This project is to continue the effort in the Pomeroy CD to further reduce erosion from our upland croplands. A large portion of the sediment generated from this erosion reaches our fish bearing streams within the district. Two of these streams have documented Steelhead populations while two others have had populations in the past. Sediment in the streams greatly reduces spawning and rearing habitat. We currently have programs available through CREP and continuous CRP to cover the immediate riparian zone of large portions of these streams. However, the programs available to continue with the adaption of changing crop rotations, reduction of conventional summer fallow programs, and the conversion from conventional tillage to direct seeding have limited programs and very little funding available. The Pomeroy CD has been funding upland conservation practices through cost share programs for several years and has made tremendous strides towards improved upland erosion control. In order to continue and speed the transition from conventional methods of crop production to less soil disturbance methods, funding should be available to continue with this conversion program. This water erosion can occur several times in the growing season. Preparing a seedbed using conventional tillage leaves the soil exposed to the elements. Direct seeding leaves residue from the previous crop on the surface to protect the soil surface from erosion, conserve moisture and build organic matter.
