A total of $250,000 in Recovery Act funds is available for conservation projects in watersheds that have experienced a significant decline in both the diversity and density of aquatic life.
Goals include reducing sediment, the No. 1 water pollutant in Tennessee, and fencing out cattle that can erode stream banks and taint streams with manure.
The targeted watersheds include the Elk, Upper Duck and Caney Fork (above Center Hill Dam) rivers, Cypress Creek and Shoal Creek. They cover all or parts of 20 counties, including Franklin, Maury and Williamson.
Farmers in these watersheds can apply for up to 90 percent of the cost of projects such as fencing livestock out of streams, installing alternative livestock watering systems, planting native grasses and stabilizing stream banks.
Farmers must agree to maintain the conservation practice for at least 10 years.
"These funds will go a long way in helping farmers in priority areas restore and protect rivers and streams from runoff and sedimentation that affect water quality," Gov. Phil Bredesen said.
Farmers can apply through their county Soil Conservation District through Jan. 8. Applications will be approved by Feb. 5.
For more information, call the Soil Conservation District in the phone directory under county government or TDA Water Resources administrator John McClur kan at 615-837-5305.
— ANNE PAINE
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