The Lower Big Blue NRD, in partnership with NRCS, NDEE and Nebraska Extension would like to notify landowners in Turkey Creek Watershed that applications for conservation work are now being accepted.  Turkey Creek is one of two priority watersheds through the National Water Quality Initiative. The goal of this initiative is to improve water quality in impaired watersheds located in eastern Nebraska. Participants have until July 15th to apply at the Natural resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Wilber, Nebraska. The Turkey Creek National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) project aims to address water quality concerns for nitrates, Atrazine, and E. Coli. The project encompasses more than 75,000 acres from Southwest of Crete to Southwest of DeWitt and includes the Wellhead protection areas for the city of Wilber and DeWitt. A map of the project area is attached.

Cost share and incentives will be provided through this project to assist producers in adopting Best Management Practices (BMP’s) to reduce E. coli, Atrazine, and nitrate contamination. Featured BMPs will include, but not be limited to cover crops, crop rotation including small grains, integrated pest management to reduce Atrazine use, nutrient and irrigation management to improve timing and reduce the quantity of nitrogen and water applications, manure composting and storage, improved grazing management and limited stream access, restoration of stream buffers and riparian zones, and upgrading residential septic systems.

If you are interested in learning more about the cost share opportunities, you are encouraged to contact Jerry Bucy, Special Projects Coordinator at 402-228-3402 or bucy [at] lbbnrd.net.