Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is investing up to $5 million in the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP). This grant program supports the development of mitigation banks for use by agricultural producers seeking to maintain eligibility for USDA programs. Funds are available to Tribes, state and local government entities, nonprofits and other organizations. “Our goal is to …
New Water Conservation System Practice Approved in Florida
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has approved a new conservation practice. It is a Water Conservation System commonly known as an Evaporative Cooling Pad that will help reduce water and energy while improving plant productivity. This conservation practice is available for Florida nursery operations and existing greenhouses, and can also be used for cooling livestock and poultry facilities. …
Financial, Technical Assistance Helps Private Landowners in St. Marks and Aucilla River Watersheds
Florida private landowners in the St. Marks and Aucilla River watersheds can apply until September 2 for financial and technical assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) for fiscal year 2023 funding. The assistance will help landowners in portions of Leon, Jefferson, Wakulla, Madison, and Taylor counties conduct prescribed burns, remove invasive plants, plant longleaf pine trees, and …
Florida Attorney/Farmer Shares Thoughts on WOTUS
We continue our series on the Southeast Region WOTUS Roundtable, which was hosted by the North Carolina Farm Bureau. Kate English, who is a farmer and an attorney who is also a part of the Florida Farm Bureau, was one of the speakers. She said states like Florida already have similar water regulations. “In many instances, Clean Water Act regulations …
Discussion on Water Regulations at Southeast WOTUS Roundtable
We continue our coverage of the Southeast Region Waters of the U. S. (WOTUS) roundtable, which was coordinated by the North Carolina Farm Bureau with the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers. Farmers and other representatives from several southeast states took part. Pete Hunter is a 50-year farmer from Mississippi and was asked to participate on behalf of the Mississippi …
Southeast WOTUS Roundtable 1
Roundtables continue on the topic of the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. In June of last year, the EPA and ACE announced their intention to rewrite the rule. It is a concern for farmers, ranchers, and agriculture groups around the nation. The government agencies agreed to allow ten regional roundtable discussions with …
Cattle, Water Industry Reps Gives Insights During First WOTUS Roundtable
WOTUS is in the spotlight once again. Cattle producers representing several states voiced their concerns with the Environmental Protection Agency’s and Army Corps of Engineers’ ongoing Waters of the U.S. rulemaking attempt at a roundtable organized by the Kansas Livestock Association. “Very important to our members are clarity with jurisdictional rules. We supported the navigable waters protection rule in particular …
Senate Committee Passes WRDA 2022
Last week, the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously passed its Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA 2022). WRDA provides improvements for the nation’s ports, inland waterways, locks, dams, flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and other water resources infrastructure. It’s good news for farmers who transport their crops through the infrastructure system and will allow them to remain competitive …
‘Clean and Healthy Waters’ Initiative Proposed?
(NSF/Tallahassee/April 25, 2022) — A political committee has filed a proposed constitutional amendment that would create a “fundamental right to clean and healthy waters” and allow lawsuits against state agencies for harm or threatened harm to lakes, rivers, wetlands and other types of water bodies. The committee FloridaRighttoCleanWater.org has proposed the initiative for the 2024 ballot, according to newly posted information …
Investments in Watershed Improvement Projects
On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an investment in projects designed to improve rural watersheds and the infrastructure necessary in their management. Rod Bain has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …