Vanderburgh County SWCD applied for six grants through the Clean Water Indiana program. Two grants were funded; one for marketing the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) which directly relates to the SWCD business plan. SWCD functions are to (1) provide information, (2) identification and prioritization of agricultural and natural resource concerns, and (3) connections between agricultural landowners of Vanderburgh County with the appropriate and available conservation practices, technical assistance and conservation programs such as the Pigeon/Highland CREP. CREP practices will enhance these natural areas, improve wildlife habitat, save soil and agriculturally applied nutrients. Ultimately these practices improve water quality for local populations as well as downstream areas.
