Cost Share Funds to Improve Agricultural Practices Benefit Operators and Water Quality

To help meet our TMDL goals, the Lower Boise Watershed Council assists with implementing water quality improvement projects. One component of this work is a grant program (PDF, 445 KB) for agricultural operations in Canyon County that apply water quality conservation measures. This program has been initiated to address agricultural impacts to water quality by reducing sediment, nutrient, and bacteria levels in Hartley Gulch, Lower Indian Creek, Mason Creek, Conway Gulch, and Dixie Slough.

Participation in the program is voluntary and offers cost-share opportunities to improve agricultural practices that benefit both operators and water quality in our valley. The project provides cost share funds to install Best Management Practices such as sediment basins and sediment ponds, filter strips, polyacrylamide application, wetlands, irrigation system improvements and irrigation water management, and nutrient management. The Idaho Soil Conservation Commission is providing technical support and engineering assistance will be available as needed.

Available state funds over a 3-year period total $250,000. Applications will be accepted on a continual basis from 2009 to 2011 based on the availability of funds.