Indianapolis, IN, February 12, 2020 – State Conservationist Jerry Raynor announced today that Indiana’s USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is making available $8 million to help landowners protect and restore key farmlands, grasslands and wetlands across Indiana. The funding is provided through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), created to protect critical water resources and wildlife habitat, and encourage private owners to maintain land f

6/13/2018 9:15 am We’ve got some exciting news! I was out in the prairie below the house this morning and spooked up two majestic Sandhill Cranes which is always a thrill but what came next was even better. I continued up the trail towards the house and came across a pretty good-sized tan colored chick. The first thing that flashed in my mind was “How did one of Charlotte’s chicks get way out here” but then I saw the legs and made the connection. It was a Sandhill Crane chick

Indianapolis, IN, May 16, 2018 – Acting State Conservationist Gerald Roach announced today that Indiana’s USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). ACEP restores and protects Indiana’s critical wetlands and grasslands which helps productive farms remain in agriculture and provides important habitat for wildlife and plant species. Applications are due on or before August 17thto be c

Indianapolis, IN, February 9, 2017 – Jane Hardisty, State Conservationist for Indiana’s USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today that NRCS is accepting applications until March 15 to be considered for second round funding to improve water quality seven counties in northern Indiana. Dollars are still available for the St. Joseph River Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This project will help improve water quality and strengthen agricul

Indianapolis, IN, December 12, 2016 – State Conservationist Jane Hardisty announced today that Indiana’s USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is making available $13 million in financial and technical assistance through the Wetland Reserve Easement Program (WRE). NRCS will accept WRE applications to protect Indiana’s critical wetlands, home to diverse wildlife and plant species. Private landowners, tribes, and other eligible entities must submit applications f