Vermillion Headwaters Watershed Partnership
The Vermillion Headwaters is one of Illinois' newest watersheds in the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service's "Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative" (MRBI). The Initiative is working to improve the health of the Mississippi River Basin's water quality and wildlife habitat by helping producers voluntary implement certain conservation practices.
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"This new project is the direct result of hard work and participation of farmers in the neighboring Indian Creek Watershed," said Terry Bachtold, an agriculture coordinator with Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District. "Over 60 percent oof farmers in Indian Creek are implementing conservation practices without compromising profitability of their farms, demonstrating that a voluntary action does work."
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Due to the Watershed's priority status, there is extra funding from the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and the
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Conservations Stewardship Program (CSP) for the Vermillion Headwater. If your farm is in the watershed, you can apply for the cost-share money by contacting Dennis Vollmer, the NRCS District Conservationist at (815)432-3946 Ext. 3 or dennis.vollmer@il.usda.gov
Ford and Livingston County SWCDs are partnering with American Farmland Trust (AFT) to promote these programs and engage with local farmers, landowners and ag dealers on these issues. In 2015, a steering committee was formed of local farmers. ag dealers, and ag agency representatives to direct our efforts. Pleas contact us if you would like to join the Vermillion Headwaters Steering Committee.
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If you would like to be added to the Vermillion Headwaters FLASH group please contact Ford County Soil and Water.