The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the National Water Quality Initiative for Hilo Bay in Hawaii County. The application signup deadline for this initiative is March 21. Funding will be dedicated to address specific water quality issues on qualified agricultural land, which includes forest land.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the National Water Quality Initiative for Hilo Bay in Hawaii County. The application signup deadline for this initiative is March 21. Funding will be dedicated to address specific water quality issues on qualified agricultural land, which includes forest land.
“We are pleased to offer this federal funding to assist the nine designated watersheds in Hilo,” said Christine Clarke, acting director for the NRCS Pacific Islands Area. “NRCS continues to focus on critical areas where we can make positive changes in the environment through land conservation activities to improve and enhance water quality in important areas such as Hilo Bay.”
In 2013, NRCS obligated $346,684 to contracts that would improve water quality from animal feeding operations. In 2012, NRCS obligated $374,413 to contracts addressing non-point source water quality issues on grazed lands. In 2014, we have an allocation of $361,000 to address water quality degradation natural resource concerns for eligible agricultural producers on eligible lands. Eligible lands include cropland, pasture, range, non-industrial private forest lands and animal feeding operations on farmsteads.
Interested applicants should contact Kori Hisashima, district conservationist at the NRCS Hilo Field Office, at 933-8359. Visit www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov for more information.