Q10 Update - Seven Successful Projects And Counting!
In January 2023, we launched the Lake Monroe Watershed Conservation Cost-Share Program. This program helps reduce the amount of sediment, nutrients, and fecal contamination reaching streams that feed into Lake Monroe by implementing projects on farmland and forestland in the watershed.
So far we have completed seven projects and have two more projects underway. Our seven completed projects were:
The installation of a heavy use area pad, livestock waterer, and fencing to keep cattle out of North Fork Salt Creek (Brown County)
The conversion of a crop field to a pasture (Monroe County)
The construction of an access road connecting a heavy use area pad to a barn (Brown County)
The installation of cover crops on more than 400 acres of cropland (Brown and Monroe Counties)
The conversion of a pasture to a native pollinator planting (Brown County)
The installation of a water and sediment control basin on hilly cropland along with the creation of nutrient management and pest management plans (Brown County)
The installation of two heavy use area pads, a livestock waterer, and fencing to keep horses out of Clay Lick Creek (Brown County)
Several of these projects focus on controlling areas that are prone to erosion. For livestock, that often involves hardening areas where livestock gather by installing heavy use area pads or access roads. For cropland, that can involve constructing water and sediment control basins on hills or simply planting cover crops in the fall after the main crop is harvested.
Fencing animals out of streams and putting in an alternate water source reduces the amount of fecal matter (manure) that reaches the stream and eliminates streambank erosion caused by trampling. It also provides a healthier and more consistent water source for the animals. (Photo shows horses at CYO Camp Rancho Framasa on a HUAP with their brand new frost-free waterer.)
We currently have $33,340 available for future projects. Please reach out to coordinator Maggie Sullivan at watershed@friendsoflakemonroe.org or 812-558-0217 if you are interested in a free project consultation. Projects must be complete by November 2026.
