The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District received one of 6 Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) grants in Nebraska to fund area projects.
Created by the 2014 Farm Bill, the RCPP is a partner-driven, locally-led approach to conservation. It offers new opportunities for USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to harness innovation, welcome new partners to the conservation mission, and demonstrate the value and efficacy of voluntary, private lands conservation.
In 2016, NRCS is investing up to $220 million in 84 high-impact projects that impact every state in the nation, including six in Nebraska. This investment, which builds on the $370 million invested for 2014 and 2015, will help conservation partners and agricultural producers conserve natural resources, leading to cleaner and more abundant water, healthier soil, enhanced wildlife habitat and many other benefits.
NRCS State Conservationist Craig Derickson said “Nebraska’s conservation partnership is tailor-made to take full advantage of the RCPP. We put out a call for innovative projects, and our partners answered with creative, locally-led approaches to address natural resource challenges. NRCS has a long, successful history working with Natural Resources Districts and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. We look forward to working with these partners to help protect Nebraska’s natural resources.”