Grant funds could provide learning tools for farmers

Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District applied for a $750,000 grant.

By Kathryn Alfisi ~ Southeast Missourian

The Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District is applying for a $750,000 grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources that would promote conservation among farmers.

Ramsey Creek, which flows through most of Scott City before it reaches the Diversion Channel, could see improvements through training provided by the grant.

Included in the grant application will be an article published in the Southeast Missourian last year about Scott City middle and high school students who studied quality of water in the creek during their school year as part of a watershed ecology study.

"The purpose of the grant is to improve the water quality in the watershed," said conservation district manager Kay Dover.

This is the second year in a row the conservation district has applied for the grant, which would allow it to participate in the DNR's Special Area Land Treatment Program (SALT). The district was turned down the first time around. The program provides technical and financial assistance to farmers within a watershed to implement conservation measures on their land.

Conservation measures include planting grass and shrubs or creating ponds to prevent soil erosion, which can lead to poor water quality and restrict water flow.

When soil from the land runs off into nearby water supplies it can bring with it fertilizer and pesticide residue and animal waste. In addition, the soil contains nutrients that can upset the chemistry of the water.

Other conservation measures include instructions on how to apply pesticides and fertilizers in an efficient manner so farmers do not have to use more than they need to.

"The funding is to provide incentives for landowners to implement conservation practices to prevent these things from occurring," said district conservationist Darin Gant. For those landowners who are already using some of these practices, Gant said, the program "gives them incentive to do more."

Farmers in Scott County would not be forced to participate in the program if the district is approved for the grant. Those interested in receiving financial and technical assistance would have to apply with the district to take part.

The district will then help the farmers develop a conservation plan, Gant said.

If the grant is approved, Ramsey Creek would not be the only watershed in Scott County under the SALT program The North Cut watershed in the southern part of the county is in its fourth year of the program.

"It's coming along quite nicely. Things are right on track," Gant said.

Dover said the application has passed the preliminary stages. The final version must be sent to the state by Feb. 4 The district will find out it was accepted in April, and funds would be available July 1.

kalfisi@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182