly $600,000 in conservation funding to farmers in the watershed to improve fish habitat and water quality. The conservation practices implemented through this program increase water infiltration and help enhance groundwater replenishment. Water quality benefits from reduced erosion and nutrient runoff, coupled with stable stream temperatures provided by groundwater, improve fish habitat in the Maple River Watershed. Conservation financial assistance for the project is provided through the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Financial assistance supports agricultural practices that increase groundwater replenishment such as irrigation water management and irrigation systems, drainage water management and water control structures, residue and tillage management practices, grassed waterways, and filter strips.
The program will track impacts on groundwater and sediment using the Great Lakes Watershed Management System (GLWMS). The GLWMS is an online mapping and modeling tool that estimates field-scale impacts of conservation practices. Our team is using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), USDA Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), and a GIS-based Delivery Model for Diffuse Source Pollutants (SEDMOD) within the GLWMS to model field-scale impacts. Training material and technical information will be available this spring.
The program will track impacts on groundwater and sediment using the Great Lakes Watershed Management System (GLWMS). The GLWMS is an online mapping and modeling tool that estimates field-scale impacts of conservation practices. Our team is using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), USDA Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), and a GIS-based Delivery Model for Diffuse Source Pollutants (SEDMOD) within the GLWMS to model field-scale impacts. Training material and technical information will be available this spring.
Project goals
Replenish 155 million gallons of water
Keep 3 million pounds of soil on farm fields
Treat over 4,000 acres of farmland
Keep 3 million pounds of soil on farm fields
Treat over 4,000 acres of farmland
Project partners
The Maple RCPP is bringing together a diverse set of partners to deliver conservation in the Maple River Watershed.
Contact us to get involved.
Contact us to get involved.