Lawrence County Soil & Water Conservation District

Emergency Conservation Assistance Program

COVER CROP FUNDS AVAILABLE

Due to the unusual amount of rainfall and flooding in the state of Indiana, the State Soil Conservation Board (SSCB) voted on August 19, 2008 to allot funding to Soil and Water Conservation Districts that sustained the most severe damage. In July of 2008 all the Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) who serve the primary and contiguous federally declared disaster counties were able to turn in Emergency Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) forms as part of a county assessment. From those assessments as well as additional assessments from public and private entities, the SSCB was able to determine rehabilitation estimates and allocate disaster funding as made available through state or federal sources.

The funding that Lawrence County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) will receive will be used for cover crops. Crops including cereal rye, oats and winter wheat are planted to temporarily protect the ground from wind and water erosion during times when cropland isn't adequately protected against soil erosion. Cover crops keep ground covered, adds organic matter to the soil, trap nutrients, improves soil tilth and reduce weed competition.

The Lawrence County SWCD will be accepting applications from landowners interested in doing cover crops on a first come first serve basis with fields with flood damage areas receiving a priority until the funds are depleted. The SWCD will be paying $20.00 per acre with a 80 acre cap. The SWCD office is located at 1919 Steven Ave., Bedford. You may contact Marsha Ralston, District Coordinator, with questions by calling 812-279-8117, ext. 3.