Rural and urban neighbors in the watershed are working together for an acceptable solution to water quality protection and farm/ranch profitability. Nutrient loading and soil loss have been identified as major threats to our waterways.

After meeting with farm and ranch producers; local, federal and state government agencies, wildlife organizations, and urban residents, cost share programs were established to meet our goals of improved water quality in the Upper Big Sioux River watershed.

It is our aim to be as flexible as possible with the cost share programs, but we need to work within guidelines established by the granting agencies. We will provide all technical assistance possible in the implementation of these practices.

Grazing (Holistic) Resource Management
Partnering with SD Game, Fish & Parks, Northern Prairies Land Trust, US Fish & Wildlife Service and US Natural Resources Conservation Service, planned grazing systems demonstrate that proper grazing can lead to improved plant vigor, resulting in bigger profits, increased infiltration, reduced water flows, and reduced sediment and nutrient loss to waterways. 

Included are: interior cross fencing, native grass seeding, and establishing alternate water sources. Individual plans will be developed cooperatively by the producer and project technicians. The plan will be based on producer goals, land/grass inventory, and water sources. Technicians will work on a yearly basis for three years to assist in the most beneficial rotation plan for the producer.

Small Ponds or Dams
These dams will be designed to slow water movement and reduce sediment loading from excessive runoff or spring melt. They may also be used for livestock and wildlife water. 

Location sites require a topography compatible with small dam design. Most structures will be in the steeper sloped uplands with small watersheds. Dugout structures are more conducive to less-sloped terrain with larger watersheds. Producers will be encouraged to use these structures to complement grazing management or other soil loss practices. 

Producers could receive up to a 75% cost share and will be asked to follow an approved 10 year maintenance agreement.

Manure Application Management
Unmanaged dissolved phosphates are the cause of massive algal growth in our waters. One pound of phosphorous will grow five hundred pounds of algae. Continuous application of manure in the same location will result in a nutrient buildup that plants are unable to use, resulting in a run-off problem when it rains. Testing the soil, testing the manure, and planting crops that will take up what is applied to the soil will give maximum yields and protect our water resources The NRCS Nutrient Management Team and the Project are working together to ensure proper nutrient application for more profit and safety. For example, we have a set of portable wheel load scales that can be brought to your site to calibrate your manure distribution system so you know exactly how much you are applying per acre. 

We will work with producers on pilot programs such as methane digesters or liquid manure injection systems for no-till fields. Please stop by or call and the “Team” will come to your operation, at your convenience. 

Animal Nutrient Management Systems
Feedlots deliver large quantities of nitrates and phosphates to our waterways during spring melt and large rain events. As manure decays, bacteria convert usable nitrogen to nitrate, which is easily lost to water. Phosphates entering the water attach to soil particles in the water. Manure must be managed both when applied and when stored. Properly managed manure can be an economical fertilizer source. 

Animal nutrient management systems can be as simple as an application plan. It may include diverting clean water from the feedlot area. It may be a full system storing both solid and liquid manure or a composting facility. It may be all of these plans.

Cost share for construction activities is available, not to exceed 75% of the practice. Producers will follow the operation and maintenance plan set by the Natural Resources Conservation Service to ensure the success of the system

Our technicians can advise which type of management is best for you, and how to maximize your profits with a well-planned management system. This service is available at no cost. 

Streambank Stabilization
We are trying a number of methods to prevent streambanks from collapsing into the waterway. Methods include tree planting, root wads, and hard practices using rip rap methods. This is a relatively new science to this area, and we are looking for demonstration sites to implement these programs on a trial basis.

Most problem areas are in grazing lands along feeder streams and the Big Sioux River. Fencing streambanks will keep livestock from damaging the practice; the project can provide alternate water supplies if necessary.

Cost share for these riparian demonstration projects could be up to 75% depending on landowner involvement.

Alternate Livestock Water
This practice will provide alternate water sources to keep livestock from direct contact with the Big Sioux River and its tributaries. Wells, rural water hook-ups, portable pumps, and pipe are examples of this practice. Some small ponds/dams could be incorporated with these devices.

Cost share for this practice could be up to 75%.

Grassed Waterways
This practice will be applied to sites where gully erosion is evident and recurring. Producers will be encouraged to integrate other conservation measures with the waterway to increase the effectiveness and lifespan of the practice.

Technical assistance will be provided to producers with minor erosion, to allow for minimal cost corrections without construction work.

In areas where severe erosion exists, waterways will be designed, shaped, and seeded at 75% cost share. Producers will be asked to do yearly maintenance to increase the effectiveness and lifespan of the waterways.

Shoreline Stabilization
Shoreline damage from high water and wind events erodes both silt and phosphorous directly into the lakes. Property owners stabilize their shoreline with rock riprap, concrete abutments, or steel revetments. The project cost share will be up to 75%, depending on available funding.