The Benton County Soil Conservation District (SCD) tentatively has been approved for a grant from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. The district is receiving $30,000 to be used in the Ramble Creek, Rushing Creek, Birdsong Creek, and Dry Creek watersheds to help control erosion and improve water quality.
The state has a strict set of guidelines on how this money can be used. Best management practices such as grade control structures, exclusion fencing to keep livestock out of streams, alternative watering facilities for livestock, cropland conversion to grass, and cover crops for cropland are some of the acceptable uses for these funds.
Landowners in Benton County landowners with land in the approved watershed areas who apply for SCD funding are eligible to receive a possible 75 percent cost-share assistance on approved projects. The SCD will have a sign-up period until Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Shortly after the end of the sign-up period, the SCD board will set priorities on how the funds will be used. For more information, contact District Conservationist James Woodall at 731-584-8125, ext. 3, at the USDA Service office located in Camden at 205 Hwy. 641. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
