Tom Steger, District Conservationist On AM Minnesota

This morning Tom Steger, District Conservationist with the Goodhue County NRCS office, stopped by KDHL studios for today's AM Minnesota program. Tom had sent me an email about a deadline coming up for the EQUIP program asking me to help get the word out. The EQUIP program has turned into a very popular conservation program. For many practices there is some financial assistance available. The deadline for getting an application in is November 20, 2015.

There are a number of practices that qualify, like grass waterways, terraces, sediment basins and others for livestock with manure storage and manure management plans. In addition, the NRCS office can offer technical assistance with the design of the structure. They also know contractors in the area that can actually do the construction or as we call it the "dirt work." If you see erosion issues on your land, or are concerned about protecting water quality, the NRCS conservationists would like to talk with you. They can lay out the options and you pick the ones you want to implement. It is completely up to the land owner on a voluntary basis.