Agricultural Resources & Programs
Stay up-to-date on current programs and agricultural assistance opportunities on this page! If you have questions or want to talk to a technician, call us at (419) 893-1966.
NRCS Ohio Wetland Reserve Easement Program - FY 2023 Funding Available
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USDA’s Ohio Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications from landowners interested in restoring, enhancing, and protecting wetlands with financial and technical assistance through the Wetlands Reserve Easement Program (WRE). The deadline to receive fiscal year 2023 funding is February 17, 2023.
The Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) can help landowners protect land from development, restore critical wildlife habitat for outdoor recreation, and improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals and reducing flooding. |
Lake Erie CREP - Funding Available
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the State of Ohio are partners in implementing a voluntary Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) to enroll up to 67,000 acres of agricultural land in the Lake Erie watershed within the State of Ohio. The purpose of the Ohio Lake Erie Watershed CREP is to create permanent vegetative cover adjacent to rivers and streams within the Lake Erie Watershed to increase wildlife populations as well as sustain suspended solids levels.
Participants remove cropland and marginal pastureland from agricultural production and convert the land to grasses, trees, or wetlands. |
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For information and updates to the H2Ohio Program, please visit this page or contact Matthew Browne, H2Ohio Technician at (419) 893-1966 ext. 3# or (419) 377-0901. |
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To see a list of nutrient service providers who have earned certification under the
4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program, visit this page. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program encourages agricultural retailers and independent crop consultants to adopt proven best practices through the 4Rs, which refers to using the Right Source of Nutrients at the Right Rate and Right Time in the Right Place. |
Protect yourself & Lake Erie! Know the Nutrient Application Rules
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Nutrient application rules, pertaining to both manure and fertilizer, are in effect for farmers in the Western Lake Erie Basin. Visit the ODA website to read the state law and check the 48-hour weather forecast before applying to ensure you are not in violation. If you have questions or if you believe there has been a violation of this law, please call the Lucas SWCD office.
Other Resources for Nutrient Application:
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Remember to check the local forecast before you apply!
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Horse Manure Management: Solutions for You
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An average 1,000-pound horse produces approximately 11 tons of waste (manure plus bedding material) per year! This waste requires proper storage and disposal to avoid negatively impacting the water quality of nearby streams and lakes. The Lucas SWCD also offers to take manure from local horse owners and turn it into valuable compost at our low-cost state certified facility in Whitehouse, Ohio. View/download our informational brochure
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If you are interested in implementing a best management practice on your land or enrolling in one of the available agricultural assistance programs listed below, contact our office today!
Our staff is available to help you with the process:
Matthew Browne, H2Ohio Technician - (419) 893-1966 ext. 3#
Dj Mears, Drainage/Agricultural Conservationist - (419) 893-1966 ext. 4#
For information on Soil Testing, please visit the Additional Resources page.
Explore the Agricultural BMPs page to learn more about ways you can
protect and improve the soil and water on your farm, and beyond.
Our staff is available to help you with the process:
Matthew Browne, H2Ohio Technician - (419) 893-1966 ext. 3#
Dj Mears, Drainage/Agricultural Conservationist - (419) 893-1966 ext. 4#
For information on Soil Testing, please visit the Additional Resources page.
Explore the Agricultural BMPs page to learn more about ways you can
protect and improve the soil and water on your farm, and beyond.
