R2015-04 AGREEMENT WITH MACON COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

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Macon County Soil and Water Conservation District October 1, 2014— December 31, 2014 4th Quarter Report on the Lake Decatur Watershed Protection Program Watershed Conservation Cost-Share Projects: The fall construction season seemed to be too wet for any projects to start, while already open sites worked hard to stabilize with the above average rains. On a bright note, cover crops planted in early fall flourished with the rains. Projects completed and paid in the 4th Quarter of FY14 ending 12/31/14: 136 acres of cover crops in Oakley Township One waterway in Monticello Township One waterway in Sangamon Township Projects currently in construction as of today, but for which payment has not been made: One waterway in Friends Creek East Township-construction complete, waiting on bills The following projects have been approved for funding,and are awaiting construction: 1 waterway across three landowners and a block chute in Oakley Township 40 acres strip-till in Oakley Township 1 waterway in Friends Creek East Township 3 waterways in Long Creek East Township 1 stabilization project in Mount Zion West Township 2 streambank stabilization projects in Whitmore Township 1 sediment basin repair in Piatt County 5 waterways in Piatt County Interest in the program remains strong; we have allocated all funds for the remainder of FYI 4, and will begin on FYI 5. With strong coordination, information, and education with the Piatt County SWCD and both NRCS offices,the LDWP is well known by producers in the watershed. Watershed Activities: Conservation Cropping Systems Demo Plots: This fall,the SWCD will begin a 5 year program to showcase two demo plots in Macon County, partnering with local operators to demonstrate the agronomic and economic benefits of a conservation cropping system. Both plots' cover crops came up nicely, and signs show passersby the intent of the plot. Rains delayed the strip till passes until late winter,possibly February. RiverWatch and Garfield Montessori: In October,the SWCD wrapped up a 2 month study of stream health with an after-school group at Garfield Montessori, organized by Macon County Extension's Tech Wizards program. Students learned what contributes to water pollution, how to test for it, and how to prevent it. They collected data for Big Creek, and it has been submitted to the statewide RiverWatch program, which keeps tabs on stream health throughout Illinois. Students plan to continue testing the creek every spring and fall.