A seed was planted two years ago when the Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) partnered with the Marshall County SWCD to hold a Cover Crop Field Day for land users. Approximately 100 people attended and viewed cover crop comparisons of winter peas, oilseed radish, annual ryegrass, clover and other covers on a harvested potato crop. Crop specialists pointed out the benefits of applying cover crops. A winter meeting was then held to discuss the benefits of cover crops.
This year the two Districts will again partner for a cover crop field day and follow-up winter meeting. With over 86 percent of Fulton County farm lands planted in harvested cropland*, the SWCD promotes cover crops and no-till to reduce nutrient runoff and sediment in our waterways. Cover crop display boxes also will be on exhibition during county fair week in July.
In addition to the above projects, Clean Water Indiana grants have provided critical funds for capacity building. The SWCD was able to increase part-time office staff hours by five hours per week beginning this year. Staff workload has increased significantly, with additional staff hours providing the time to begin several new projects:
* Fulton SWCD was designated as the administering county for CREP in the 14-county Tippecanoe Watershed;
* A new District Web site has been built and maintained;
* The District received a 2010 Basic Water Monitoring Equipment package from Hoosier Riverwatch. This will be used to conduct water quality monitoring for both youth and adults on Fulton County rivers and streams;
The SWCD's goal is a full-time staff person to increase education and outreach to county residents about soil and water quality concerns. This would increase the visibility of conservation programs available to land users through the District and the Indiana Conservation