Farmers in Gosper, Phelps, and Kearney counties have a new option to reduce irrigation water use in sprinkler corners and increase wildlife habitat if they enroll acres before a January 31^st deadline according to local officials.  These three counties are the boundaries of the Tri-Basin Natural Resources District, a partner in this ‘conservation corners’ initiative.

Steve Chick, state conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, said “the NRCS is contributing $500,000, the Tri-Basin NRD is adding $250,000, the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources is adding $125,000, the NE Game and Parks Commission is adding $125,000 and another $75,000 is expected from Pheasants Forever and other conservation groups.”  USDA dollars are coming through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program administered by NRCS.

“Corners of cropland irrigated two of the last five years, and at least five acres in size, are eligible to be enrolled,” said John Thorburn, Tri-Basin NRD general manager.  Payments will be $125 per acre per year if public access is allowed, or $100 per acre per year if the landowner chooses not to allow public access.

“This incentive will conserve water in the Platte and Republican river basins in irrigated corners where water application is usually not efficient and it will create or restore wildlife habitat,” said Thorburn. “This is a one-time sign-up and the contract term is for five years.  There are not any plans to repeat this sign-up in the future.  We hope to enroll 2,000 acres and reduce an estimated 20,800 acre feet of water pumped over the five years,” said Thorburn.

The “conservation corners” program calls for a USDA approved mix of warm season native grasses and legumes to be planted and control of noxious weeds; land must be classified as irrigated land for property tax and remain classified as irrigated land throughout the contract; grazing the corners will be allowed with an NRCS developed plan; haying will be prohibited; and mechanical weed control is allowed if NRCS determines it necessary as part of a wildlife plan; erecting structures or stock piling materials in the corners is prohibited.

“After January 31^st, we will rank the applications on hand and begin to write contracts.  We will continue to take applications, but the number contracts approved will depend on funding available,” said Chick.  People wishing more information, or to apply for funding, should contact their local Natural Resources Conservation Service or Tri-Basin NRD office in Holdrege NE.