Summary of the Lake Erie Nutrient Reduction Program

Source cleanlakes.ohio.gov

The Lake Erie Nutrient Reduction Program (LE NRP) is a voluntary program that reimburses farmers to plant cover crops or install drainage management devices, such as controlled drainage structures or blind tile inlets. In addition to reducing runoff of nutrients and pesticides, the practices will allow farmers to manage and maintain the water from their fields after harvest and during the growing season, ultimately enhancing production. Cropland enrolled must be approved by local SWCD technical staff and ODNR Division of Soil and Water Resources area engineers.

Counties included in the new program are: Allen, Ashland, Auglaize, Crawford, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Huron, Lucas, Lorain, Marion, Medina, Mercer, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Shelby, Van Wert, Williams, Wood and Wyandot. Starting immediately, landowners in these counties can sign up for the program.

ODNR has committed $1.25 million to the program and anticipates planting cover crops on up to 25,000 acres as well as installing more than 300 structures. This funding is in addition to the $3.5 million already appropriated through the Ohio Clean Lakes initiative for best management practices and water quality monitoring.

Farmers and others owning land in one of the above counties are encouraged to contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District office.

Key points of the program:

• Each SWCD in the LE NRP area has a base amount (i.e. $50,000) in Allen, Auglaize, Crawford, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Huron, Lorain, Lucas, Medina, Mercer, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Sandusky, Seneca, Van Wert, Williams, Wood and Wyandot and $25,000 in Ashland, Marion, Richland and Shelby Counties.

• There will be a six month sign-up period to apply to the program Aug. 15, 2014 through March 1, 2015.

The three specific best management practices are:

1. Controlled Drainage Structures: pays $1,500-$4000 depending on size of system

2. Blind Inlets: pays $1,500-$4,000 depending on size of system

3. Cover Crops: pays $25/acre up to a 50 acres max. (must be planted on or by Oct.15)