The conservation of natural resources and the protection of soil and water on private lands are advanced by the Soil and Water Conservation District Initiatives program. Locally-led initiatives prioritize and target sensitive areas by providing funds and resources where they do the most good.
Districts work one-on-one with landowners and operators to deliver conservation programs, increasing Iowa’s participation in both state and federal programs. Identifying critical practices and ways to enhance program alternatives will do more to solve resource problems. Initiative funds are also being used by districts to hire staff to help implement the conservation practices identified in the national Farm Bill.
The Buffer Initiative to accelerate the implementation of the Continuous Sign-up Conservation Reserve Program (CCRP) is an example of the success of this program. With the State of Iowa’s commitment to this program, Iowa leads the nation in buffers protecting our rivers and streams.
