HOULTON, Maine — The Nickerson Lake Sub-watershed, which is located in the Meduxnekeag River Watershed, was one of two priority watersheds in Maine that were selected to participate in the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) the past three years. This initiative was just expanded to include the areas of Craig Brook, Pearce Brook and Smith Brook, an expansion of over 27,000 acres. The new area covers parts of Houlton, Hodgdon, Littleton, Linneus, and New Limerick.
“The Water Quality initiative is a focused approach in addressing significant natural resource challenges,” said Helena Swiatek, NRCS District Conservationist. “This focus allows us to target issues and make real changes in these areas.”
Using funds from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), NRCS provides funding and advice to producers in these areas to install conservation practices such as cover crops and mulching for winter cover, sediment basins, grassed waterways, and stream crossings to protect water quality. The focus is not just on potato ground but also on livestock operations. Those in need of manure management or grazing assistance are also eligible. If selected for funding, the implementation of conservation practices will help promote cleaner water for these farms, their neighbors and the community for years to come.
NRCS is accepting applications for this initiative until March 20.
If you have any questions about how to sign up for the NWQI -EQIP, please contact the Houlton NRCS office at 207-532-2087 x3. For more information about the National Water Quality Initiative, go to www.me.nrcs.usda.gov.
