The CWI program is administrated by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Division of Soil Conservation, under the direction of the State Soil Conservation Board.

The Tippecanoe River Watershed was selected for the CWI grant because there are a variety of resource concerns that include: surface water quality, ground water quality, and threatened and endangered species. Approximately 24% of streams within the watershed have impairments that have been identified. Excessive amounts of sediment, nutrient, and bacteria degrade the water quality. 

Promotion of CREP practices and cost-sharing on cover crops will improve soil and water quality significantly by applying proven conservation practices to the land.

Cost-share will be provided to interested producers for planting or flying-on cover crops in Pulaski, Fulton, and White counties. Historically, there are more producers requesting cost-share assistance than counties have been able to provide. With funding through CWI, the cover crops that are so beneficial to the land and water will be increased in this area of the Tippecanoe River Watershed. 

In Pulaski County, the CWI grant includes a cost-share of $10 per acres on up to 50 acres with seed receipts due by Oct. 25. 

To participate in the CWI cover crop grant program, please pick up an application at the Pulaski County Soil & Water Conservation District or visit their website at http://pulaskiswcd.org.

For more information on cover crops and to see some different species and mixes, plan to attend a cover crop plot tour at 9 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, sponsored by the Pulaski County Soil & Water Conservation District. The cover crop plot is on CR 350 W, just north of CR 200 S. 

This information is provided by Julie Morris, Resource Specialist for the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA).