By DEBORAH BEHRENDS
Illinois Correspondent

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois and Kaskaskia river basins are now part of an effort by federal and state authorities to conserve land and reduce erosion. The two basins are the newest inclusions in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), according to Mark Miller, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The DNR and the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) use the program to work with private landowners to develop conservation practices on erodible lands in the river basins. Such practices reduce runoff and sedimentation in rivers and streams, and make them more suitable for fish and other wildlife, while safeguarding ground and surface water.

“Since 1998, the USDA, through the Illinois Farm Service Agency, has partnered with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois Department of Agriculture and many other federal, state, local and nongovernmental agencies and groups to promote water quality and wildlife habitat enhancements,” said Illinois FSA Director Scherrie Giamanco.

The original goal of Illinois CREP was to enroll 232,000 acres. Since 1998, landowners have voluntarily enrolled 126,500. The expansion into the two new watersheds will allow for another 105,500 acres.
The Kaskaskia River watershed is the second largest river system in Illinois, flowing for 292 miles southwest into the Mississippi River.
The diverse habitats, including the largest contiguous hardwood bottomland forest in Illinois and two of the most significant grasslands in the state, play a major role in the Mississippi River flyway.

The Illinois River, a shipping route for more than 60 million tons of commodities annually, is crucial to Illinois and the nation economically and environmentally.

The program offers landowners both incentive payments and technical assistance on flood-prone or environmentally sensitive lands.

Conservation practices available include permanent native grasses, tree planting, hardwood tree planting, permanent wildlife habitat, filter strips, riparian buffer, wetland restoration, rare and declining habitat and wildlife food plot.

The program expansion means that landowners in 68 counties within the two watersheds are eligible for help. Signup will begin Dec. 1 and is scheduled to continue until the goal of 232,000 acres is complete.

Enrolled lands remain under a CREP contract for up to 15 years, Giamanco said.

For more information, contact local USDA Service Centers, FSA offices or Soil and Water Conservation District offices. Additional information is also available at www.fsa.usda.gov